“We’re not doing nothing. Kendall and Dan are all over it. We have to trust them to help us get the outcome we want.”
“The court will give him custody.”
“Maybe not. We know nothing about his background. For all we know, he’s got a criminal record or he’s a drug addict or any number of things that could prevent him from getting custody. Maybe he has other kids he’s not taking care of. Anything is possible.”
“I can’t stand the not knowing. It’s going to break me.”
“I won’t let it. I’ve spoken with Kendall, and she assured me we’ll have more information today. We just have to keep the faith.”
“That’s getting harder to do.”
Jared’s phone rang, startling them.
Lizzie’s heart couldn’t handle the jolt of fear that accompanied every phone call since they’d first heard about Violet’s father.
“It’s Kendall. Hey, you’re on speaker with both of us.”
“I’ve just got off the phone with the attorney for Violet’s biological father. His name is Brooks Ward, and he’s in medical school at Yale. He dated Jessie for a few weeks last summer and had no idea she was pregnant until he ran into a mutual friend who told him about the baby.”
Lizzie’s heart was pounding so hard, she wondered if Jared could hear it. “Wh-what does he want?”
“He wants to meet her.”
The floor dropped out from under her.
“Is he going to contest the adoption?” Jared asked.
“The attorney said he’s not sure what his intentions are beyond meeting his daughter.”
“Does he understand the nightmare this is for us?”
“That’s been conveyed to him, and he’s sorry about that, but he still wants to meet her.”
“When?”
“As soon as possible.”
“Let’s do it this weekend and get it over with. Lizzie and I can’t live in this unbearable purgatory indefinitely.”
“I suggested this weekend and asked if he could get to the island. The attorney will get back to me as soon as he hears from him.”
“What’s your gut saying, Kendall?”
“I think it’s good news that he’s in medical school and has no time to care for a young child. That said, he probably has parents who could, so I don’t know what to think. We have to take this one step at a time, as excruciating as it is.”
“It’s the most unbearable thing either of us has ever been through.”
Jared’s tears gutted Lizzie. He was always so strong, and to see him break down was heart-wrenching.
She took his hand and rested her head on his shoulder while Violet played on the floor, oblivious to the drama swirling around her.
“I know,” Kendall said, “and I’m working as hard as I can to get you some resolution. But we have to play this out, as hard as it is. He wants to see her, and we have to let him. I’ll be back to you as soon as I hear anything more.”
“Thanks, K.”
“Hang in there. Love you guys.”
“Love you, too.”
