Adrian squeezed his eyes tightly. “I’ve missed you too, kiddo. Have you had fun with Jemma?”
Kate checked if anyone was near enough to hear. “Not nearly as much fun as we have at our place.”
Kate’s grandmother walked over.
“How are you, Virginia?” Adrian asked.
She was stiffly polite. “Well, thank you, Adrian.” She turned to Kate. “Katie dear, you need to come with me now.”
They had arranged for Kate’s grandmother to take care of Kate during the hearing. The judge would talk to Kate at the end.
“I’d rather wait with Uncle Adrian until he goes in, Grandma,” Kate replied.
Adrian smothered a smile at the way Virginia pinched her lips.
Before she could argue, a clerk came out, took everyone’s details and invited them into the room.
Adrian turned to Kate. “Be good for your grandma, kiddo. I’ll see you when we finish.” He gave her a hug and she clung to him for a minute longer. Adrian shut his eyes. When he looked up, Virginia was waiting impatiently.
“Come along, Katie.”
Adrian watched his niece go and then walked into the courtroom with George and his lawyer by his side. He had to win this.
When the preliminaries were done, Susan stated her case, explaining why she was seeking custody of Kate.
“Kate needs a stable family environment. The recent incidents have shown Adrian cannot provide that for her. She has been assaulted by the media and hasn’t been allowed the freedom a child needs to explore.” Susan paused. “In addition, she needs siblings and a woman’s influence in her life, particularly as she reaches puberty. Her best friend is my daughter, Jemma, and they will be able to grow up together.
“Adrian’s behavior on his most recent tour has shown he is irresponsible and cannot possibly give her a safe environment to grow up in.”
“Please elaborate further,” the judge requested.
Susan went into detail about the Emily incident and showed the footage of Kate in front of the media. “The matter involving Adrian’s father have shown that Adrian is irresponsible and turns his back on family when it doesn’t suit him. He is likely to decide one day that he no longer wants Kate and will leave her heartbroken.”
Adrian’s mouth dropped. He hadn’t been expecting that. George looked equally surprised.
“Do you have anything to prove these claims?” the judge asked.
“Adrian’s father has been on a number of talk shows.” One of the clips was played.
“He’s lying,” Adrian said calmly.
“You will get your chance to respond, Mr. Hart.”
Adrian sat there drumming his fingers on the table while Susan summarized her case. The tour schedule wasn’t suitable for a ten-year-old child, she was surrounded by adult men frequently, there were no children for her to play with, her nannies were more interested in her uncle than her and she had been exposed to an unhealthy relationship model.
Adrian simmered with anger. How could Susan portray Libby like that? She knew nothing about her. She hadn’t seen Libby helping Kate with her story, playing games with her, teaching her to cook. Libby had given up her writing time to be with Kate when the media had been at their worst. She’d done everything a mother would do for her child.
He froze. He examined the thought carefully, poking it from all sides to see if it held. Yes, Libby had loved Kate.
Adrian was so distracted he didn’t realize it was his turn to speak until George elbowed him. Adrian refocused on the scene. The judge was waiting for him. George shoved a notebook at him, outlining all the points he needed to respond to.
Adrian stood up. He wasn’t going to let Kate go without a fight. He breathed in to calm his nerves and breathed out again. “Your Honor, I love my niece and I want the best for her. If at any stage I believed I couldn’t care for her properly, I would hand her over to her aunt.” He paused. “The recent publicity surrounding my tour has been difficult. Emily was Kate’s nanny, but she quit when I rejected her advances. She left me without a nanny for Kate and I was fortunate a friend offered to help. A couple of weeks ago Emily admitted this in an interview.”
The footage was played and Susan murmured, “How much did you pay the poor woman?”
Adrian breathed deeply to control his anger and continued. “I took Kate on tour with me as I wasn’t comfortable with her going to summer camp. She still has nightmares about the crash in which her parents died and I didn’t want her facing them alone. I offered to take Kate’s cousin Jemma with us, so Kate would have someone her own age to play with, but Susan didn’t allow it.” He picked up a copy of Libby’s contract. “This is the schedule both nannies had. You will note they only looked after Kate when I had work commitments. The schedule was designed to ensure I had time with Kate, and so we could explore the countries we were in. I thought it was a good opportunity for her to expand her horizons and learn about the world.” He held up another statement. “This is from one of my road crew. It states that Kate rarely socialized with the crew. I was concerned some of their more colorful language might rub off on her and so I kept her contact with them to a minimum.”
The clerk read the statement out.
Susan sniffed but didn’t say a word.
“My father’s accusations are entirely false.” He took a deep breath. “The truth is my brother and I ran away from home many years ago. I was twelve and he was sixteen.” The admission was a relief.
Susan gasped but Adrian didn’t give her a chance to speak. “My father is an alcoholic and abused us. We had to steal money from his wallet to buy food to survive. When he found out, he would beat me or lock me in the basement for hours.” Adrian peeked at Susan to gauge her reaction. Her mouth was open and she looked stunned.
“Do you have any proof?” the judge asked.
“My foster-father documented everything.” Adrian handed over Hank’s records and waited while the judge reviewed them. Finally the judge nodded for Adrian to continue.
“I know what it is like to be neglected, to have an unstable home life and to fear for your safety. If I ever thought Kate was in danger, or that my lifestyle would disadvantage her in any way, I would allow Susan to be her guardian.” He paused. “I truly believe I can care for her.” He sat down.
The judge gazed at him for a moment, with a look Adrian could not read, and then glanced down at his notes. “You haven’t mentioned this last nanny, Libby,” the judge said. “There was a photo which showed the two of you together, and reports that you were a couple.”
Adrian still remembered the warmth of Libby in his arms. How she felt so right and filled him with such joy. He paused. “Libby cared for Kate until the publicity around Emily and my father became too intense. After Kate had her say on camera, we parted company.”
“Did this Libby make a statement?” the judge asked.
Adrian stood. “No –”
“Yes, your Honor. It’s here.” George stood, pulling out a bit of paper.
Adrian’s heart stopped and he stood rigid. Where the heck had that come from? George hadn’t said a word to him about it and he hadn’t dared ask Libby for a character reference after the way he’d treated her.
The judge read the statement and passed it to his clerk. He steepled his fingers together. “That’s quite a statement, Mr. Hart.”
Adrian held his breath as the clerk read out Libby’s words.
Chapter 21
“I met Adrian on a television show in Australia. The next day he brought Kate to one of my book signings and we became friends. When I discovered Kate’s nanny had quit, I offered to look after her. The tour schedule was such that I had time to do my writing and also be Kate’s nanny.
“Kate was a delight to be around, eager, friendly and kind. She has such an optimistic way of looking at the world and I loved the time I spent with her.”
Adrian heard Libby’s voice in her words and it hurt to breathe.
“Watching Kate and Adrian
together made me smile. He was the type of parent I wished I had; he played games, listened, taught her things and always had time for her. The tour schedule enabled them to spend a lot of time together and she always came before his work.”
Adrian lowered himself to his chair.
“The media response to Emily and Adrian’s father’s accusations was difficult. Adrian was open and honest with Kate, explaining the situation to her and doing everything he could to keep her away from the reporters. I thought taking Kate home with me would give her a break and keep her away from the media, but I was wrong. Reporters followed us to my home and it was my fault Kate was on the evening news.”
Adrian shook his head. Libby had taken the whole blame, when none of it was her fault. He knew how tenacious Kate was. He should have allowed her to speak or spoken up himself, but he’d been so scared of the outcome.
“Over the three weeks I spent with Adrian and Kate, I fell in love with Kate. I realize my relationship with Adrian may make my statement appear biased, but let me assure you of this: If at any stage I believed Kate’s welfare was in danger, I would be the first to suggest she go to her aunt. However, in my time with them, I never saw anything that would make me feel that way. Kate and Adrian have a bond that anyone would envy. I implore you not to break them up.”
Adrian stared straight ahead, not seeing anything. Libby wanted Kate to stay with him. She thought he was a good parent. A vine of optimism threaded through his heart. Maybe she didn’t hate him.
George elbowed him and hissed, “No, your Honor.”
Adrian shook himself. The judge was waiting for a response. He stood. “No, your Honor.” He had no idea what the question was.
The judge’s lips twitched upward. “If no one has anything else to say, I will go and speak with Kate.”
They all rose as the judge left the room.
Adrian turned to George as he sat. “Why didn’t you tell me you’d called Libby?”
“I didn’t.” George smiled. “Libby called me. Kate emailed her and told her the situation and Libby offered to write a statement. I didn’t think it would help much, but I forgot she’s a hell of a writer.”
“Why didn’t you show it to me?”
George glanced at the lawyer. “We decided to leave it aside until we had to use it. We thought your reaction might help the case and we were right. You looked like you’d been punched in the gut. It was obvious you weren’t expecting it, and therefore it made her statement more believable.”
“But why would she do that after the way I treated her?” He didn’t deserve her kindness.
George bumped his shoulder. “You’re so stupid. She loves you. Anyone could see that. Heck, the day she came to the rehearsal all the guys started a pool as to how long it would take you to get engaged.”
Adrian snorted. George had it wrong. He and Libby hadn’t even kissed by then. All they’d done was talk. “What did you bet?”
“Can’t tell you yet. It’s still open.”
Adrian snorted. It didn’t really matter. All that mattered in the next hour was the outcome of this case. He checked the time and then checked how Susan was faring. She sat with her hands clenched tightly together, looking straight ahead, her husband next to her.
Another vine of optimism threaded its way through his heart. He might actually win this.
The clock’s minute hand moved slowly around the face. The judge had been gone for forty-five minutes. How long was he going to be with Kate?
George leaned over. “Kate’s talking his ear off. I bet she’s got him wrapped around her little finger.”
Adrian laughed. George was probably right. Kate was determined to be with Adrian and she would do all she could to convince the judge.
Finally, after an hour, the judge came back in. He took his seat and smiled at them. “Kate is a lovely girl. I could talk to her all day.”
Adrian smiled back at him and glanced over at Susan, but she didn’t change her expression.
“It is easy to see why she has two people wanting to be her guardian. She’s very lucky that both of you care about her welfare.” The judge paused. “From the evidence presented to me today and from the statements I have heard, I see no reason to change the custody agreement already in place. Mr. Hart will continue to be Kate’s guardian.”
Adrian didn’t hear anything else. George whooped and slapped him on the back and finally it sunk in. Adrian slumped down as the relief lifted away his tension. He still had Kate. He grinned so widely he thought his face was going to break.
He stood as the judge left the room and turned to Susan. He felt no animosity toward her. As the judge said, they both wanted the best for Kate. He wanted to make sure she knew she was welcome to see Kate whenever she wanted. Before he said anything, Susan spoke.
“I must apologize, Adrian.”
Adrian’s eyebrows rose.
“I got caught up in the lies the media told. I should have listened to Libby when she tried to explain it, but I wanted Kate. She reminds me so much of Penny and part of me feels Penny is still alive when I’m with Kate.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I only wanted the best for her.”
Adrian shuffled his feet and awkwardly patted her on the arm. “I know, Susan. We both miss Daniel and Penny. You’ll still see Kate. She and Jemma are never far apart.”
“Thank you,” Susan said. “You’re far more forgiving than me.” She met his gaze. “I was going to keep Kate’s contact with you to a minimum.”
It was a stab to his heart but he kept his tone pleasant for Kate’s sake. “Then I’m glad I won.”
The doors of the courtroom burst open and Kate rushed in. “We won!” she yelled and hurled herself down the aisle and into Adrian’s arms. He picked her up and swung her around before hugging her tightly. He’d faced his demons, fought for her and he’d won.
“We sure did, kiddo.” He put her on the ground.
Susan went to walk past them, but Kate put out a hand to stop her. “Thank you for caring for me, Aunt Susan. We’ll still see each other. Jem and I decided it would be better to be best friends than sisters ’cause sisters fight too much.”
Susan’s smile was small. “Maybe you and Jemma are right.”
Kate nodded. “We talked about it a lot. I’ll see you tomorrow night at Jason’s party.”
“I’ll look forward to it.” Susan gave Kate a hug before walking away.
Kate slipped her hand into Adrian’s. “The judge told me not to be mad at her. He said I was lucky so many people cared for me.”
Her words warmed Adrian’s heart. “He was right.”
Kate looked up at him. “Let’s go celebrate. I’m starving.”
“Sure thing, kiddo.”
As they walked out of the courthouse, Adrian’s thoughts turned to Libby. Would he win if he fought for Libby? He’d treated her so badly, had pushed her away to protect himself. But he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her, even when he’d thought she’d betrayed him. He loved her and needed to tell her so. Did the fact that she’d written a statement mean she would give him a second chance?
One thing he did know – she was worth fighting for.
“I think this calls for a party,” George said as he caught up with them.
“Yes!” Kate yelled.
Adrian grinned. “Absolutely. Why don’t you invite your folks around and we’ll have a pool party.”
“I’ll pick up the food on my way around. You guys can set up.” George didn’t wait for a response as he punched numbers into his cell.
***
As Adrian organized the plates and cutlery they needed for the party, his thoughts kept drifting to Libby. He had to do something, but he didn’t know what. He couldn’t email her, it was too impersonal, but a phone call seemed wrong as well. What he wanted to do was fly back to Australia, but he couldn’t do that either. Kate started school in a week and not only did he have to organize her school things, he didn’t want her jet-lagged for her first day.
“I wish Libby was here. She’d love a pool party,” Kate said.
Adrian’s heart stuttered. Kate was right. He could picture Libby in bathers splashing around with them. “Mmm,” he responded, as noncommittal as he could.
Kate glanced up from setting the table, eyes wide and innocent. “Did you thank her for her statement?”
“I’m trying to figure out the best way to do that.”
“Why don’t you call her?” Kate asked and then grinned as another idea came to her. “Better yet, why don’t you fly back to Australia?”
He really wished he could. He held up a hand. “Hold on, kiddo. It’s not as easy as that. You’re starting school soon.”
“You do love her, don’t you?” She looked at him. “Like she loves you?”
He didn’t know what made Kate think Libby loved him. Perhaps it was just her way of seeing the world. But she was right about him. He did love Libby.
Of course he did. It might have taken standing up to his father and almost losing Kate to make him realize he wanted Libby as a permanent part of his life, but he’d got there in the end. Just remembering the time he’d spent with Libby brought a smile to his face and lightened his heart. “Yes,” he said. “I love her.”
“You have to tell her. Libby says people often say things they don’t mean when they’re mad. But if you love someone, you forgive them.” Kate paused. “She forgave me when I was mad at her.”
It wasn’t that simple, but he couldn’t explain that to a ten-year-old. “We’ve got to buy your school things,” he said.
“Jem and I are going shopping for that together. Aunt Susan is taking us.”
Adrian couldn’t ask someone to look after Kate while he went to Australia. Not after he’d just had his custody of Kate confirmed. It would make him seem irresponsible. “If I take you to Australia, you’ll be too jet-lagged for school.” There had to be some way to make this work.
Kate frowned, concentrating, and then brightened. “I’ll be right back.” She jumped up and ran out of the room before he could ask her what she was up to.
Adrian got a bag of chips out of the cupboard and poured them into a bowl. In the next room he could hear Kate talking. He stood and wandered toward her voice. What was she up to? He found her in her bedroom with the phone to her ear. “That would be awesome, Aunt Susan. Thanks.” She turned, saw him and gave him a guilty smile. “Maybe you should tell him what we agreed,” she said into the phone, then thrust it at Adrian. When he took it, she hopped back a couple of steps, her fingers in her mouth.
What Goes on Tour Page 27