The Bad Son (Suddenly a Parent)

by Linda Warren

  Jon handed him several pieces of paper. “This might help. It’s all I could dig up at such short notice.”

  “Thanks.” Beau glanced at the papers and walked back to the judge, laying the papers in front of him. “You Honor, I’d like to enter these documents into evidence.”

  Spencer was immediately on his feet. He glanced at the documents. “Your Honor…”

  “Save it, Mr. Harcourt,” the judge replied. “I’ll allow it, especially in light of your client’s testimony.”

  Beau walked to Delia. “Ms. Randall, when the highway patrol stopped you, you were driving a red Corvette?”

  “Yes.”

  “Where did you get it?”

  “I won the money gambling. I’m very lucky.”

  He laid the two piece of paper in front of her. “Three weeks ago Clifford Wallston purchased a red Corvette.”

  “So?”

  He pointed to the other piece of paper. “That same day the title was transferred into your name.”

  “So?”

  “Mr. Wallston bought the car for you.”

  “Yeah. So what? I didn’t have anything to drive.”

  He took a moment. “Delia, you sold your baby to the Wallstons.”

  “I did not.”

  He had to pull out all the stops. “How much did you get? A hundred thousand and a car?”

  “I didn’t sell my baby,” Delia yelled.

  “Two hundred thousand?” Beau kept on.

  “Shut up.”

  “Your Honor, Mr. McCain is badgering the witness.”

  “Mr. McCain…”

  But he wasn’t listening. He kept pushing. “Four hundred thousand? Five hundred thousand?”

  “Shut up! Shut up!”

  “Mr. McCain…”

  “Eight hundred thousand? A million dollars? Did the Wallstons offer you a million dollars for Zoë?”

  “Yes, yes, yes and you’re not taking it away from me.”

  The room became so quiet Beau could hear the ticking of his watch. Harcourt threw up his hands and slumped into his chair.

  Before Beau could continue, Ted stood up. “Your Honor, I’m Ted Randall. May I speak to my daughter?”

  “No.” Delia rounded on the judge. “He’s not my father and I’m not speaking to him.”

  “Young lady, you need to speak to someone,” the judge said. “We’ll take a thirty-minute recess.”

  MACY’S HEART WAS BEATING so fast that she had to take a deep breath. She couldn’t believe the words coming out of Delia’s mouth. She couldn’t believe any of what was happening today, except for Beau. He was fighting for her like he always had. She wished she had a few minutes alone with him, but now she had to concentrate on her family.

  Everyone cleared the room except for her mother, her father, Delia and Beau. Ted walked to the witness stand and took Delia’s arm. She jerked away. Ted took it more firmly and pulled her to a chair, pushing her into in. He squatted in front of her.

  “When did you find out I wasn’t your real father?”

  Delia clamped her lips together.

  Ted took both her hands in his. “I love you. I have from the moment you were born.”

  “Yeah, right.” Delia looked at the wall. Macy moved to stand behind her father.

  Ted let that pass. “When did you find out?”

  Delia licked her lips.

  “Tell me.”

  “Shut up and leave me alone.”

  “Delia…”

  “About a year after the accident, okay? Mom said I could go to the movies with my friend, Lisa. I ran out of the house before you could say no, but I forgot my purse and I hurried back to get it. You and Mom were arguing. You said my grades were down and I shouldn’t be allowed privileges until I got them back up. One word led to another and Mom said for you to admit what was really bothering you—that you saw me differently since you found out I wasn’t yours. Y’all said a lot of other things, but I just remembered that Mom said I wasn’t your daughter.”

  “I’m sorry you heard that,” Ted said. “I had a lot of anger when I found out, but it never changed the way I felt about you. I was your father in every way that counted, in every way that mattered.”

  Resentment burned in Delia’s blue eyes. “Then why did you leave? You left because of me.”

  “No, baby, no.” Ted reached up to smooth her hair. “I left because of your mother. I couldn’t get over her betrayal.”

  Her mother whimpered and Macy took her hand and squeezed it. Even though the truth was hard to listen to, they all had to hear it.

  “Why…why did you never come back?” Tears filled Delia’s voice and Macy’s throat closed up.

  “I couldn’t. When I left, I started drinking to forget and I didn’t stop. I wound up in a homeless shelter drinking with the winos.”

  Delia gulped in a breath. “When I first ran away I went to find you, but I couldn’t. I looked and looked and…”

  “Oh, sweetheart. I’m so sorry your mother and I caused you so much pain.” Ted took Delia in his arms and Delia didn’t resist. He reached back for Macy, pulling her down beside them. “I have my girls back.”

  Macy swallowed the lump in her throat, wondering how their lives had gotten so out of control—and if they could ever put them back together again.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  TED DREW BACK. “Now I want you to do something for me.”

  “What?” Delia brushed away tears.

  “I want you to get on the witness stand and tell the judge the truth. Do what’s best for Zoë. Do what’s best for yourself.”

  “I don’t think I can.”

  “Yes, you can,” Ted insisted. “Because I’ll be right here waiting for you. Afterward I want you to come and live with Nina and me.”

  “What?”

  “We have an extra bedroom with a private bath.”

  “But Nina doesn’t like me.”

  “You’ve never given her a chance and you’ve always been very nasty to her.”

  “She’s not my mother.” Delia spat out the words.

  “And she doesn’t want to be.”

  Delia’s eyes narrowed. “Why are you being so nice?”

  “Because you’re my daughter.”

  “Macy’s your daughter. I’m just the result of Mom’s affair.” Delia glanced at Irene. “Where’s your boy toy?”

  Irene turned away.

  “Stop it,” Ted said, his voice stern.

  Delia slumped back in the chair with a mutinous expression.

  “Tantrums that you used to throw as a kid aren’t going to work today. You’re an adult now and you have a daughter. A daughter that your sister has taken very good care of.”

  “Perfect Macy,” Delia derided. “I could never do anything as good as her. She was always your favorite.”

  “Is that why you’re being so mean to her? You think I love her more?”

  “You do.” Delia stuck out her chin, her anger evident. “You always have.”

  “A father’s love isn’t like that. Macy’s my strong, independent one with more energy than one person should have. She didn’t start walking. She started running and Irene and I had a hard time keeping up with her. You were my fun and impulsive daughter, never afraid to take risks or chances. I always admired your courage. My love has no measurement. You are two different individuals and I love the differences in you and Macy.”

  “Yeah, right.”

  “It’s true.”

  Delia looked down at her hands. “You’re just saying that ’cause you want me to give Zoë to Macy.”

  “That’s up to you. You know your sister, so do what’s in your heart. I just want you to be able to live with yourself afterward.”

  Delia flipped back her hair. “Haven’t you heard—I don’t have a conscience.”

  The bailiff came in. “Court is resuming. Take your seats.”

  MACY TOOK HER SEAT by Beau. “She’s not going to change her mind. Beau…”

  He l
ooked into her troubled eyes. “Don’t ask me to go easy on her.”

  “She’s just been through so much.”

  “Are you ready to let the Wallstons have custody? Are you ready to let go of Zoë?”

  She bit her lip. “No.” Those motherly feelings she had for Zoë were strong.

  “Then let me handle this.”

  “Ms. Randall,” the judge said. “You are still under oath.”

  Delia nodded.

  “Continue, Mr. McCain.”

  Beau walked forward. “Delia, did the Wallstons buy you the Corvette?”

  Delia looked at Ted, but she didn’t respond.

  “Ms. Randall, answer the question,” the judge instructed.

  “Would you like me to repeat it?” Beau asked.

  “I’m not deaf,” Delia snapped.

  Beau took a patient breath. “Did the Wallstons buy you the Corvette?”

  “Yes.” Delia looked straight at Ted.

  “Why?”

  Delia studied her hands that were clasped in her lap. “I never wanted a child. It was an accident. Keith was angry at me for a long time, but I couldn’t get rid of it like he wanted me to.”

  “You mean abort it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s hard to explain, but I have this sister who’s perfect in every way. She’ll even pick up a half-dead animal from the highway and nurse it back to health. Every time I thought about it, I’d see her face.”

  “This sister that you hate stopped you from having an abortion.”

  “You don’t understand.”

  “Explain it to me,” Beau suggested.

  “That’s what I meant by smothering a person to death. Macy just smothered me with all her caring, concerns and morals that I can’t think straight. I don’t want that for Zoë.”

  Beau shoved his hands into his pockets. “Delia, that’s called love.”

  She chewed on her lip and didn’t speak.

  “When your parents were having difficulties, Macy was always there for you. She’d come home from college to spend a weekend with you, shopping and doing whatever you wanted. Yes, she might have imposed her morals and values on you, but that’s because she cared so much.”

  “Your Honor,” Harcourt objected. “Mr. McCain is getting sidetracked.”

  “I agree. Move on, Mr. McCain.”

  “Ms. Randall, did you sell your baby to the Wallstons?”

  “Keith said they had money and I figured my child and I deserved some of it, so I called but they wouldn’t talk to me. Then I had Zoë. Something was wrong with her and I was scared. Ever since I was little my mind goes a million miles an hour and I have trouble concentrating and sticking to anything. I knew I couldn’t raise a kid. So I left and paid the Wallstons a visit in person. I told them about Keith’s daughter. They didn’t believe me and wanted a DNA test done. When the results came back, they said they wanted Zoë. I told them they could have her…for a price.”

  “What was the price?”

  Delia looked at Ted and paused. For a moment Beau thought she wasn’t going to answer, then her words came, very low, but clear. “A hundred thousand a year for ten years, and they bought me the car.”

  “I see.” He stepped aside so Delia could see Macy. “Look at your sister and tell her what you want for Zoë. Can you do that? Can you rip Zoë from her arms? From this woman who gave you so much love that you thought twice about an abortion. From this woman who has always been there for you. Look at her and tell her what you want for Zoë.”

  Macy held her breath, not sure what Beau was trying to do.

  “I’m sorry, Macy. I’m sorry,” Delia cried.

  Macy’s heart sank. She made to get up and go to her sister, but Beau motioned her back down.

  Delia wiped away tears, her eyes on Macy. “I do and say mean things to you and you still love me. I don’t understand that. Sometimes I hate you because I’ll never be as good as you. But most of the time I…”

  “Delia, do you want custody of your child?” Beau asked, penetrating Macy’s shaky emotions.

  “Are you kidding?” Delia brushed away more tears. “I can’t even take care of myself. I just don’t have maternal feelings.”

  “Who do you want to have permanent custody of Zoë?”

  Delia took a long breath, fighting tears. “Macy. I want Macy to raise Zoë.” She jumped from the stand and ran into Macy’s arms. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

  Macy held her tight and Ted joined them. Out of the corner of her eye, Macy saw a woman come into the courtroom and speak to the Wallstons.

  “Your Honor.” Mr. Harcourt spoke to the judge. “The Wallstons withdraw their motion.”

  “Do they wish to seek visitation rights?”

  Harcourt spoke to the couple and the other woman. “No, Your Honor,” he replied.

  “Bailiff, take Mr. Wallston into custody,” the judge instructed.

  “Your Honor,” Harcourt objected.

  “Mr. Harcourt, perjury is a crime in the state of Texas and I will not tolerate it in my courtroom. I’m sure you can have him out within the hour.”

  As the judge scribbled something in a file, he added, “I’m terminating Delia Randall’s parental rights and granting full custody of minor child, Zoë Jane Randall, to Macy Randall.”

  “Thank you, Your Honor,” Beau replied.

  “Ranger McCain.” The judge looked toward the back of the room and Caleb walked forward.

  “Yes, Your Honor.”

  “I assume you are here to take Delia Randall into custody?”

  “Yes, Your Honor. I promised the police chief I’d bring her in when the hearing was over.”

  The judge glanced toward Delia. “Ms. Randall, the DA may have more charges against you. Selling a baby is a crime, but I’ll leave that up to the DA’s office. You were lucky to have such caring people in your life. I hope you think twice before doing something like this again.”

  Delia nodded.

  “This hearing is adjourned.” The judge banged his gavel and stood, his eyes on Beau. “Always a pleasure, McCain.”

  “Thanks, judge.”

  Caleb snapped the handcuffs on Delia. “Daddy,” she wailed.

  “Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Ted replied. “I’m going with you and I’ll have you out in no time.”

  Caleb, Tuck, Delia and Ted walked out.

  “When did Ted become father of the year?” Irene asked with a touch of sarcasm.

  “Mom.” Macy shook her head. “Dad is what Delia needs now.”

  “I suppose, but I wish I didn’t feel like the most evil person alive.”

  “It’s going to take us a while to adjust, so just be patient.”

  “Mmm. The price of sin.”

  “If that’s the way you want to look at it.”

  “Not really.” Irene slipped her purse over her shoulder, her expression one of pain and regret. The secret was out and Macy knew her mother was feeling like the bad guy. It would take time for them all to heal and move on. “I’ll meet you back at your place.” Irene turned then stopped. “I’m glad everything turned out so well.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Do you want me to pick up Zoë?”

  “No. I want to do that.”

  Irene walked off and complete joy filled Macy. Zoë was hers. She was a mother again. She swung to thank the man who had made it all happen. Beau was stuffing papers into his briefcase. They were the only two people left in the courtroom. Perfect.

  “Thank you,” she said, slipping her arms around his neck. The feel of his hair sensitized her fingers and his masculine scent stimulated her system like a glass of wine. She stood on tiptoes and kissed the corner of his mouth, then he caught her lips in an explosively charged kiss. His hands tightened around her waist and for a moment they were lost in the moment of mutual need.

  When he rested his forehead against hers, she whispered, “I love you.”

  He stilled and removed her arms
from around his neck. “Now that you have Zoë, a child, you can love me?”

  “Beau…”

  His eyes were dark, almost angry. “I’ve loved you forever and all I wanted was for you to trust in that love. It didn’t matter to me if you could have children or not. My love is unconditional. It’s sharing a life together and working out the problems. You have to make up your mind what love means to you.” With that he turned on his heel and left the courtroom.

  “Beau…” she called out, but he was gone. She bit her hand to keep from crying out. She’d chosen the wrong moment to tell him how she felt. Now she’d lost him and for a moment she was paralyzed with a fear like she’d never known before—a fear of losing everything she’d ever wanted.

  She grabbed her purse. For Zoë she had to be strong. As she walked from the courtroom, she thought this had to be the happiest and saddest day of her life. Losing her daughter had been traumatic and she’d survived. But could she survive without Beau’s love?

  SHE PICKED UP Zoë, who was always glad to see her. She rested her little face against Macy’s neck. She did that whenever they’d been apart for any length of time.

  Macy patted her diapered bottom as she walked across the street. “It’s just you and me again, kiddo.”

  Zoë lifted her head and stared at her.

  “I love you. I love you so much.”

  Zoë smiled, then rested her head on Macy’s shoulder as if she understood every word Macy was saying.

  As she opened her door, the dogs came running and Zoë struggled to get down to them. Macy placed her in her playpen and Zoë batted her hands against the netting, playing with the dogs.

  Irene arrived and sat watching Zoë and the dogs. “Do you know if Ted and Delia are coming back here?”

  Macy pushed back her hair, not knowing how much more she could take today. “I don’t know. Dad didn’t say.”

  Irene looked around. “Where’s Beau?”

  “I don’t know that, either.”

  “Is he still at the courthouse?”

  “Mom, I don’t know where he is. Okay?” She was losing her temper, her cool.

  She felt her mother’s eyes on her. “Macy, don’t lose something that could be so incredibly good for you.”