Lorie nodded. “We won’t go anywhere.”
Bridget walked down the hallway toward the exit. “I’m on my way.”
“He’s in the army, a couple years from retiring. Seems like a good guy. Didn’t know he had a daughter, so never signed termination of rights.”
“That’s the only reason I’ll let him near her.” Bridget pinched the bridge of her nose. “I know that sounds crazy since I would have let Dani near her.” She hip-checked the button to open the doors. “All right, I’m here.” She looked around and spotted Todd, then ended the call.
A man stood, posture rigid, then he stuck out his hand. “Ma’am. I’m Lance Smith.”
“Bridget Ellis.”
“I hear I have a daughter who needs me.”
“You might. We’ll need to do some tests to confirm.”
“I had the JAG file an emergency guardianship on my behalf since it sounds like she needs the protection of a father pending whatever proof needs to be established.” He said the words with unyielding sincerity.
She didn’t want to like him, yet she sensed honor in the man. “Then the judge can decide. We will need to establish paternity beyond a suspicion, so that means DNA tests.” As she said the words, she hid a wince at the difference in how she treated him and Dani, but she’d hoped the paperwork would show Dani was Eliza’s mother. She knew Dani. Trusted her and Caleb to help Eliza through this tragedy and ultimately love her well. Here she didn’t have anything but someone else’s supposition.
“Can I meet her?” His gaze was clear and sincere.
“She’s been through a lot the last two weeks, but I can let you look in on her. She has a friend in the room with her so the room is full.”
His jaw tightened, then his lips formed a small smile. “That’s fine. I understand you don’t know me from anyone. It’s good to be cautious.”
“Then follow me.”
They formed a small group as they walked back through the hall to the room. Bridget opened the door, but Lance honored his word and stood in the door. Eliza glanced up from her huddled conversation with Anna.
Her eyes widened as she took in the new people. When her gaze landed on Lance, she frowned then blinked. “Uncle Lance, what are you doing here? Mom and Dad started telling me about you a few months ago. They said you were overseas and couldn’t come visit.”
He swallowed hard. “They told you about me?”
She started to nod but quickly stopped. “Yes. They told me you loved me a lot but got lost for a while. Then an important job kept you away. That maybe someday you’d get to visit.” She frowned. “The last couple of months, they talked about me maybe visiting you.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Are you here now because of what happened to them?”
“Yes.” He took one step, then stopped. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come sooner.”
“I wanted to find you but didn’t know where to go. Just that you were in Kansas. It’s a pretty big state though.”
Todd nudged Bridget, and when she looked at him, he raised an eyebrow.
She rolled her eyes. Then blinked hard to keep a few rogue tears at bay.
Maybe the Brandenbergs had laid the groundwork.
She’d never know for sure, because it sounded like they hadn’t said anything until their lives were falling apart and they were already in witness protection. Had they started looking for a way to keep Eliza safe if things got worse? Had their investigation led them to her biological father? They’d probably never know.
The courts would still have to decide what was in Eliza’s best interests, but even from the grave, the Brandenbergs were helping to protect and care for their daughter.
She would be okay.
Bridget leaned into Todd’s side, relieved to know that together they had kept her safe and protected.
EPILOGUE
Four months later
Bridget waited impatiently for her turn to walk through the metal detector. Then she hurried up the stairs and into the right court.
