The Secret Heir

“Oh, that’s comforting.”

“But true,” Camilla said pragmatically. And then she changed the subject. “I haven’t seen the rest of your family this afternoon. I hope they’re getting some rest.”

“My husband had to work today. My mother-in-law had some other things to do.” Donna hadn’t told Laurel what she would be doing, and Laurel hadn’t asked, but she suspected whatever it was had something to do with Donna’s recent odd behavior.

“Your in-laws seem nice. Your mother-in-law always makes a point to tell us how satisfied she is with Tyler’s care.” Camilla wrinkled her short nose. “My own mother-in-law would be criticizing and nitpicking every little thing. That woman is impossible to please, especially when it comes to me.”

“You don’t get along?” Laurel asked tentatively.

“Oh, well, you know, most married couples face in-law problems at one time or another. It’s inevitable, since no two families are exactly alike. It’s hard to merge two different backgrounds—different ways of handling money, different religious beliefs and holiday customs, that sort of thing. But out biggest problem is that my mother-in-law never thought I was good enough for her beloved son. She’s still telling people our marriage won’t last, even thought we just celebrated our twenty-fifth anniversary. And she never approved of the way I raised my two kids. But they’ve turned out to be happy and productive young adults, so I guess I didn’t do too bad a job—not that the old bat would ever admit it.”

“Did you work while your children were young?” Laurel couldn’t resist asking.

“The whole time. My husband and I tried to arrange our schedules so at least one of us was always available for ball games and concerts and teacher conferences, but there were times when work interfered, of course. Our kids had to learn that sometimes we had to take care of our other responsibilities. I think it made them less self-centered, actually. Some kids I see here think the whole world revolves around their pleasure because their folks have spoiled them rotten. And on the other side of the spectrum, others are either abused or neglected by their caretakers. It’s just amazing most people survive childhood relatively sane, isn’t it?”

Laurel thought of her own basically rudderless upbringing. “I think you’re right.”

Camilla glanced at Tyler. “Your little boy sure hasn’t caused us any trouble. He’s so well-behaved. He’s lucky to have a loving family around him.”

Laurel told herself she would remember those words whenever she became too frustrated with Donna. There was no question that it was good for Tyler to have his extended family nearby. Tyler’s needs came first, she vowed. If there were some needs of her own that weren’t being entirely fulfilled… Well, she was used to that. She had learned long ago to be content with what she had.

After all, she thought, happily-ever-after endings only happened in fairy tales.

Ten

Tyler was taken for a physical therapy session Thursday afternoon, which basically consisted of supervised play with other pediatric surgery patients. Having been informed that he would be gone for about half an hour, Laurel decided to pop over to Children’s Connection, just to check in.

She was halfway down the connecting hallway when she came face to face with Leslie Logan. As elegantly coordinated as always, Leslie stopped in her tracks when she spotted Laurel. “Laurel! How’s little Tyler today?”

Laurel smiled broadly as she relayed the news she had received only an hour earlier. “We’re taking him home tomorrow.”

“Oh, my goodness, that’s wonderful! I’m sure you’re counting the minutes. I’ve heard you’ve barely left the hospital during the past week.”

“As nice as everyone has been to us, I’m more than ready to be home,” Laurel admitted. “Do you know how hard it is to actually get any sleep in a hospital?”

“I’ve had a few personal experiences. Enough to know I’m in no hurry to be hospitalized again anytime soon.”

Leslie changed the subject then. “Laurel, I was hoping to speak to you soon, at your convenience, of course. I have a little favor to ask of you.”

“A favor?” Though surprised that Leslie Logan would need anything from her, she couldn’t imagine turning her down. Leslie had always been so supportive of Children’s Connection, and of Laurel, personally. “Anything. Just name it.”

Obviously touched by Laurel’s immediate reply, Leslie reached out to lay a perfectly manicured hand on Laurel’s arm. “Actually, I need your services as a social worker. I know you’ve taken a leave of absence, but maybe you could do the preliminary paperwork for one case? The interviews could even take place in your home, if necessary. I know what I’m asking is hardly standard operating procedure, but this is a special case.”

“I don’t understand.”

Leslie looked around, seemingly to make sure no one was listening. “My daughter, Bridget, and her new husband, Sam, are interested in adopting a baby. I’m not asking you to give them any special preference or to cut any legal corners. They’ll go through procedures, then wait their turn like anyone else. But if you can find the time, I would appreciate if you conduct the early interviews.”

“Why me?” Laurel asked curiously.

“Bridget’s a little nervous about the whole process,” Leslie confided with an indulgent laugh that had an oddly false ring to it. “I told her I believe you’re just the person to put both her and Sam at ease about all the red tape and paperwork.”

“Well, I…”

“As I said, I know this is completely unorthodox for me to approach you this way, especially at such a stressful time. Please feel free to say no if you don’t think you can do this. I promise I won’t hold it against you,” Leslie promised with a smile that looked strained.

“Give me a call next week and we’ll discuss a time for a preliminary interview,” Laurel said after only a momentary hesitation. “I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out.”

Leslie squeezed Laurel’s arm in a quick gesture of appreciation before stepping away. “Thank you, Laurel. And please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you during your son’s recuperation.”