by Laura Scott
Derek didn’t appreciate the vicious attack on Julie but tried to hold back his temper. “This isn’t about Julie, who has been nothing but kind to me and Lexi, so please keep her out of this.”
“You claimed you loved Claire,” Robert accused, siding with his wife. “But it sure didn’t take you long to move on to someone else, now did it?”
He’d remained standing, facing them both and feeling seriously outnumbered. “There’s no need to jump to conclusions. Julie is not my girlfriend, but she is a good friend and doesn’t deserve your anger. Why on earth are you upset?” he asked, truly confused. “You know very well you didn’t want Claire to marry me. I did care about Claire very much, and you know we both loved Lexi. And Lexi is the reason I’m here. I need you to help me understand why you’re so determined to take my daughter away from me.”
Gladys and Robert exchanged a somber look. “I’m sorry that you feel this way, but we think Lexi is better off with us,” Robert said. “She needs the financial security we can offer.”
Financial security? It was all he could do not to scoff at their idea of what Lexi needed. “Money doesn’t automatically bring happiness. Lexi needs love and understanding more than she needs your financial security.” He tried to think of a way to get through to them. “Did you ever ask yourselves why Claire ran off to the Fort Drum Army Base in the first place?” he asked. He wasn’t sure how much they knew about the time he and Claire first met. “She told me she couldn’t relax and just be herself around you.”
“You dare speak to us like that about our own daughter?” Gladys demanded, her beautiful face, so much like Claire’s, was twisted with anger. “Claire loved us and proved that by coming home to us after you left her pregnant and alone.”
He hadn’t left Claire pregnant and alone, he’d asked her to marry him, and she’d refused. But he knew that no matter what he said, there was no way to win Claire’s parents over. Hadn’t he already tried that over the past six years since Lexi was born? They refused to believe anything that didn’t fit into their idea of a perfect little world. He remembered Julie’s comment about how he could only control his reactions, not theirs.
“Yes, Claire loved you both very much, and I don’t want to fight with you. I just want you to understand that I love Lexi. I’m her father, and she needs me, just as much as she needs the both of you. Together, we can be a complete family for Lexi, but not if you insist on tearing us apart.”
They didn’t say anything, and while their stern expressions didn’t give much away, he sensed he might be getting through to them. At least a little. “I think that’s what Claire would want,” he added. “Don’t you?”
___________
Julie took her time digging Lexi’s sketchbook out of the trunk of her car. As much as she would have preferred to stay outside, the sun was beating down mercilessly as it was far hotter here than in Crystal Lake, Wisconsin. Within five minutes, she was sweating profusely, so she took Lexi back into the house, slipping past the three adults standing in the formal living room to make her way into the kitchen. The least she could do was give Derek and Claire’s parents some privacy.
It pained her to admit that he’d been right about them. She’d never met two more miserable people. She understood they were grieving over the loss of their daughter, and truly, their hostility toward her wasn’t what made her upset. It was the way they treated Lexi. Dolls? Really? They didn’t know the first thing about the granddaughter they claimed to love.
Derek’s assessment had been dead-on. Lexi’s grandparents seemed intent on forcing the child to fit into the mold of a “perfect granddaughter.”
But why couldn’t they accept that Lexi was perfect just the way she was?
She sighed and shook her head. She’d sincerely believed the judge would grant custody to Derek, but now she wasn’t so sure.
“Do you think my picture will make Grandma and Grandpa happy again?” Lexi asked as she worked on her drawing.
Julie was amazed at how astute Lexi was, picking up on the underlying anger radiating from her grandparents. “I sure hope so, sweetie,” she said.
Movement from the corner of her eye had her straightening in her chair. “Hi, Mrs. Donnell,” she greeted the woman hovering in the doorway. “I hope you don’t mind that we made ourselves at home in your kitchen. Lexi prefers to draw while sitting at a table.”
The older woman gave a brief nod. “Derek tells me you’re not his girlfriend.”
Keeping her smile in place took considerable effort. “I consider Derek a very good friend. He’s a great guy and a wonderful father. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him. And of course, Lexi.” She gestured to Lexi’s picture. “Have you seen the talent she has? I told Derek she should be in some sort of art program.”
Mrs. Donnell took a step closer to peer at Lexi’s drawing. “She does a very nice job,” she agreed.
Nice? The woman was clueless. “I had a niece, Amelia, who was about Lexi’s age before she died of leukemia. Amelia was a wonderful little girl, loved dolls and playing make-believe, but she couldn’t draw anything more than stick-people. Each child has her own individual talents. Amelia’s was to make people smile. Maybe Lexi’s is to touch people through her art.”
“I’m almost finished, Grandma,” Lexi said. She made a few more strokes with her pencil before lifting up the picture and handing it to her grandmother. “See? I made a picture of Mommy. She’s an angel up in heaven with God. Julie says she’s up there right now, watching over me.”
“Oh,” Gladys whispered, her eyes brimming with tears as she gazed down at Lexi’s angel, who had feather-light wings and wore a gentle smile. “That’s a beautiful picture, Lexi. Thank you so much.”
“Don’t be sad. Mommy is watching over you and Grandpa, too,” Lexi said. “Right Julie?”
She had to fight her own tears in order to answer. “Yes, that’s exactly right, Lexi. Remember, we are never alone, for God is always with us.”
“I...excuse me,” Gladys rushed out of the room, clutching Lexi’s picture to her chest.
“I wanted her to be happy,” Lexi said with a frown.
“Don’t worry, Lexi,” she murmured, giving Lexi a brief hug. At that moment, Julie realized that Lexi’s grandparents weren’t trying to change Lexi into the perfect granddaughter.
They wanted Lexi to be just like Claire. Because they wanted their daughter back.
Poor, misguided souls. “Your picture was perfect and exactly what your grandmother needed.”
Lexi seemed to consider this for a moment. “Okay, so now can we go home?”
“Soon,” she murmured. “Hopefully we can go home soon, Lexi.”
___________
Derek tugged at the neckline of his starched shirt, waiting for the judge to enter the chambers. Lexi was seated beside him, looking very pretty in a blue dress that matched the color of her eyes. Julie sat behind them as they waited for Claire’s parents to show up.
With barely five minutes to spare, the doors of the courtroom opened, revealing Robert and Gladys Donnell and their lawyer. They sat down at the table next to him, looking impressive dressed in their formal clothing.
“Hi, Grandma; hi, Grandpa,” Lexi said in a loud whisper.
The older couple looked distinctly uncomfortable as they glanced over at him and Lexi. He couldn’t afford a lawyer and had refused Julie’s offer to pay for one. He wasn’t sure how a lawyer would help, anyway; if he couldn’t convince the judge on his own, then he was in deep trouble.
Lexi moved closer, and he put his arm around her tiny shoulders. “This will all be over soon, baby-doll,” he murmured.
“Then we can go home?” Lexi asked. “I really, really want to go for a boat ride.”
He smothered a smile when Robert and Gladys frowned darkly. He knew it bothered them that Lexi kept asking to go home, as in back to Crystal Lake.
“All rise,” the deputy said. “The honorable Judge Berkley presiding.”
Since he and
Lexi were already standing, he simply straightened his spine and focused on the judge. A sharp stab of panic dug deep when the judge nodded at the Donnells as if he knew them.
“Please be seated,” Judge Berkley said.
Derek reluctantly sat down, drawing Lexi into the chair beside him.
“This is a preliminary hearing to determine whether or not custody of the minor, known as Alexis Claire, should be removed from her biological father, Derek Ryerson, and granted in turn to her grandparents, Robert and Gladys Donnell.”
“Excuse me, your honor, but may I ask on what grounds?” Derek asked.
The judge tipped his head down to peer at Derek over the rims of his glasses. “Based on what’s best for Alexus, that’s what grounds.”
Derek was determined not to lose his temper. “Yes, Your Honor, I believe we all want what is best for Lexi. But I still don’t understand why my custodial rights are being challenged. I love my daughter, and she loves me. I have never hurt her or failed to provide for her needs. She’s been through a very difficult time after losing her mother. The last thing she needs is to lose her father as well. So again, Your Honor, I ask on what grounds is this matter being heard?”
“Your Honor, I would like to make a statement,” Robert Donnell said as he rose to his feet. “We asked for this hearing because Derek Ryerson has removed our granddaughter from the private school we’d placed her in. A private school that can offer her more structure and more learning than the public school system. And we feel that Derek Ryerson was not acting in his daughter’s best interests when he removed her from this highly regarded academic program.”
Judge Berkley sat back in his seat and looked back at Derek. “Is Mr. Donnell’s statement true?”
Derek forced a smile. “Your Honor, Lexi cried every morning that she was forced to go to that school. I fail to see how sending her there is acting in her best interest.”
“That’s not true,” Robert said swiftly. He turned to face Derek. “You’re just saying that.”
“Stop it!” Mrs. Donnell’s voice rang through the courtroom. “This is wrong, Robert. We shouldn’t be tearing this family apart. We should be trying to hold it together.”
Derek stared in shock at Claire’s mother. He’d never in his wildest dreams imagined the woman would unbend enough to come to his defense. All along, he’d been banking on wearing Robert down.
“Gladys,” Robert protested.
“No, will you please just listen to me for once? What we’re doing is wrong. It’s not going to bring Claire back.” Gladys glanced over at Derek, a naked plea in her gaze. “Derek, if we drop this custody matter, will you please allow us to see Lexi on a regular basis? All we really want is to be a part of our granddaughter’s life. Please?”
“Of course I’ll let you see Lexi,” he said slowly, his mind reeling from the turn of events. “I never intended to keep her away from you. She needs her grandparents.” He didn’t add that he’d only left town in the first place because they’d threatened to take Lexi away from him.
“All right, then it’s settled.” Apparently, Gladys had made up her mind. “See, Robert? Everything is going to be just fine.”
Robert glanced over at Derek and Lexi, as if he wasn’t quite ready to give in. But then Lexi smiled at him. “I love you, Grandpa,” she said.
The older man crumpled. “I love you, too, Lexi.” Derek gave his daughter a nudge, and she ran over to give her grandparents a hug.
Relieved, he glanced back at Julie, not the least bit surprised to see big, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. “I knew God would take care of you,” she whispered.
“I know,” he whispered back. The weight he’d been carrying for the past few weeks finally rolled off his shoulders, leaving him lightheaded with relief.
His nightmare was finally over.
Chapter Fourteen
Julie smiled so much she thought her face might crack and crumble into tiny pieces. As they stood on the steps of the courthouse, she listened as Gladys talked about enrolling Lexi in an art program and enthusiastically made plans for a cookout over the upcoming weekend. Even Robert had softened toward Derek, and she wondered if the original job offer he’d taken from Derek would be reinstated.
Things were working out exactly the way they were supposed to. She was so happy for Derek.
And so sad for herself.
She slipped away from the crowd, intending to head back to her car to begin the long ride home, when Derek’s hand on her arm stopped her. “Hey, where are you going?”
She closed her eyes and mentally braced herself to turn and face him. “I need to head home, Derek. It’s a long drive, and I have to work tomorrow.”
“The Donnells want to take us out for brunch.”
“I think that’s a great idea. I’m sure being together as a family will do wonders for Lexi.”
His intense blue gaze searched hers. “Why don’t you join us?” he asked softly.
Her heart squeezed, and she had to swallow the lump in her throat. “I think it’s best if I head home,” she said. “Dropping the custody battle is a big step for the Donnells, and I think the four of you could use a little bonding time together.”
Without her being the unintended painful reminder that Claire wasn’t here anymore.
A hint of uncertainty flashed in his eyes, but after a long moment, he nodded. “I think you might be right,” he agreed. “Thanks for everything, Julie.”
He drew her in for a hug, and she clung to him for a moment before gathering the strength to pull away. “Take care, Derek.”
“Wait.” He caught her hand before she could leave. “Aren’t you going to say goodbye to Lexi?”
Her heart was breaking, but of course she couldn’t leave without saying goodbye to Lexi. When Derek called his daughter’s name, she came running over.
“I’m hungry, Daddy. Grandma says we’re going for blunch.”
“Brunch,” he corrected softly, running a hand over his daughter’s glossy, dark hair. “Breakfast and lunch together is brunch.”
Julie smiled down at Lexi and forced a cheerfulness she was far from feeling into her tone. “Have fun. Unfortunately, I have to head home, Lexi.” She wrapped her arm around the child’s shoulders. “Goodbye, sweetie. Take good care of your daddy, okay?”
“Do you hafta go?” Lexi asked, returning her hug and staring up at her with a plaintive gaze that reminded her too much of Derek. “I want you to stay.”
She wanted to stay, too, but she understood that staying here wasn’t part of God’s plan. “I’m afraid so, sweetie. I have to work at the hospital again very soon.” Her vision went blurry, and she had to sniffle back her tears. “I love you, Lexi,” she said huskily. She released the child and turned to walk away, hardly able to see where she was going.
It took every bit of strength she possessed not to turn and look back at what she was leaving behind.
___________
Julie reported for her shift at seven a.m. the following morning, hoping no one would notice the puffiness of her eyes from her crying jag the night before.
But, of course, she couldn’t fool her friend Merry. “What happened?” she demanded. “Did he hurt you?”
“Nothing happened.” Julie couldn’t have pasted a smile on her face if her life depended on it. “Derek went back home to his family, that’s all.”
“Oh, Jules,” Merry said, giving her a quick hug. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be, it’s certainly not your fault. And you did warn me, remember?” She pulled away from her friend to glance up at the patient board, desperately needing the distraction of work. “Fill me in on my patients, okay?”
She sensed Merry wanted to say more, but her pager went off, announcing the arrival of an ambulance. “I’ve assigned you to team three today,” Merry said. “Ask Debra to give you the rundown while I go check on this new arrival, okay?”
“Sure,” she murmured as Merry hurried away.
The shift
started out busy, but around lunchtime, there was a definite lull, giving her far too much time to think. To wonder what Derek and Lexi were doing. To wonder if they missed her just a fraction of how much she missed them.
To wonder if she should try inviting them up for a weekend sometime soon for a picnic and boat ride on the lake.
No, don’t even think about it, she told herself sternly. Derek and Lexi were back in St. Louis where they belonged. No point in dragging the agony out even further. She was happy for them and for the Donnells, who would still get to see their granddaughter.
The time she’d had here with Derek and Lexi had just been a tiny detour for them. And she had no one to blame but herself for getting too emotionally involved.
By the time her twelve-hour shift was over at seven-thirty in the evening, she was battling a wave of overwhelming exhaustion. Lack of sleep from the night before hadn’t helped. She dragged herself out to her car and headed home.
When she pulled into the driveway, she heard the faint sound of laughter coming from the back side of the townhouse and inwardly groaned. Obviously, the tourists were still playing out on the lake while she wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed, pull the sheet over her head to shut out the rest of the world, and try to get some sleep.
Which wasn’t likely unless Derek and Lexi stopped invading her dreams.
As she climbed out of the car, she heard the front door slam. Alarmed, she whirled around and dropped her jaw when she saw Derek and Lexi walking over the front lawn toward her. Belatedly, she recognized a strange car parked along the opposite side of the street.
“Hi, Julie.” Lexi greeted her with an enthusiastic hug.
“Hi, Lexi, Derek.” She returned Lexi’s hug but couldn’t tear her gaze away from Derek. “What are you doing here?” she sputtered.
He lifted a brow. “I did a little work on the townhouse, and then Lexi and I made dinner. Hope you’re hungry?”
She knew she was gaping but couldn’t seem to pull herself together. “But how? Why?”