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I practically leaped up off the floor in Gabriel's room where we were building a Lego farm when the phone rang. Holly gave me a quizzical look.
I nodded to indicate not to worry before I moved to the living room for privacy. Rivulets of rain ran down the windows in haphazard patterns, distorting the world outside.
“Turns out Drew's hands are as dirty as they come. There's a laundry list of sins, but the one that will get you what you want is his relationship with the good senator from Texas, Tad Julien. They weren't so careful with the money, and there are piles of it between them, which is a big no-no when legislation is pushed through that benefits Drew. The senator is more than willing to turn the tables to save his own ass. If Drew doesn't see things your way, we'll apply pressure.”
“It goes without saying, but I'd appreciate your discretion in this matter.”
“Of course.” There was a slight pause. “We don't know what Drew will do. He's unpredictable. I'll be on standby tomorrow, ready to pull the trigger if necessary.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you pushing the marriage license through so quickly too. I should’ve already said that. My debt keeps piling up.” He’d gotten the normal waiting period expedited. As in, we hadn’t had to wait.
“As I've said, you owe me nothing. Muriella's happiness at having you back is more than enough.”
I rested my head against the cool glass, collecting myself after we ended the call. So much was riding on this. “Fuck,” I muttered, beating my palm against the window.
“Carlos? What's the matter?”
I drew in a deep breath and released it before turning to face Holly. What Drew wanted was irrelevant. Everyone deserved another chance, but Drew Carter wouldn't be getting it from me. He'd squandered his chance to be a father to Gabriel. What was best for Holly and Gabriel was all that was important. Now wasn't the time for me to be growing a conscience because I sympathized with a man who had proved time and again he was no good.
“We've got good news. If he doesn't sign the papers, we can force his hand.”
“And it will be over?” She was tentative, skeptical, like it was too good to be true.
“As far as he's concerned, it will be. For us, it will be the beginning.” I opened my arms, and she came into them without hesitation. I felt other arms around us. I released Holly to pick up Gabriel, big as he was, and hugged her tight again. We settled on the couch, Holly snuggled against me, Gabriel in my lap. We were somber, the fear this could be our last night together creeping back.
“I want you for my daddy,” he said. My brows shot up at the exact moment Holly’s did.
“I'm glad to hear that because I am. Nothing is ever going to change that.”
“Is someone trying to take me away? That bad man we saw after the Empire State Building?” he asked.
I held him tighter, my throat constricting. “You never have to worry about him again. I want you to forget you ever saw him, okay?” Gabriel nodded against my chest. I tipped his chin up so I could see his eyes. “And no one will ever take you away from Mommy and me. Ever.”
“Baby, why are you worried about that?” Holly asked.
He blinked and shrugged. “I feel it in here.” He pointed at his heart, and I marveled at him. I hoped he'd always be open with us.
Gabriel clung to both of us until he finally fell asleep. I carried him to his room, but no sooner had I'd settled him on his bed than he asked if he could sleep with us. We caved. Holly crawled in beside him, and I held up my phone and Drew's business card, indicating I was going to message him. We'd do the paternity test in the morning and get the rest settled in the afternoon.
After I sent the time and address, I impatiently waited for a reply.
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Holly
Carlosand I dropped Gabriel off at school, then went straight toward the attorney's office. I couldn't eat that morning, let alone drink any coffee, certain at any second I would vomit. Carlos had offered to handle it all, not because he believed I wasn't capable, but because he loved me so much, he didn't want me to have to do anything painful. But I needed to do this, and if I wasn't there, I'd be climbing the walls, desperate to know what was going on.
“Stand By Me” by Ki: Theory played in the background, and I was grateful for his song choice. I reached for his hand. I needed the contact, and I was unashamed to take what I wanted. Carlos had taught me over the past few weeks it was okay to lean on someone and still be strong. That had been somewhat of a struggle, but now that I'd let go, I found everything was easier. I was so grateful to him. If he hadn't come into our lives, today wouldn't be a possibility. I'd have never had a chance to corner Drew into giving me full custody of Gabriel. Now there would be some resolution.
We didn't talk, not on the car ride or in the elevator, or even in the attorney's reception area. My anxiety heightened as the time came for the appointment, and there was no sign of Drew. What did it mean if he didn't show up?
A man arrived, carrying an envelope and a clipboard, and the secretary signed to accept the package. She took it back to the attorney's office, returning a moment later.
“Mr. Zegas will be with you in a few minutes,” she said with a smile.
I was growing impatient, my irritation causing me to question Carlos's judgment at selecting this man as our legal counsel. If he couldn't keep an appointment, had no consideration for our time . . . I let out a little growl, tapping my foot rapidly on the carpet.
“Beauty”—Carlos reached through my sour mood, though it wasn't enough to dampen it—“just because he's not here doesn't mean this is over.” He, meaning Drew. But Carlos couldn't know that for sure. This wouldn't be done until Drew relinquished his rights as a parent, and he couldn't do that until paternity was determined.
