Legacy of Silence

by Flo Fitzpatrick

  She was also going to do whatever it took to adopt Jesse Castillo.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  MIRANDA QUICKLY DISCOVERED that her decision to adopt Jesse Castillo would receive interesting reactions. Beginning with her stepmother... Farrah answered the phone early in the morning when Miranda called to ask if her father could recommend a lawyer who could handle the adoption. She needed to let Tim and Farrah know she’d be driving home in a week or so and she had to make sure she could stay with them for the time it would take to find a house. Tim was out playing tennis, so Miranda told her stepmother about her plans.

  “You want to what?”

  “Adopt Jesse.”

  “Are you out of your mind?” Farrah asked. “Miranda, this takes impulsive to the nth degree. What in blazes are you thinking?”

  “I’m thinking this is a boy who needs a mom desperately. A boy I bonded with the instant I met him. I should have made this decision back in June.” She tried to add something light and cute. “Hey! Even the dog is crazy about him. If I don’t adopt him, Phoebe will!”

  Miranda’s jaw tensed. Light and cute hadn’t even worked in her own mind. She went on the offensive. “I’m sorry, Farrah, but what is your problem with this?”

  “Look, I’m sure I’m being nosy and trying too hard to play stepmom. But I worry about you. You’re only twenty-seven. If you adopt this boy, you’ll be tying yourself down for the rest of your life. What about your career? Touring? How do you manage that? How are you supposed to raise a child alone in Manhattan?”

  Miranda took a deep breath. “I’m not going to tour. I’m also not going to live in Manhattan. Bonnie Hamil has a job waiting for me at the children’s theater as soon as they start up again, and there are theaters and cabarets in Birmingham. No, it’s not Broadway and it’s not major film although one never knows when some producer might decide that the Sloss Furnace would make a great location.” She calmly said, “Beside the point. I’ve already sublet my apartment and I’m packing as we speak. I loved performing on Broadway, but sometimes one has to trade one way of living for another. I believe this is one of those times.”

  Miranda waited through a long moment of silence.

  “This may be too personal, but what about Russ Gerik? Where does he fit into this new life? Or does he?”

  Miranda sighed. “Honestly? I don’t know. We had a pretty bad argument before I left. I couldn’t get him to understand I was under contract and that I also needed time to think. He’s a smart man. I think his whole ‘you’re off to do a movie and you’re never coming back’ masked something else. I’m just not sure what that is.” She blew out a puff of air. “Talk about impulsive. He makes me look like an amateur.”

  “Did he ask you to marry him? I mean, before the fight.”

  “Not in so many words, but it seemed he was on the verge before Mount St. Helens erupted in the form of ‘you’re leaving me’ and ‘you’re selfish for leaving me’ and various phrases that all started or ended with ‘you’re leaving me.’”

  Miranda expected a barrage of something along the lines of Are you crazy? He hasn’t asked, he probably hates you now and you want to adopt by yourself?

  Instead, Farrah laughed. “Been there! Your dad was always Mr. Glib-and-Polished until the night he finally proposed. It took him a good four hours to be able to form the actual words and I thought he was going to pass out the instant he’d uttered them. We broke up three different times before finally getting it together enough to admit we adored each other and wanted a life together.”

  Miranda nearly fell onto the floor in astonishment. She suddenly felt a kinship with her stepmom she’d never expected.

  Farrah continued. “It sounds like your mind is made up, at least as far as Jesse is concerned, so I’ll merely say this. I wish you luck in getting back together with Russ if that’s what you want. And whether that happens or not, that child will have two instant adoring grandparents.” She paused, “I never thought I’d be a grandmother at forty-two but what the heck? If you can give up Broadway, I guess I can give up pretending to be thirty!”

  “Thank you. I mean that.”

  After a slight hesitation, Farrah added, “Miranda, I know I can be pushy at times. This whole stepmom thing is strange for me, too.” She laughed. “I can’t promise to stop trying to teach you to cook, but I do love you. We’re family.”

  * * *

  DAVE BRENNAN, whom Miranda called next, asking if his office handled adoptions, was amused. “I like it. Of course, you do know that the issue with the house is still not settled and it might be many months down the road, so adopting in Alabama and raising in New York City as a performer could get a bit tricky. Not to mention the single-parent thing—although these days that’s not as big a deal. The good news is Jesse would be harder to place—he’s a special-needs kid and he’s not a baby—which should work in your favor.”

  “Dave, I’m moving back to Birmingham and I’ll have a job with the children’s theater.” She didn’t tell him she was determined to patch things up with Russ. If that didn’t work, then the term single parent would still apply. “I’ll find a good place to live in the next few weeks, once I’m back.”

  “Great! Okay, you need to check with the Alabama Department of Human Resources and get an application going. There’ll be visits and checks and classes and guidelines to follow, but it shouldn’t take more than a few months. If you need an attorney at the end of all that, let me know. Good luck, Miranda. I think you’ll make a great mom.”

  “Thanks.”

  Miranda called Abra Durani next. She’d been keeping in touch with Abra and Yusuf throughout the past three months, determined not to let work or distance interfere with maintaining their friendship. They’d discussed how pleased they were that Darci had asked Miranda to sing at Kam’s exhibition and Yasmin’s enrollment in the children’s theater program. Miranda had regaled all the Duranis with her exploits on the set as Miami Montreville. The only topic that had been deemed off limits—through a non-spoken agreement—was Russ Gerik.

  Abra was thrilled to hear about the plan to adopt Jesse. “Hang on a second, Miranda. Yasmin is here with me and I want to tell her. We’re painting the kitchen.”

  “Blue?” Miranda asked.

  “Yes! But a far more muted blue than her skies for your camp show.” Abra laughed. “We decided this was a way for us to share the kitchen with our own unique talents. She paints, I cook, we eat.”

  Miranda grinned. “I like it.” She waited while Abra gave Yasmin the news about Jesse and was delighted to hear a loud, “All right! This is awesome!”

  “I suppose you caught that?” Abra asked.

  “I think all of Manhattan caught that. Tell her she’s Jesse’s official babysitter if this goes through.”

  “Absolutely. And of course, add us as another set of grandparents.”

  “Already done. Jesse adores all of you.”

  They chatted about the process of adoption for a few moments before an impatient Yasmin was heard. “Mother. I love Miss Randi and I love Jesse but the wall above the counter needs a second coat, now!”

  Miranda laughed. “I don’t want to hold up the process of genius, Abra, so tell her to bring on the blue! And I’ll see y’all soon once I’m back in ’Bama.”

  Bonnie Hamil’s reaction was thoroughly upbeat. “Cool! Actually, this takes cool to the level of freezing! I’m so glad! I knew even one day taking care of that boy would turn you into a mama!”

  “I’m glad you’re glad,” Miranda said. “Since you know his social worker, can you give her a heads-up and help me get started?”

  “Let me call you back,” Bonnie said.

  Within fifteen minutes, the phone rang. “Great news!” Bonnie said. “Not only did I ask if she’d mind getting the forms ready, but you should be named the offic
ial emergency foster once you’ve gone through some preliminary interviews. They’re already starting the background check. I told his social worker that you do some decent ASL and that Jesse adores you. She’s very efficient and caring and she’s also not happy with the current fosters.”

  Miranda was immediately terrified. “Why? Please don’t tell me there’s been more abuse.”

  “No! Nothing like that. It’s just that they’re older—not really fun for a child of Jesse’s age. I mean, I can’t see them taking him to carnivals or up in hot-air balloons. They do sign but Jesse is way ahead of them,” she said. “By the way, you’ll get paid for Jesse’s room and board once you’re a foster. I’m not sure how that works after you become the legal parent. Mrs. Warren, Jesse’s social worker, can tell you more. Let me give you her number.”

  “Thanks for the number but I don’t need any money. It would feel odd, somehow, taking money for Jesse. Let the state give it to someone who needs it more.”

  Bonnie chuckled. “You’re just saying this because I gave you such an exorbitant salary for the camp.”

  “Yeah, right. Actually, I’ve always been good about saving. I have residuals coming in from some TV shows I’ve done over the past couple of years, plus a national commercial. And don’t spread it around, but my earnings from the movie will easily pay for the care of a seven-year-old who needs nothing more than paper and paint to keep him happy.”

  “Well, it’s there anyway. Take it and tuck it into Jesse’s college fund.”

  Miranda fell silent for a moment.

  “Miranda? You there?”

  “Yeah...just zoning into the future. College. Wow. If I can make this happen I’ll be raising a child and sending him off to college. It’s a lot to process. Am I nuts? I mean, I’ve taught kids. I like kids. Kids like me. But I’ve never had a child around for more than class time. Okay. I’ve just officially scared myself.”

  Bonnie howled. “You are nuts, I agree. But not for wanting to adopt Jesse. You’ve got a great instinct for what kids need and what they want, and you know how to merge the two. You’re a natural. Heck, people become parents all the time with no clue about what they’re doing and that’s been happening for thousands of years. In most situations, common sense is the best answer. Now give Mrs. Warren a call.”

  Thirty minutes later Miranda carefully hung up the phone, then leaped into the air and began dancing around the apartment. Mrs. Warren had been moderately cautious but ultimately optimistic. By early spring at the latest, Miranda should be the official new mom of Jesse Castillo.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  MIRANDA GRABBED PHOEBE’S leash and headed for the door. “I promise, puppy, I’m finally done checking every crevice of this place for anything I might have missed. One more run and we’re headin’ south for good.”

  They took the stairs and were in the lobby in less than a minute. Miranda’s down-the-hall neighbor, Carolyn, was just returning from walking her golden Labrador so a few moments were spent letting the dogs greet each other while Carolyn wished Miranda good luck in her move.

  Miranda opened the door and was nearly dragged across the street by an excited Phoebe who began yipping and wagging her tail with even more than her normal enthusiasm.

  A man was leaning against Miranda’s rental truck.

  “Hi, Miranda.”

  “Russ!”

  She wasn’t sure if she led Phoebe or Phoebe led her but within seconds both were running toward Russ, who was running toward them. The collision was light but the hugs were strong and their kisses stronger. Miranda was glad it was only six in the morning so the entire neighborhood wasn’t out witnessing those kisses, but she was so thrilled to be in Russ’s arms she wouldn’t have cared if some kid out for any early stroll had captured the images with his camera and their public display of affection had gone viral by seven.

  Phoebe had managed to wrap her leash around both Russ and Miranda, so Miranda took a few seconds to unravel them all before the three of them ended up crashing onto the ground. Then she and Russ stared at each other.

  Wow. I didn’t expect to see you, she signed. And certainly not in New York City.

  “Let’s walk and talk. There’s a lot to discuss and Phoebe does not appear willing to wait. The Dragon is charged and ready.”

  Miranda nodded and they headed toward a small park a few blocks from Miranda’s soon-to-be former apartment building.

  “First, Ms. Nolan, let me say that I have two masters degrees and one doctorate. I taught for eight years at the college level and published two text books. I was told I stopped three major attacks in Afghanistan because of my skills translating for recalcitrant villagers. I’m saying this because with all these so-called brilliant accomplishments, I’m basically lacking in whatever ‘smarts’ would’ve stopped me from letting you take off before I could apologize for being a jerk. I should have trusted you enough to believe you when you said you’d be back. Which is why I’m saying it now. I am truly so sorry.”

  He smiled. “I’m also apologizing for not making it very clear how much I want to be with you. I’ve spent the past three months alternately kicking myself and holding back from flying up here in case you pointed me right back to the plane—which you would’ve had every right to do.”

  Dragon? Miranda signed.

  “Sorry. Hang on. It’s in my messenger bag.”

  Russ pulled out the device and set it up. “Working.”

  “Good, because I don’t know how to sign, I think we could both be awarded slap-on-the-head-fool status. Russ, I pretended not to understand that you were offering a commitment when you told me you were going to relinquish your claim to Virginia’s house. I needed to think. I needed to be by myself for a while and not impulsively say ‘yes’ even though my heart was begging me to do so. For once in my life I wanted to stop and consider what I was doing before making the big jeté. Trust me to mess it up by slowing down the only time in my life I should’ve been leaping into your arms.”

  He read the words then glanced down at her. “Go on.”

  “And I got here and I thought. And I felt horribly alone. About two days into shooting the movie I knew that you were far more important than seeing my name on a big screen. I almost flew right back to Birmingham. But I wasn’t sure if you’d ever want to see me again. Plus—” she grinned at him “—I may be impulsive but I am responsible and I was serious when I told you if I make a commitment I stick to it. Whether that’s signing a contract to play a superspy—or agreeing to a relationship with a stubborn man who didn’t believe me when I told him I cared and was coming back.”

  “And?”

  She stopped, then signed, And I want that relationship very, very much.

  Russ leaned down and kissed her again, then they gazed wordlessly into each other’s eyes before the dog began tugging at the leash, determined to make her silly humans pay attention to what was important—finishing her promenade through the park.

  They walked in silence along the wooded path until they reached the dog run. Once inside, Miranda carefully closed the gate behind them then let Phoebe off the leash. The dog jumped into the air and landed gracefully. When she spotted a large Irish setter, a larger bull mastiff and one huge Great Dane she immediately gave chase, happily herding all three with authority. Miranda wished Jesse could see them.

  Jesse. She nodded at Russ. “I need to tell you something.”

  He appeared anxious. “What?”

  “I’ve already set this in motion. I’m adopting Jesse.”

  It was Miranda’s turn to be anxious. Would this affect his feelings?

  Russ laughed. “I know. I’m all for it.”

  She stared at him. “How did you know? The whole process only started three days ago when I called my dad, and he didn’t know until Farrah passed on my message—he was out play
ing tennis.”

  “You’re looking at Tim Nolan’s tennis partner,” he said, then kissed her again.

  “Seriously?”

  “Absolutely. Your dad is not only smart but a nice guy. A demonic tennis player but nice nonetheless.”

  “Dare I ask how you two became tennis partners?”

  “Remember the night of the kid’s camp show? Or at least the good part of the evening, before Russ Gerik made a fool of himself by turning into a stubborn jerk.”

  “We’ll skip the latter part of the evening. I wasn’t exactly in top form, either. So, at the show...”

  “Well, during intermission your dad and I discovered we’re both members at the Homewood tennis club, which is aptly named. Tennis only. No sitting around socializing while making business deals.”

  “I know it well. I’ve actually played there on more than one occasion. So? You and Dad?”

  “I found myself agreeing to play with Timothy Nolan, international law expert and maniac on the courts.”

  Miranda chuckled. “Oops! Did Dad forget to tell you he’s been on the faculty team since he first started teaching? I guess he also failed to mention that before he became a lawyer his dream was to be the next John McEnroe or Andre Agassi?”

  Russ’s laughter sailed into the trees of Inwood Park. When he’d calmed down, he wiped his eyes then said solemnly, “He left all that out when inviting me to play. Of course, I might have been somewhat less than forthcoming, as well. I didn’t tell him I’d been champion of my college team or that I’d taught tennis at the downtown YMCA for years. But I repeat—Tim Nolan. Maniac. He’d knock me down in every set and smile that impish Nolan smile. Then he’d casually say I should play his darling daughter since I might be able to beat you. I gather that meant you’re not planning to go pro anytime soon?”