However, Galen knew it wouldn’t happen very soon, and he also understood that dwelling on things that would only occur in the distant future wouldn’t help him, so he made an effort to focus on the present. For example, the next day, which was Sunday, church day, the boy grinned at another recent memory.
The day after his arrival, when his aunt cautiously suggested going to church, Galen didn’t object. However, he stubbornly refused to continue attending the Evangelical church his relatives loved and instead asked to join the Catholic congregation, which nearly sent Jenna into a breakdown.
However, they had no choice, so on the first Sunday after he was reunited with the family who didn’t really want him there, Galen began attending the Catholic church in the neighboring town. He loved everything about it: the old, wise, kind priest, the parishioners, the reverence in the music, and the church itself.
Although he was new, when the community learned of his complicated family situation, they offered Galen all the compassion, understanding, and support he needed. Even after the kid told him his father was openly gay, the members of the Catholic congregation didn’t reject him. On the contrary, they prayed for his reunion with his family sooner rather than later.
The Catholic community from the neighboring town restored Galen’s trust in humanity and helped him regain his faith in God and Jesus Christ, which had been shattered by the Evangelicals’ hatred and intolerance. Above all, they helped him keep hope alive, and he was sure the day he would be reunited with his father was just around the corner.
***********
“What do you mean there’s a problem with the custody battle?” Ottavio felt like he was running out of air and could barely get the words out. “Didn’t you tell me this Paul Rivers guy was the best family law attorney money could buy? That he would do everything in his power to win the case?”
“Yes, I did,” Baldassare answered immediately, his voice calm. “I also said he has never lost a case, doesn’t like to lose, and that yours would be the first he’d lose, but that won’t happen.” He inhaled sharply. “Sorry, cugino, it was a very unfortunate choice of words.”
Ottavio let out a loud sigh of relief. “This means everything is going as planned, right? For the love of all that’s sacred, don’t scare me like that, cugino.”
“Well, let’s see.” Baldassare cleared his throat. “Paul filed a complaint against the first social worker, the one who dropped Gale off here, for failing to check the conditions of your son’s living situation in that house, and now CPS is investigating her.”
“That’s a good thing,” Ottavio nodded in approval. “Had she done her job properly, they wouldn’t have been allowed to file for custody, and this lawsuit would never have happened.”
“I agree, and so did Paul, who also requested that the judge who granted them temporary custody be suspended and investigated.” Baldassare discreetly coughed. “I might have contributed a little to that as well."
“Mille grazie, cugino,” Ottavio said with a grateful smile. “I promise to return the favor when the time comes. Anything, anytime. You know, a Sforza always keeps their promise.”
“Um…” Baldassare anxiously licks his lips. “This is the good part. There’s a bad one, too, the obstacles I mentioned when youpanicked. Before we go further, do you promise not to freak out again? It wouldn’t do any good for you, me, or anyone else.”
“I…I promise,” Ottavio stuttered, burying his face in both hands. “I’ll listen to everything you have to say and speak only afterward or when you ask me to.”
“You are Galen’s biological father and have proven in many ways that you are a loving, responsible parent who can afford to provide his son with the best in everything, from food and clothing to medical care and education. Also, your collaboration with CPS is excellent, as shown in their inspection reports.” Baldassare ran a hand over his face. “However, you and Ives are gay, and you know very well the direction this country has taken lately.”
“Whoa, wait a minute!” Ottavio raised his hands in surrender. “Are you implying we might lose the custody battle over such a minor detail? That a judge might consider a couple’s or an individual's sexual preferences more important than the child’s best interests?”
“I’m just warning you that it might be possible.” Baldassare let out another long sigh. “You have no idea how easily the phrase good Christian family opens doors these days. Any doors. It’s really frightening to think about all the abuses committed in the name of family and tradition.” He inhaled sharply. “The chances of us running into another asshole, bigoted judge are slim, but this battle could last longer than usual because of... what I just told you.”
“Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate it.” Ottavio looked at his cousin, who was smiling mysteriously. “Wait a minute. You have a solution to the problem you just brought to my attention; otherwise, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. There’s an easy way out, right?”
Baldassare slowly shook his head. “You read me so damn well! Sorry for making you panic so much earlier. It wasn’t myintention. Yes, there is an easy way out, a shortcut, actually, and I’m here to talk to you about it, although I don’t think you’re going to like it very much.”
CHAPTER 13
“Let me be the judge of that,” Ottavio calmly replied. “Please, start talking. I’m all ears.” He relaxed into the big leather armchair.
“I don’t know how much you remember from the report Elyan sent you about Galen’s relatives the day your son came to live with you, but it mentioned the Dixon fella having a meat-packing factory.”
“Yeah,” Ottavio nodded. “I remember. One that could be extremely profitable, but it’s not because he obstinately refuses to invest in new equipment and an advertising campaign to make its name known. What about it?”
“Did you think about expanding the family’s food-processing business by investing in it?” Baldassare winked suggestively. "Now is the perfect time to do that if you get me.”
Ottavio gave his cousin an incredulous look. “Do…do you want me to fill the pockets of those who lied to my son for eight years, saying I don’t want him in my life, abandoned him, and then filed for his permanent, full custody?”
“No. I want you to think of this as a great investment opportunity and make an offer they can’t refuse. How about… four million dollars?” Baldassare looked into the other man’s eyes. “Of course, they would have to drop the lawsuit.”
Ottavio paused for a few seconds. “Let’s say they agree, the deal is done, and all the paperwork is signed. What makes you think they would follow through on their end and not use that money — my money — to harm my son by filing for custody again?”
“What makes you think they’ll enjoy that money?” Baldassare shrugged, a mysterious smile returning to his lips. “With all the hackers breaking into banks’ security systems anddraining people’s accounts, you never know what tomorrow may bring. Those tech wizards don’t care whether the people they rob come from good, Christian families.”
“You are quite something, you know?” Ottavio chuckled. “You really think everything through, but what if they decide to hide the money in a safe at home instead of leaving it in a bank? That’s more their style.”
