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“But what about Robin’s father? Where is he? Who is he?”
Shame burns through me at the last question. I don’t know who Robin’s father is. And I should. But no matter how much I begged and cajoled Amy, she wouldn’t reveal any information about her baby daddy.
When I joked she must have had a sperm donor, Amy made it clear Robin has a father. I know nothing else about the man.
“The baby’s father was not named on the birth certificate but I have this.” Mr. Craven slides a letter across the table toward me.
I gasp when I notice the letter is addressed to me in Amy’s handwriting. Did Amy know she was dying? Why else would she write me a letter? I shove the letter into my purse. I’ll read it when I’m alone.
“What happens now?”
“What do you mean?”
“About Robin? Do I have to prove I’m a fit guardian? Do I need to file paperwork? How does this work?”
“Your guardianship is contingent on you being declared a fit parent. As a woman with a good job and no criminal record, I don’t foresee any problems, but Ms. Cross will be conducting a few visits to make certain we cross all our t’s and dot all our i’s.”
I open my mouth to ask him how he knows I’m not a criminal but snap it closed again when I realize he must have researched me before Ms. Cross delivered Robin to me.
“There are a few other administration matters to discuss,” Mr. Craven says. “Regarding Amy’s estate and the provisions she made for Robin.”
Fifteen minutes later I exit the law firm to find Elder waiting for me on the sidewalk. He smiles as he strolls toward me but when he’s nearly upon me, his smile dies.
“What’s wrong? What happened?” Elder growls. “Who do I have to kill?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve been crying,” he says and reaches forward to cradle my face with his free hand.
I lean into his comfort. I shouldn’t. I can’t have a relationship with Elder. No matter how much I want him. But at this moment, the moment when I’ve just discovered my cousin is gone forever, I’m going to accept the comfort he’s offering.
I close my eyes and enjoy his warmth for a few seconds before inhaling a deep breath and stepping back. He frowns at me but I ignore him. I don’t have the mental bandwidth to deal with his feelings at the moment.
I hold out my hands. “Give me Robin.”
He kisses Robin on the nose before placing the baby in my hands. I cuddle her close.
“It’s you and me from now on, baby girl,” I murmur to her.
“And me,” Elder adds.
“Someone doesn’t know how to take no for an answer. Don’t worry, Robin. I’ll teach you everything you need to know about men and their sly ways.”
“You’re going to be a wonderful mother.”
I look down at the baby in his arms. I hope so. I hope she isn’t affected by my bad luck. Because this baby girl is mine to protect. And I will protect her at all costs.
Chapter 7
It’s not rude to arrive uninvited if we bring food. ~ Text from Ashlyn to Harmony
“We’re here,” Ashlyn announces as she barges into my house.
The dogs scramble to the front door. I chase after them. “Black Ops, Pup Tart, Little Bow Wow. We pretend Ashlyn is our friend. Don’t attack her.”
I hold my dogs back as they snarl at Ashlyn. She’s not alone. My other friends, Moon, Eden, and Soleil are with her.
“I’m the best friend you can want in the world,” Ashlyn says as she rocks her baby in her arms.
