“I don’t, but I have a friend who probably does. Give me a minute. I’ll find out.” Already clutched in her hand, she lifted the phone and began texting. While they waited for a response, he tried to gain information about the girl in question.
“What’s Michele like? I never got a chance to meet her on my last trip home.”
Josie thought for a minute and finally spoke. “Justin fell hard for her. Truthfully, they were both infatuated from the first time they met. I was there at the party that night, and I never saw them apart after that. Michele’s cool. Really shy and kind of a strange girl, like she’s not from this world. It’s hard to describe. It’s like she was almost childlike when she interacted with the rest of us, but when she was with Justin, she came alive, had confidence, and we all saw the sweetness that hooked him.”
Before he could ask more questions, the information he needed arrived in the form of a reply text, and he was able to get the address to Michele’s apartment. Josie offered him her number too, in case he wanted to talk more about Justin. The girl was eerily strange, not at all his type and way too young. But to be polite, he added it to his contact list and took his leave.
When he’d arrived at the address, he found a rather run-down brownstone building. He knocked several times but didn’t get any response until the apartment door across the hall opened, and an elderly woman peered out.
“I’m sorry if I disturbed you, ma’am. I’m looking for Michele Bond. She’s my brother’s girlfriend.”
“You’re Justin’s brother?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ve just arrived back into the city, and I wanted to make sure Michele is okay.”
“I’m sorry, but Mickie is either at the lawyer’s office right now or at the hospital.”
Stunned speechless, Justin leaned against the wall, trying to make sense of the lady’s words. “Excuse me? She’s at the hospital? She must have had the baby months ago. By the time I got Justin’s letter, he’d written she was in her last trimester, and they were getting married. But I know he was killed not long after. The letter was sent last fall.”
“Oh yes, of course. Mickie had the baby in December, a boy she called Theodore after Justin’s father. He’s six months old now. She’ll be signing his adoption papers is what I meant about her being at the lawyer’s office. Then her plans were to go directly to the hospital from there. Her doctors are furious that she’s held out so long, but she refused to go in until everything was settled and finalized with Teddy. That poor girl has suffered terribly over these last few months. It’s a good thing that God finally took some pity on her and sent her such a lovable, easy-going little guy like Teddy. Last night, when I helped her get everything packed and promised to be here when the Salvation Army came to collect her belongings, she looked like she would drop any moment. That girl is running on grit and prayer.”
Stunned speechless, Justin let the kind-hearted chatterbox babble on and tried to ingest the information she shared so easily like it was all a storyline in a book and not his family. Finally, he interrupted. “Mickie isn’t well?” He hadn’t known. Her letter that had arrived in the same batch as Justin’s only mentioned Justin’s death and a small bit at the end about her waiting for the birth of their baby. She’d acknowledged his right to be informed and revealed that Justin had loved him, looked up to him and was very proud of his accomplishments. And she was sorry that the letter most likely wouldn’t reach him before the small ceremony she had planned where Justin’s remains were to be buried. But she hoped he might get the letter before the baby’s arrival.
“Mickie has a heart defect that’s gotten worse, most likely from the heartbreak of losing Justin and then the stress of having the baby. She had a very difficult birth. I’m sorry to be blunt, but the truth is, she hasn’t long to live. She’s arranged an adoption for Teddy, and as far as I know, it’s happening right now.”
“No!” Fighting instincts for his family kicked in big-time. “No! I’ll take my nephew. I need to stop this. He can’t go to a stranger. Where is this all happening?”
The woman’s expression saddened. “You’ll probably be too late; she went there over an hour ago. It’s one of the lawyer’s offices on Madison Avenue. Wait, I have their names here. She left me the address a while ago – when I was babysitting Teddy while she went to meetings. Come in. I’ll run and get my cell phone. It’s in my contact’s list.”
Within minutes, Joel had the information and had thanked the considerate lady profusely. Rushing, he collected his car that he’d had to park blocks away, all the time his heart beating like an African drum.
Chapter Four
Emma looked at the stranger who’d broken into their conversation, the man who’d defied the lawyer’s secretary by storming into her boss’s office.
Not only was he taller than average, his lean body and muscled frame fit his size perfectly. His clothes were ones most men wore today, jeans that fit, topped with a grey-blue silky shirt that looked expensively classy yet casual. His black hair needed to be cut, but the waves saved him from looking too shaggy.
All in all, he was a man that any woman might look at twice, hell more than twice. Some women might even make fools of themselves around him. And chances are, it would be his eyes making their hearts flutter, and their lips drool. Blue as a summer sky on the hottest day in July, their heat could singe an unexpecting victim.
Alice stood at her desk, her haughty manner not at all welcoming. “I’m sorry. We’re having a meeting here. You can’t just break into my office like this. Either make an appointment with my secretary, who will be calling security in a few seconds, or leave.”
“I’m Joel Stronge, Justin’s brother. I’m here because I want Theodore.”
Alice slumped into her seat; her expression guarded. “Now you show up! Well, you’re too late. Emma has just signed the papers. The adoption is final.”
“No, you don’t understand. I’m family. I want the boy, and I’ll take care of him.”
Emma piped up, “How? In between assignments? He’s my baby now. I’ve adopted him with Mickie’s blessing. It’s a done deal. If you upset her when she’s in such terrible shape, I’ll never forgive you. And since it’ll be my ultimate decision as to who has access to Teddy, you might want to think twice before making any rash claims.”
A tigress fighting for her cub, Emma had fire in her belly and ice in her eyes. No way was this stranger coming in at the last moment to make demands for her son. No blasted way!
“Look, I’d have been here sooner if I knew about the accident. I just got Michele’s letter and came home as quickly as I could. I tried to contact her to let her know I was on my way, but I never did get her number or address and any attempts to find Justin were hopeless. I want my nephew with me. He’s the only family I have left.”
Emma saw his unexpected shock. It hit him hard and was noticeable from the way his large body sagged against the door. His last words uttered in a pleading whisper seemed to devastate him as well. Though her heart softened by his dilemma, she had no intentions of stepping aside.
Over the last few weeks, her and Mickie had grown very close. Teddy’s mother had been happy to share memories of the special times with her lost lover. Emma had begun to suspect that she did so because she wanted her son raised with stories of his father and mother and how much they not only loved one another, but how happy they’d been about the baby they were soon to have.
Knowing how she’d feel if their circumstances were reversed, Emma taped a lot of their conversations intending to make a video of sorts for Teddy to listen to as he grew older. Hearing the voice of his true mother talking about her love of God, her happiness in her son and her total commitment to Justin would help him in times of need as he grew up and life became difficult. And Emma knew that in today’s world, young people faced untold challenges constantly.
With this thought in mind, she turned toward the distraught man, “I’m Emma Hayden, Teddy’s new mother. Maybe we can come to
an understanding for Teddy’s best interests. Mickie is here today with Teddy, waiting for me to sign the papers and collect him. I can introduce you if you wish.”
In fairness, Emma knew that Michele would love to meet Justin’s brother, and that he might offer her some solace in these last days. How could she stand in the way?
Straightening, obviously forcing aside his unexpected emotions, the man who claimed to be Justin’s brother swallowed hard, stepped forward to shake her hand and nodded in agreement to her suggestion. Shadows blocked his earlier reaction to the news, and his eyes became shuttered, cold, and unreadable. A haughty bossiness suddenly appeared, and they saw the man the world knew, one used to being listened to and obeyed.
Clearly no man’s fool, he’d realized he needed to back down, and in this case, he’d read the room right. Understanding that she had the upper hand, he’d stared at the floor struggling for calm, his hands in his pockets, and then his narrowed gaze hit Alice first and then her. It was his calm words that made her breathe a sigh of relief. “Yes. I’d like to meet her and my nephew.”
This man could have made the day into a nightmare if he’d forced the issue of his family rights. She’d seen the fear in Alice’s face, and her own heart had struggled as it double-timed and flipped around in her chest like a floppy toy.
Saliva filled her mouth with dread, and she’d been glued to the chair, afraid her knees would give out if she’d tried to stand. That was until he’d sent a cautioning warning look her way that declared he would behave – for now.
Her legs gained strength and so did her resolve. She flew at him and stuck her finger in his chest. “Don’t mess this up, Mr. Stronge. I mean it. I love Teddy, and he loves me. He knows me and will be happy with me. And Mickie is barely getting through this day. She’s spending her last few moments with her beloved son as we speak. If you upset her, wave goodbye to ever seeing him again. Do I make myself clear?”
Eyes narrowed, the handsomest man she’d been close to in a long, long time smiled. It wasn’t pleasant and it wasn’t warm. It held a world of warning, a huge message just for her. But all his husky voice said was, “Yes ma’am.”
Chapter Five
Joel never expected the overwhelming grief to hit as he’d stood in the doorway of the lawyer’s office. Having witnessed others suffering over losses of loved ones, he figured he’d eventually be affected. But he’d been blindsided when it started pouring over him at that precise moment.
It had taken all his will power to fight off the effects and face the two women who gave him the worst news he’d heard in a long time. Personal news that influenced him, his future, and his life plan.
He’d envisioned approaching Mickie with all kinds of schemes where they could raise Justin’s son together, share him as family and be happy as possible while the three of them faced the world. He’d mapped it all out in his imagination, even to where he could get her an apartment in his building so they could be close in vicinity and make life easier.
Having all his silly dreams shattered had been a kick in the soft regions of his heart. It wasn’t the solace in their glances or their understanding that had stiffened his resolve. It was the woman who’d kindly offered to let him have a pittance of time with Teddy. That’s what had firmed his resolve and given him the strength he’d needed to carry on.
No way was she going to steal his family away, hand him little tidbits of time with his nephew, offer him a few hours here and there at her convenience.
And where was her husband? Wasn’t it expected that a baby be adopted by a family? Hell, he was so backward about the rules today, he never paid attention. He’d heard of gays being allowed to adopt, but only couples. Did they let spinsters take a child and raise it on her own? Or bachelors? He’d be digging into the research just as soon as he could. Until then, Miss Snooty Hayden had the law on her side – signed papers to prove her authenticity – so he’d go along.
Sadness radiated on the emancipated face of the young woman he met a few minutes later, which made him thankful he’d backed off and had chosen to behave.
The moment she’d laid eyes on him, recognition lit her features. She forced her trembling legs to stand, and her reaching arm was all the invitation he needed to sweep her up and gently hold her and her son.
“I’m so sorry I wasn’t here for you, Michele. Justin would have wanted me to help you through his passing, and it would have been my honor. I came as soon as word reached me in Guam. I was out of communication for a long time due to an infection, and then incommunicado chasing a story. I’m so sorry.” While he explained, he searched her face, saw her imminent death stamped over her features and knew she wasn’t long for this world.
Heartsore, he took another hit when he let his eyes drop to the wriggling child nestled between them. The boy could have been his son. He was an exact replica of photos his mother had saved of him as a child. They’d always made a joke of the fact that Joel had taken after his old man, whereas Justin had been a Heinz fifty-seven variety of family characteristics. He’d had the same blue eyes as dad and Joel, but the rest of his facial appearance took after their Irish grandmother on their mother’s side, even to the red hair.
Mickie’s low voice sounded as if it was forced through a long tube and ruptured before it finally broke free. Joel had to lean close to hear what she had to say. “Joel, I’d recognize you anywhere. I’m so glad we’ve met. You need to know that I loved Justin very much… and he made me incredibly happy.” Tears filled her eyes, but she blinked, struggling to keep them from falling. “Teddy reminds me of him, but now I see he’s the spitting image of you.” She squeezed the baby who giggled and nestled closer as if he sensed it was important for him to behave like a little gentleman. “He’s full of joy and needs to be amongst people who have the same outlook. Fortunately, we found Emma.”
Before he could answer, Michele swayed out of his arms. If his reflexes hadn’t been razor-sharp, she would have dropped to the floor and taken the baby with her. Safely cuddling the startled, crying boy against his shoulder, he reacted. Using his hips, he’d been able to guide Michele into a chair where Emma reached for her to keep her safe.
Her voice rang out with orders as if she were used to people listening. “Alice, have your secretary call an ambulance. Tell them Mickie has collapsed. If she doesn’t mind, have her also call my office to let them know I’ll be late.” Then Miss Hayden reached for her new son, challenging him with a look he couldn’t refuse.
This was not the time or the place…
He passed Teddy over.
Chapter Six
Emma sat across Mickie’s hospital bed from the man who threatened her future and pulled out her cell phone yet again. Because of the emergency, she’d ignored the last three calls, but this time she knew she needed to deal with it. Checking that Mickie was still peacefully sedated, and Teddy still slept in the crib that the nurses had brought, she excused herself.
“Boots, I’m sorry. You called while we were in the ambulance taking Mickie to the hospital. She’s slipped into a coma, and the doctors don’t believe she’ll survive the night. Did you get my text to reset the appointment from today until tomorrow?”
“I’m so sorry, boss. I know how close you’ve become to Mickie. It sucks that she’s dying. My heart breaks for you all.” The telltale sniffing from the other end of the line let Emma know how distraught her overly emotional P.A. could be at times like these. Finally, Barb spoke again, “I called Mr. Adams and he was furious; had to reschedule another appointment and change an airline flight, but he’s still with us. I wouldn’t miss the nine o’clock I booked you for tomorrow morning though or the shark will unhook and be gone. Too bad he’s such a bigoted idiot and took a dislike to Bobby. This time our resident genius can’t step in at the last minute and save your ass.”
“I know. I’ll make it work. Thank you, Boots. I don’t know what I’d do without you. About Teddy’s care…”
“Oh, no. No, no, no, don’t eve
n ask me. Just from the thought I’ve broken out in a rash. Bobby isn’t going to be here in the morning either. He’s out of town until later. I can call a babysitting agency. Will that help?”
“No!” The thought of Teddy being with virtual strangers made her break out in a rash. “Let me think of something. I’ll get back to you.”
Emma didn’t know what she was going to do. Teddy needed to be with someone familiar, especially after the last report they just got from the doctor. Mickie was fading, dying in front of their eyes. And it was happening fast. They’d taken her off all medication and eased her pain with sedatives that would help in the process.
It was unthinkable for her to leave her new friend today. And so, she’d gotten Barb to change the appointment, praying Mr. Adams would go along. He was a strange man, middle-aged, uncommunicative and bossy to the extreme. Most of her other clients encouraged first name familiarity soon after she met them, but not this guy. He stuck with Miss Hayden in his patronizing voice, and she was careful not to cross any lines to upset the deal.
If they hadn’t needed the healthy real estate fee she’d be earning on the three million dollar property, she’d have liked to refer the strait-laced character to another agency. But the sad fact was, bills had been accumulating over these last few weeks with Mickie and Teddy being her priority, and this sale meant a healthy pot of money in the bank. Money she could depend on to tide her over for as long as it took to get Teddy settled and find a nanny who would be available most days and even sometimes on weekends.
Being an organized person, as Boots often teased, an efficiency freak, she’d lined up a motherly woman weeks earlier for when the day came that she’d be bringing Teddy home. Knowing she’d be covered helped her relax.
Then two days ago, her new babysitter had been picked up for shoplifting and would no longer be available. Shoplifting! What the dickens was the world coming to? She’d interviewed about a dozen prospects, and the crook she’d finally chosen had been the best of the worst.
Sweet and Sassy Baby Love Page 23
