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Miranda looked at Henry and raised her eyebrows “Now you understand why I came to you.”
“You forget that I’ve known Lizzie all her life,” Henry said gently. “I have nothing but admiration for her, and how well she’s brought up her son.”
“Oh.” Miranda picked up her purse. “Perhaps you’ll let me know how to obtain a DNA sample and we can talk again.” She stood and offered them both a brusque nod and a brittle smile. “Thank you for your time.”
After the door shut behind Miranda, Henry let out a whistle.
“She’s not very fond of you, is she?”
“Nope, which is why I’m suspicious about her interest in my son,” Lizzie agreed.
“You’d be surprised how many grandparents want to have a part of their grandchildren’s lives even if they don’t like the parents.” Henry sat back and regarded Lizzie thoughtfully. “Getting older and realizing they’re missing out on the next generation can have quite an effect.”
Lizzie sighed. “I’m trying to think about what’s best for Roman here, but it’s hard when they were so awful to me when I found out I was pregnant.”
“I understand,” Henry nodded. “You’re one hundred percent certain that Ray Smith is the father of your son?”
“Yes.” Lizzie met his gaze head-on. “But I’ll do the DNA test anyway.”
“Good for you.” Henry wrote something on his notepad. “I think Dr. Tio can take care of that for you down at the clinic.” He winked at her. “I’ll put the charge on Mrs. Smith’s bill.”
Lizzie managed a smile and stood up. “I’d better get back to work. Thank you, Henry.”
“Now, if you need any legal advice, you come and see me whenever you like, my dear,” Henry said. “At no charge.”
“That’s really kind of you,” Lizzie said.
He frowned. “I don’t think she’s the type to give up easily. I’m expecting to hear from her again. I’ll keep you informed, so don’t you worry about that, either.”
She went around the desk and kissed the top of his head. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Now off you go, and give my regards to Ms. Yvonne.”
Lizzie left the office and walked slowly back to work. The sun was a bright ball in the clear blue sky and beamed relentlessly down on her uncovered head. She paused at the back of the café and found some shade so that she could text Adam.
He didn’t immediately reply, and she went back inside enjoying both the air-conditioning and the smell of roasting coffee. She helped herself to a sandwich from the industrial-size refrigerator and sat at the table to eat while the last fifteen minutes of her lunch hour ticked down. For once she was completely alone in the large kitchen.
She’d pop into the clinic and get the test done on Roman after she picked him up from Gabby’s. It was a relatively simple thing to do, and didn’t involve taking blood, which would freak Roman out. All Dr. Tio would need to do was take a swab from the inside of Roman’s cheek.
Her cell buzzed with a reply from Adam.
Do you need me to come over this evening?
She smiled foolishly at her phone as she typed her reply.
No, I’m okay. I’m taking Ro to get a DNA test.
Her phone rang and she transferred it from the table to her ear.
“What?”
Adam’s voice sounded even growlier on the phone. “Who wants his DNA?”
“Miranda. She apparently wants to be a grandmother now.”
There was a long silence confirming Lizzie’s suspicions that the phone probably wasn’t Adam’s best method of communication.
“Are you okay about this?” he finally asked
“I think so. At least they won’t be able to sling that ‘Roman’s not Ray’s son because you slept around’ crap at me anymore.”
“Hmmph.” She waited again for him to form a new sentence. “Once they’ve proved Ray is the father what happens next?”
“As I said, I don’t know yet,” Lizzie reminded him. “I assume Miranda will want to visit with Roman or something.”
