“You are,” she assured me. “And thank you for listening to me. Why don't we get a gun safe? Is there one we can put in the top of the closet so Gabriel can't reach it? If you promise to keep it in there, I think I can live with that.”
“That can be arranged.”
“I know you didn't mean to leave the gun out, that you were as devastated as I was.”
“All the worst-case possibilities flashed through my mind. It won't happen again. I don't think I'd survive that because I'm pretty sure I had a mild heart attack. Where is our boy?”
“Playing in his room. His face, Carlos. He was . . . shattered. I told him he was a good boy for listening, and that we love him very much even though we’re angry with him. He knew I was scared. And he was worried that you’d be mad at him. You need to go be with him.” Holly shook her head. “I wish I could protect him from everything. Is it too much to ask that he has a childhood where he just gets to be a kid? He's innocent and deserves to be sheltered, at least for a few more years. I didn't get that, and I can't stand the thought of him living the same life I did.”
“We'll protect him as best we can, but you know as well as I do, we won't be able to do it forever. Life is ugly. I don't want him to see that any more than you do, but it's inevitable.” I wasn't telling her anything she didn't know, but suddenly, I understood why good parents were so determined about wanting more for their children, a better life than what they had. “You make it look so easy. I wish you knew how in awe of you I am.” I nuzzled her hair, breathing in her sweet honey scent. “I can think of lots of ways to show you,” I promised, ready to do just that.
“We have dinner guests coming, and I want to spend as much time with Gabriel as we can.”
“We are not losing him.”
“I know. I need us to all be together.”
“Then that's what you'll get.”
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Carlos
“What do you have for me?”
I practically leaped up off the floor in Gabriel's room where we were building a Lego farm when the phone rang. Holly gave me a quizzical look.
I nodded to indicate not to worry before I moved to the living room for privacy. Rivulets of rain ran down the windows in haphazard patterns, distorting the world outside.
“Turns out Drew's hands are as dirty as they come. There's a laundry list of sins, but the one that will get you what you want is his relationship with the good senator from Texas, Tad Julien. They weren't so careful with the money, and there are piles of it between them, which is a big no-no when legislation is pushed through that benefits Drew. The senator is more than willing to turn the tables to save his own ass. If Drew doesn't see things your way, we'll apply pressure.”
“It goes without saying, but I'd appreciate your discretion in this matter.”
“Of course.” There was a slight pause. “We don't know what Drew will do. He's unpredictable. I'll be on standby tomorrow, ready to pull the trigger if necessary.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you pushing the marriage license through so quickly too. I should’ve already said that. My debt keeps piling up.” He’d gotten the normal waiting period expedited. As in, we hadn’t had to wait.
“As I've said, you owe me nothing. Muriella's happiness at having you back is more than enough.”
I rested my head against the cool glass, collecting myself after we ended the call. So much was riding on this. “Fuck,” I muttered, beating my palm against the window.
“Carlos? What's the matter?”
I drew in a deep breath and released it before turning to face Holly. What Drew wanted was irrelevant. Everyone deserved another chance, but Drew Carter wouldn't be getting it from me. He'd squandered his chance to be a father to Gabriel. What was best for Holly and Gabriel was all that was important. Now wasn't the time for me to be growing a conscience because I sympathized with a man who had proved time and again he was no good.
“We've got good news. If he doesn't sign the papers, we can force his hand.”
“And it will be over?” She was tentative, skeptical, like it was too good to be true.
“As far as he's concerned, it will be. For us, it will be the beginning.” I opened my arms, and she came into them without hesitation. I felt other arms around us. I released Holly to pick up Gabriel, big as he was, and hugged her tight again. We settled on the couch, Holly snuggled against me, Gabriel in my lap. We were somber, the fear this could be our last night together creeping back.
“I want you for my daddy,” he said. My brows shot up at the exact moment Holly’s did.
“I'm glad to hear that because I am. Nothing is ever going to change that.”
“Is someone trying to take me away? That bad man we saw after the Empire State Building?” he asked.
I held him tighter, my throat constricting. “You never have to worry about him again. I want you to forget you ever saw him, okay?” Gabriel nodded against my chest. I tipped his chin up so I could see his eyes. “And no one will ever take you away from Mommy and me. Ever.”
“Baby, why are you worried about that?” Holly asked.
He blinked and shrugged. “I feel it in here.” He pointed at his heart, and I marveled at him. I hoped he'd always be open with us.
Gabriel clung to both of us until he finally fell asleep. I carried him to his room, but no sooner had I'd settled him on his bed than he asked if he could sleep with us. We caved. Holly crawled in beside him, and I held up my phone and Drew's business card, indicating I was going to message him. We'd do the paternity test in the morning and get the rest settled in the afternoon.
After I sent the time and address, I impatiently waited for a reply.
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Holly
Carlos and I dropped Gabriel off at school, then went straight toward the attorney's office. I couldn't eat that morning, let alone drink any coffee, certain at any second I would vomit. Carlos had offered to handle it all, not because he believed I wasn't capable, but because he loved me so much, he didn't want me to have to do anything painful. But I needed to do this, and if I wasn't there, I'd be climbing the walls, desperate to know what was going on.
“Stand By Me” by Ki: Theory played in the background, and I was grateful for his song choice. I reached for his hand. I needed the contact, and I was unashamed to take what I wanted. Carlos had taught me over the past few weeks it was okay to lean on someone and still be strong. That had been somewhat of a struggle, but now that I'd let go, I found everything was easier. I was so grateful to him. If he hadn't come into our lives, today wouldn't be a possibility. I'd have never had a chance to corner Drew into giving me full custody of Gabriel. Now there would be some resolution.
We didn't talk, not on the car ride or in the elevator, or even in the attorney's reception area. My anxiety heightened as the time came for the appointment, and there was no sign of Drew. What did it mean if he didn't show up?
A man arrived, carrying an envelope and a clipboard, and the secretary signed to accept the package. She took it back to the attorney's office, returning a moment later.
“Mr. Zegas will be with you in a few minutes,” she said with a smile.
I was growing impatient, my irritation causing me to question Carlos's judgment at selecting this man as our legal counsel. If he couldn't keep an appointment, had no consideration for our time . . . I let out a little growl, tapping my foot rapidly on the carpet.
“Beauty”—Carlos reached through my sour mood, though it wasn't enough to dampen it—“just because he's not here doesn't mean this is over.” He, meaning Drew. But Carlos couldn't know that for sure. This wouldn't be done until Drew relinquished his rights as a parent, and he couldn't do that until paternity was determined.
“Avoidance was as close to bliss as I could get the first five years of Gabriel's life, but I need this resolved for the sake of our son.” Maybe I hadn't handled the situation in the best way, but I'd done the best I could.
“We're almost there, Holly. This close.” He held his thumb and forefinger a millimeter apart. “There is no scenario where we don't walk away with Gabriel.”
I believed him, though part of me felt the need to brace myself for the worst. But more than that, I knew Carlos would go to any length in order to keep that from happening.
“Mr. and Mrs. Santiago, thank you for waiting.”
A man in an expensive-looking suit approached. The guy looked like a lawyer, and he sounded like one, but was he sharp enough to get me my son? I couldn't tell.
Carlos stood, and suddenly, I wasn't sure what I should call him. Clearly, he'd given this man his new identity. “Kane, I told you to call me Marcos.”
Wow. Carlos could schmooze when he needed to. This was a side of him I hadn't seen.
“Very well, Marcos.”
“And this is Holly.” Carlos motioned to me.
“Kane Zegas.” He tucked a folder under his arm and shook my hand. “Why don't we step into the conference room?”
The three of us settled in dark leather chairs around a polished cherry table. “We weren't certain what actions Mr. Carter might take, but in this case, it wasn't the fight we were anticipating,” Zegas said, opening the folder and sliding a document across the table.
“What do you mean?” I asked, barely glancing at it. I was already confused, and we hadn't even gotten to the legal jargon portion yet.
“Mr. Carter arranged his own paternity test, the results documented by a licensed physician with whom I've already been in contact. They are admissible in court and will be satisfactory in the proceedings.”
“Court?” My mouth went dry. I thought he said Drew wasn't going to fight. Now we were headed to court? I sank a little in my seat.
Zegas gave me a sympathetic smile. “We won’t have to appear before a jury, but a judge will have to sign off on this. That's all I meant.” I nodded, and he continued, “While Mr. Carter never initially signed an acceptance of paternity, it’s better that we’ve covered our asses. Pardon my French,” he said diplomatically. “Mr. Carter has signed over all his parental rights to you, Mrs. Santiago. He has requested the information pertaining to this matter be kept confidential, which is fair, all things considered. All you have to do is sign in a few places, and I'll push the filing through. I hope by the end of the week, your son will be all yours. Once that happens, we'll file the adoption on Marcos's behalf. I don't see any reason this shouldn't be settled within a few weeks.”
I stared, lips parted, as if everything he'd told me was in a language I'd never heard. Carlos squeezed my thigh. I blinked at him in disbelief. “You mean all I have to do is sign some paperwork, and Drew will have no say over Gabriel?”
“That is correct.”
“Do you have a pen?” I held out my hand, and Mr. Zegas and Carlos chuckled. Within minutes, it was done. The only thing left was for it to be filed with the court. And it was sealed, no chance of anyone ever finding out the truth.
Mr. Zegas walked us out. “I'll let you know as soon as I hear something, then we'll meet to proceed with the adoption. I'll have the papers drawn up so we'll be ready to go once you've been declared sole legal guardian.”
“Thank you,” I said, grateful for this man's efficiency. He and Carlos shook hands, and I nearly skipped to the car, feeling so much lighter than when we'd arrived. Drew was handing Gabriel over free and clear. He couldn't threaten me or my son ever again.
“I can't believe it,” I said once we were in the SUV. I beamed at Carlos.
“That was the last outcome I expected,” he confessed, shaking his head. “There's someone we need to call.”
Carlos dialed, putting the call on speakerphone. “How did it go?”
I recognized Daniel's voice. He didn't bother with small talk, always getting straight to the matter at hand.
“Who do we have to thank? You or Donato?” Carlos asked.
“So Carter saw things your way?”
“Yes. Without issue.”
“Good.”
“Thank you, Daniel,” I said quietly. “I can't tell you what this means to me. To us.”
“I'm glad to have him out of your lives permanently. He's bad news,” Daniel said gravely.
“The lawyer said I might have sole custody by the end of the week.”
“That's wonderful. We'll celebrate this evening.”
Moving here was the best decision I ever made. We were surrounded by people who cared about us. I realized, though I'd isolated Gabriel and myself by design, I'd been lonely. Gabriel had been hungry for companionship too. I'd thought we were above that because we got along so well, but now that we'd had a taste of being with people we could trust, neither of us would give that up easily. It was both scary and a relief.
Carlos ended the call, his mouth set in a thin line. “What is it?”
“I was thinking about family. The Carters are good people. Have I been wrong to keep Gabriel from them? I know they would have welcomed him and loved him the way grandparents should.”
“Drew manipulated you for years. We can't tell them now. That's part of the agreement you signed. But we can try to be more involved with them. It doesn't matter how uncomfortable it makes Drew. He gave up his say today.”
Carlos was right. When Gabriel had spent time with Valentina, he’d seemed so hungry for that kind of special relationship. We could covertly let him spend time with the Carters. Mrs. Carter was sick, and even if she never knew she had a grandson, Gabriel could be her adopted one as far as she was concerned. The potential for him to have two surrogate grandmothers in his life thrilled me for his sake and was a relief for mine.
“Maybe we could ask them to watch Gabriel or something. They seemed to like each other.”
“I bet they’d like that.”
I reached across the console for Carlos’s hand. Drew still lived in the same building as we did. I wasn’t delusional enough to believe we’d never run into him, but I prayed it would be as little as possible. After today, because of Carlos, we held the power. Not Drew.
“You’ve freed me,” I said with quiet gratitude.
He kissed the center of my palm. “You saved my soul.”
Chapter Sixty
Carlos
“Just as I taught you,” I said to Gabriel as we approached the front door.
“Okay.”
He took the keys to the apartment from Holly's hands and inserted the correct one in the lock.
“Tell me the plan again,” I prompted. I was also distracting him to see if he would remember to take the keys out of the lock. He was better about not forgetting, but Holly and I were trying to make sure to instill that into him.
“I check all the rooms. I'm looking for anything out of place. If everything’s okay, I yell clear,” he recited.
Holly and I exchanged smiles as he opened the door and dropped the keys in her palm.
“Take off,” I instructed.
He raced to the kitchen and circled the island twice. “Clear.”
“Where next?” Holly asked, eyes dancing.
“Living room,” he shouted, as if this were the most exciting thing he'd ever done.
Holly slipped an arm around my waist and rested her head on my shoulder. Her eyes were bright as they drank in Gabriel trying not to rush and to be careful like she'd told him.
“Clear,” he yelled again.
We followed him as he checked our bedroom and bathroom.
“I forgot the laundry room,” he realized, darting down the hallway. “Clear.” He poked his head out.
Holly and I laughed. I grabbed her hand as he entered his bedroom. Gabriel checked the closet, under the bed, even a few drawers.
“How's it look?” I asked when he’d finished.
“Clear.” He shrugged, tilting his head to the side. “Except the bathroom door is closed,” he said.
“Open it slowly,” I said, my heart beating a little faster.
Cautiously, he approached, turned the knob
, and eased the door open. A chocolate ball of fur darted out.
“Puppy!” Gabriel shrieked, the dog going right to him.
Gabriel collapsed to the floor, the puppy climbing all over him and licking him in the face a few times. He giggled, trying to pet the wiggling dog and kissing his head once he caught him.
He turned to us, eyes wide and serious. “Is he mine?”
“All yours, baby,” Holly said hoarsely.
We’d discussed that the time was never right for most things. With Daniel’s and Donato's help, we'd found him the chocolate lab he'd always wanted.
“I love you,” Gabriel said into the dog's neck.
“I think he might have some toys, but we'll need to pick more out,” I said, squeezing Holly's hip.
Gabriel crawled to the bathroom and discovered the crate and toys. He tossed a ball to the dog, who snagged it as it rolled by.
“Can I call him Firecracker?”
“Your Aunt Mulaney would love that.” Holly was absolutely radiant. Nothing pleased her more than making Gabriel happy. “We should take him upstairs. Show Firecracker off,” I suggested.
“Do we have a collar and a leash?”
“Check the bathroom,” Holly said.
He obeyed, emerging a with a rope leash that didn't require a collar. “It's red.”
Holly showed him how to put the leash around Firecracker's neck. They practiced a few times, and then the pup was dragging the boy down the hall to the door, one letting out a few short barks, the other squealing with laughter.
“Better than you thought?” I asked Holly as we trailed behind.
“So much better,” she confirmed. She leaned into me, her arm around my waist. “I think we should go back and get the puppy’s sister.”
I froze, staring at her. She nodded, and I looked from her to Gabriel and back. I picked her up and spun her around.
Dangerous Redemption: A Single Parent Forbidden Romance Novel (Paths To Love Book 4) Page 26