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“Avoidance was as close to bliss as I could get the first five years of Gabriel's life, but I need this resolved for the sake of our son.” Maybe I hadn't handled the situation in the best way, but I'd done the best I could.
“We're almost there, Holly. This close.” He held his thumb and forefinger a millimeter apart. “There is no scenario where we don't walk away with Gabriel.”
I believed him, though part of me felt the need to brace myself for the worst. But more than that, I knew Carlos would go to any length in order to keep that from happening.
“Mr. and Mrs. Santiago, thank you for waiting.”
A man in an expensive-looking suit approached. The guy looked like a lawyer, and he sounded like one, but was he sharp enough to get me my son? I couldn't tell.
Carlos stood, and suddenly, I wasn't sure what I should call him. Clearly, he'd given this man his new identity. “Kane, I told you to call me Marcos.”
Wow. Carlos could schmooze when he needed to. This was a side of him I hadn't seen.
“Very well, Marcos.”
“And this is Holly.” Carlos motioned to me.
“Kane Zegas.” He tucked a folder under his arm and shook my hand. “Why don't we step into the conference room?”
The three of us settled in dark leather chairs around a polished cherry table. “We weren't certain what actions Mr. Carter might take, but in this case, it wasn't the fight we were anticipating,” Zegas said, opening the folder and sliding a document across the table.
“What do you mean?” I asked, barely glancing at it. I was already confused, and we hadn't even gotten to the legal jargon portion yet.
“Mr. Carter arranged his own paternity test, the results documented by a licensed physician with whom I've already been in contact. They are admissible in court and will be satisfactory in the proceedings.”
“Court?” My mouth went dry. I thought he said Drew wasn't going to fight. Now we were headed to court? I sank a little in my seat.
Zegas gave me a sympathetic smile. “We won’t have to appear before a jury, but a judge will have to sign off on this. That's all I meant.” I nodded, and he continued, “While Mr. Carter never initially signed an acceptance of paternity, it’s better that we’ve covered our asses. Pardon my French,” he said diplomatically. “Mr. Carter has signed over all his parental rights to you, Mrs. Santiago. He has requested the information pertaining to this matter be kept confidential, which is fair, all things considered. All you have to do is sign in a few places, and I'll push the filing through. I hope by the end of the week, your son will be all yours. Once that happens, we'll file the adoption on Marcos's behalf. I don't see any reason this shouldn't be settled within a few weeks.”
I stared, lips parted, as if everything he'd told me was in a language I'd never heard. Carlos squeezed my thigh. I blinked at him in disbelief. “You mean all I have to do is sign some paperwork, and Drew will have no say over Gabriel?”
“That is correct.”
“Do you have a pen?” I held out my hand, and Mr. Zegas and Carlos chuckled. Within minutes, it was done. The only thing left was for it to be filed with the court. And it was sealed, no chance of anyone ever finding out the truth.
Mr. Zegas walked us out. “I'll let you know as soon as I hear something, then we'll meet to proceed with the adoption. I'll have the papers drawn up so we'll be ready to go once you've been declared sole legal guardian.”
“Thank you,” I said, grateful for this man's efficiency. He and Carlos shook hands, and I nearly skipped to the car, feeling so much lighter than when we'd arrived. Drew was handing Gabriel over free and clear. He couldn't threaten me or my son ever again.
“I can't believe it,” I said once we were in the SUV. I beamed at Carlos.
“That was the last outcome I expected,” he confessed, shaking his head. “There's someone we need to call.”
Carlos dialed, putting the call on speakerphone. “How did it go?”
I recognized Daniel's voice. He didn't bother with small talk, always getting straight to the matter at hand.
“Who do we have to thank? You or Donato?” Carlos asked.
“So Carter saw things your way?”
“Yes. Without issue.”
“Good.”
“Thank you, Daniel,” I said quietly. “I can't tell you what this means to me. To us.”
“I'm glad to have him out of your lives permanently. He's bad news,” Daniel said gravely.
