A Daughter's Trust

“Have you been out?” he asked when he realized they were in the parking lot of his office, and he couldn’t just climb into the back of the van with her.

She hadn’t said anything about having an appointment when they’d talked the night before.

She nodded, and indicated the back seat of the van. “We met my cousin in town, yes. I didn’t hear your calls come through, and just got your message. They were asleep, so rather than going straight home and waking them, I thought I’d take a chance and stop by. What’s up?”

Rick stepped closer for a better look inside. Specifically, at the car seats in the back—and the babies sleeping there. “There are only two of them. You had three.”

“William’s gone.”

He stopped. “Gone?”

“His mother signed away her rights. A family had already been approved for him.” He waited for her voice to crack. For her to tear up. Sue just stood there.

He’d known, of course, that Sue’s babies came and went.

He’d just never followed through on the thought. Never considered that each time a child was placed, Sue had to lose a car seat.

And a piece of her heart? Because her lack of obvious emotion didn’t fool him at all. Not anymore. Sue took her hurts to private places.

“I’m supposed to be getting a set of twins tomorrow, or the next day,” she blurted with a cheer that seemed forced. “They’re six months old, born with addiction.”

She sounded ready to take on the world. And save two more children. What an incredibly special woman she was.

“My request for a stay was granted.” He was almost sorry to tell her his news now, because to her it would mean losing another child. One she’d had a long time. “I’m in the running to adopt Carrie.”

Sue just stood there with a blank look on her face.

“Say something.”

“I…well…”

“I promise you, this is the best thing for her,” he said, glancing toward the sleeping infants. In a matter of days he was going to have the right to visit one of them. To hold her and feed her and begin the process of becoming her father. “The system you believe in might work for most people, but it doesn’t work where my mother is concerned. I spoke to Sonia today.” Carrie’s social worker. “She tells me that in the state of California, there’s a fairly large percentage of adoptions by singles. Male and f

emale.”

“Generally, single male adoptions involve adolescent male children.” Sue’s tone was bland. Like a professor giving a lecture.

“I’m sorry, Sue.”

“Sorry for what?” Hands clasped in front of her now, she looked up at him. Hard to believe this was the same woman who’d kissed him so passionately just moments before.

“You’re disappointed. You don’t think Carrie belongs with me.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Not in so many words.”

“I just want her to be happy. If you’re the best choice for her, then I’m good with that.”

“But you don’t think I am.”

“I haven’t met your mother yet, Rick. But Sonia says she’s a lovely, caring woman. A changed woman. And if, when I meet her, I think she’s the best choice for Carrie, I’m going to tell the committee so.”

“Understood.”

He’d just have to do what he could to make sure, before that, Sue knew all sides of his mother. Not just the one that brought the house down every time.

He brushed her hair away from her cheek, leaving his hand along her jaw, and stared for a moment at his skin touching hers. “You’re honest with me. I’m being honest with you. Let’s see where it leads us, okay?”