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“You had a visitation clause in your agreement. Tell your lawyer she can visit the baby without the husband. See if that will float.”
“Okay, that’s a great idea. I’m not sure about having her here though. Meeting at the lawyer’s office is a better idea.”
“Excellent!”
So that was the plan. Randy ignored the information about Ashlie wanting her parental rights reinstated, but told her attorney that Adam was comfortable meeting at Randy’s office so Ashlie could see the baby. Terry wasn’t welcome.
The answer: they were in the Caribbean would be in touch. On the phone with Ashlie’s attorney, Randy had made the call to offer the visitation.
“It was premature to send a custody letter when your client isn’t even in the country.”
“She wanted me to get things moving by the time they got back. The letter was a courtesy, Randall. To your client.”
“Good luck with that,” Randy said, snickering. “When she’s divorced from her source of duress, we’ll discuss it. File all the motions you want but it ain’t happening.”
“I’ll talk to her about the visit and get in touch later today. Is that satisfactory?”
“We’ll take it under consideration.”
The following Thursday, Ashlie would see her baby for the first time since Adelaide’s birth. Adam and the baby were already inside a consulting room of Randy’s office in Saint John’s Parish when Ashlie arrived with her lawyer, but without Terry.
“For your information, I’m recording our visit,” Randy said.
“Why is that necessary?” Ashlie asked.
“In case we say anything that we’ll need to clarify our agreements, that’s all,” Randy explained.
“It’s common practice,” her attorney said.
“Can I see her?” Ashlie asked, taking a step closer to Adam.
He’d taken extra time dressing her that morning in a sweet little pink tutu with a long-sleeved onesie. She looked just like a ballerina. But Ashlie wasn’t impressed.
“She doesn’t even look like the same baby,” Ashlie cried, startling Adelaide. “Adam and I have pointed noses. Her nose is like a pig nose.”
“Adelaide has a baby nose. I assure you; this is the baby you gave birth to,” Adam replied, appalled. “What did you expect?”
“Newborns change quickly,” her attorney, Jack Armstrong, said.
“Are you an expert on babies now?” Ashlie asked, clearly upset. “I missed out on her first month.”
She broke down, sobbing, complaining in a loud voice. It was heartbreaking, and Adam could feel himself getting sucked in just as Randy placed a hand on his arm and whispered, “This is bullshit.”
No one replied. She’d brought it on herself and now was remorseful.
“I don’t want to miss out on any more.”
“You can see her weekly,” Adam said.
“I want custody! Visitation isn’t enough.”
Stamping her foot, Ashlie would not be placated. Jack looked around the room, embarrassed for his client.
“Um, we have to go through a process for that, Ashlie, I’ve already explained everything to you.” He put his arm around her, trying to steer her toward the door. “Mr. Spencer, thank you so much for your cooperation in this matter.”
“I want to hold her,” Ashlie cried, yanking away from him.
“You’re not holding her when you’re acting crazy, Ashlie,” Adam said. “Pull yourself together and we’ll talk about another visit.”
