In the Shadow of Vengeance
Page 23
“I know this is all a huge shock and quite unfair, but if you are at all interested in raising your husband’s child, I have the paperwork with me.”
She didn’t know from where the strength came, but she took another step forward and lifted Gabriel to cradle his tiny body close to her heart.
This was crazy, damn ass crazy. But was it a mistake? She couldn’t let Rico’s child be placed with some stranger. She had spent enough years living with people who pretended to love children. There was no way she could stand by and chance that Rico’s son got one of the good ones. She touched her lips to Gabriel’s soft, baby-scented cheek. Dear God, could she do this?
“Lexie, think for a moment,” Mac said at her side.
“I don’t want just custody. If I take Rico’s son, I’ll adopt him. His mother doesn’t get to take him back.”
Mr. Winston opened the briefcase again. “The paperwork is already drawn up. All I need is your signature.”
Panic sliced through Lexie. “Don’t you need to clear this with his mother? Doesn’t she need to—?”
“Mrs. Trevena, like I said, everything has been decided. After you sign the papers, I’ll file them with the courts. There is also a bank account set up for Gabriel’s needs, and yours, of course.”
“You are not paying me for this child.”
“Of course not. But my client is a wealthy woman. She may not be able to raise Gabriel, but she will provide for his needs.” He headed for the doorway, lifted a large plastic bag, and set it on the kitchen table. “I have a few things you’ll need until you get to the store.” He then laid the folder next to the bag and pulled out a stack of papers all stapled together.
Lexie’s heart went out to the baby in her arms as the words take him, love him pierced through her heart. They were Rico’s words. She didn’t doubt it for a moment, even though the very idea pitched her emotions into a whole new plane. Before reason set in, she blurted out, “Where do I sign?”
The lawyer pointed to several places in the contract. Lexie reached for the pen.
Mac placed his hand on her elbow. “Lexie, wait. You can’t sign those damn papers without having someone look them over.”
“Look at him, Mac. Gabriel looks just like Rico. This is Rico’s son. If I don’t raise him, love him, then who will?”
Before she lost her nerve, Lexie signed the adoption contract on each line Mr. Winston indicated while Gabriel slept peacefully in her arms. He placed the contract back into his briefcase and headed toward the door. “My client leaves for Japan and will be out of the country for the next several years. If you decide you can’t do this, call the number on the card.”
Just as Mr. Winston reached the door, she called out, “Wait. Could your client just be experiencing postpartum depression?”
“No, Mrs. Trevena. Gabriel’s mother never would have raised her son. I couldn’t even get her to hold him.” A slight smile appeared at the corners of his mouth and warmth entered his eyes. “I truly am sorry for the timing, but I must say I’m content with the arrangements. I think Gabriel is a lucky little boy to have you.”
“Do you want me to send you pictures, updates …?”
“Please don’t. Gabriel is your son now. You’re his mother.” With a nod, he walked out the door.
Lexie stood listening to his shoes clicking on the hardwood flooring of the hallway. Mac stood inches from her with a look of shock on his face. He straightened his stance as if every muscle in his shoulders and back tightened.
“I can’t believe what you just did, Lexie. That was the most reckless, ridiculous …”
“Mac McNeil, go. I don’t have the strength to fight with you. I did what I had to do.”
“You have to think this through. Raising a child is for life.”
Lexie cuddled Gabriel against her chest. With her free hand, she opened the door wide. “Please, Mac. Gabriel and I will be fine.” Her knees began to tremble, and she leaned against the door for support.
He took a card from his pocket, scribbled something on the back, and set it on the table. “I don’t know what the hell just happened, but if you need me for anything, call.”
“I won’t call.”
He leaned down and kissed the top of Gabriel’s head. “Rico was one of my best friends. I may not agree with what you just did, but I’m not the enemy, Lexie,” he whispered, his attention focused entirely on the baby. When he raised his head, their eyes held. “I’m here whenever you need me.”
He eased past her and walked out the door. As if on autopilot, Lexie closed the door quietly behind him, setting the lock in place. Her knees finally gave, and she slid against the door onto the floor. With Gabriel securely asleep in her arms, she tucked her head into his blanket and sobbed.
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For more books by Nancy C. Weeks, check out:
In the Shadow of Greed
In the Shadow of Evil
In the Shadow of Malice
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Check out A Love Beyond by Leslie P. García at CrimsonRomance.com.