Saying Good-bye to London

by Julie Burtinshaw

  “If I know my son,” he said, “he’s starving, and there hasn’t been any time to cook. I’ve got baby back ribs, coleslaw, fries, an assortment of juices, and chocolate cake.”

  “Yay!” A chorus of cheers erupted from the living room.

  “I’m not staying,” Francis’s dad explained quickly. “But, Francis, your mom and I are so proud of all of you.”

  “You’re a lucky boy, Francis,” Mrs. Martin said after he’d left. “You’re clearly the apple of your father’s eye!”

  Once Kevin had arrived, they attacked the food greedily, and for a while, the only sounds in the room were smacking lips and happy sighs. Only when they’d eaten as much as they could did they turn their attentions back to the difficult task they’d taken on.

  Mrs. Martin began. “Maria was lovely, but I don’t like the idea of her bringing a strange man into the mix, and she clearly wants a partner eventually. I’d feel so much better if she were a bit more settled. I loved Winston and Michelle, but they live so close to us, and I worry about the idea of running into them with London present. Of course, the Scotts are totally unsuitable.”

  “I don’t agree about Maria,” Sawyer said. “You can’t hold her single status against her. It doesn’t seem fair.”

  “Maybe not,” Jack argued, “but I agree with your mom. Who knows what kind of a man she might end up with? It’s too much of a risk.”

  “Yeah, but we could easily pick a couple, and one of them could divorce, or die, and then the one left behind might remarry,” Kevin protested. “Nobody can read the future.”

  “I’d be more worried about her plan to have a nanny. The nanny would probably spend more time with London than Maria,” Francis added. “Why don’t we vote on Maria?” Francis had already made up his mind about who he wanted to parent London. He wanted to get on with it.

  Mrs. Martin stood up. “Let’s begin with Beth and David Scott from Kelowna.”

  Kevin groaned.

  “What a disaster they were,” Sawyer said.

  “All the same, show of hands for the Scotts.” Mrs. Martin nodded as she looked at the others. “As we thought. Show of hands against the Scotts.” All four of them put both their hands up. “That was quick and easy.” Mrs. Martin laughed. Now we can move on to a show of hands for Maria.”

  Sawyer’s hand shot up. Kevin’s followed. “Okay.” Mrs. Martin paused. “Show of hands against Maria Del Ray from Alberta.”

  Francis waved his hand above his head. They all looked at Jack. “You can’t be undecided,” Sawyer told him. “You have to make up your mind.”

  “I’m not undecided,” Jack said. “I like her, and maybe it’s not fair, but life isn’t fair.” He raised his hand. “That’s a tie.”

  All eyes went to Mrs. Martin. Nobody envied her role as tiebreaker. She took only a few moments to consider what to do before she spoke up. “I’m sorry, Sawyer, but I’m not willing to take the chance on her future choice of a boyfriend or husband. Fair or not fair. Besides, I think she’s got too much to juggle in her busy life.” Mrs. Martin raised her hand. “Maria’s out. It’s sad, but we have to put the baby first, and that’s what I’m doing.”

  “Who’s going to tell her the bad news?”

  “Don’t worry, Kevin. Ms. Yeung from Phoenix will take care of that. Now what about our third couple? Winston and Michelle Oliver from Vancouver?”

  Jack spoke up. “Well, I really liked them, and not only because I picked them. However, now that I think about it, I agree with Mrs. Martin. They live in the same city as we do. It’s too close. I mean, the chances are really good that any one of us could run into them. I kind of wish I’d thought of that earlier, before we got their hopes up.”

  “I don’t think that should matter,” Kevin protested.

  “They were really great,” Sawyer said. “I’m confident they’d be equally fantastic parents. When London’s old enough to look up her parents, she’ll be close by and we can all get to know her better. What do you think, Francis?”

  “They were cool. I’m not sure. I mean, except for the Scotts, they were all wonderful people. This is so hard.”

  “Well, let’s vote.” Mrs. Martin said. “I agree with Francis. This isn’t easy at all. A show of hands for Winston and Michelle.”

  “They get my vote.” Jack raised his hand.

  Kevin also raised his hand. “Mine too.”

  “So we can assume this is another tie?” Mrs. Martin sighed. “I didn’t expect to be in this position twice. How about if we deal with this after we’ve voted on the Fox-Laberge couple? Maria and the Scotts are out, and it’s a tie with the Olivers. So, on to Taylor and Sydney and Star.”

  Francis’s hand shot up, followed by Sawyer’s and Jack’s. “I can’t vote against them. They are perfect. I wish they were my parents.”

  “Yeah.” Kevin’s hand went up. “London Laberge-Fox it is!”

  Mrs. Martin hugged her daughter. “I would have voted for them too! I think they will be fabulous parents for London.” She checked her watch. “I think I’ll give Ms. Yeung a quick call. I know she’s very curious to learn who we have chosen.”

  “Speaker phone,” Sawyer demanded. “We all want to hear what she says.”

  Seconds later, they got their wish. “I’m not supposed to say this,” Ms. Yeung bubbled, “but I’m thrilled with your choice. They are genuine, lovely people. As soon as the rest of the paperwork is completed I’ll call and let them know.” She lowered her voice. “I’m looking forward to that call as much as I’m dreading the others.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  By the end of your ninth month, your baby is settling into the fetal position, upside down with her head against the birth canal, legs tucked up to chest, and knees against nose. The bones of baby’s head are soft and flexible to ease the process of delivery through the birth canal.

  Excerpt: From Conception to Birth

  Less than a week later, Ms. Yeung found herself with Sawyer and her mother, seated in their cozy living room, sipping tea. Before them lay a stack of legal documents Ms Yeung wanted them to review. It had taken a long time and much effort to arrive at this place, but they’d done it.

  “Francis should be here any minute,” Sawyer promised. Her huge belly meant that sitting in one position for too long caused great discomfort. As if on cue, a rap on the door announced Francis’s arrival. “Sorry I’m late,” he apologized. “Stupid bus.”

  “Don’t worry about it. Mint tea?”

  Francis didn’t really like herbal tea, but he didn’t want to be rude. “Thank you, Mrs. Martin.”

  “Sawyer really misses her coffee, but I keep telling her that she’ll be back on the java soon enough.”

  I could use some java, Francis thought to himself.

  “I can’t wait for my first taste,” Sawyer confirmed with a smile. “Maybe I’ll splurge on a latte. It’s good to have some things to look forward to after…well, after the birth…”

  Ms. Yeung sipped her tea. “This is delicious.” She cleared her throat. She’d been in many similar situations, but had seldom witnessed Sawyer’s composure and dignity, or her mother’s loyal support, and to have the young dad present was almost unheard of. “Of course, initially, Francis, you too will be on the birth certificate, until the parents apply to change that, so the adoption will require both of your signatures.”

  Ms. Yeung flashed her brightest smile. “I just want to reiterate a few important points. As we discussed earlier, you’ll have seven days from the date of the child’s birth to sign the adoption papers. You will still have twenty-one days after signing the papers to change your mind. I sincerely hope neither of you will exercise that option, but it’s there if you need to. Realize that doing so is a heartbreak for everyone, but especially for the adoptive parents.”

  “Don’t worry,” Sawyer reassured her. “That’s not going to
happen. I know this is the best thing for London.” She turned to Francis. “Right?”

  He nodded, but with nothing to say, kept quiet, studying Ms. Yeung. He could tell she had a great deal of admiration for Sawyer, but she was sharp and didn’t miss a thing, not even the sadness that often clouded Sawyer’s eyes as the birth drew nearer. Ms. Yeung nodded. “You’re doing a wonderful thing,” she said softly.

  Sawyer blinked several times. “I know, but it doesn’t always feel that way.”

  Ms. Yeung patted Sawyer’s knee. “I’ve arranged for you to meet with our lawyers to actually sign all the papers. Because Sawyer’s under eighteen,” she said, turning to Sawyer’s mom, “you will also need to be present.”

  “Of course.” She closed her hand over her daughter’s. “We’re in this together.”

  “Would you be willing to tell me how you came to your decision? Do either of you have any doubts about Taylor and Sydney, before I inform them?”

  Sawyer glanced at her mother, who simply nodded her head. “Go on, sweetheart. Tell her what you thought of all of the couples.”

  “Well,” Sawyer began, “Beth and David didn’t even make it to first base. I’d feel sorry for any child unlucky enough to end up in their home. I don’t know how they even got through your screening process. Those two are miserable, especially David.”

  “It blew me away.” Francis frowned. “They weren’t anything like I thought they’d be. Definitely check them out again.”

  “We will,” assured Ms. Yeung. “They passed the home test and had great reference letters, but that was some time ago. I’ll spend a little more time with them. I think this process has taken its toll on them in the interim years. Not all couples make it. They were solid when they did the home study, but now…who knows? It’s not easy.” She switched course. “What about Maria?”

  Sawyer’s mother shuffled uncomfortably in her chair. “The kids loved Maria, but I had my doubts. I’ve been a single mom since Sawyer’s dad left us. Honestly, it hasn’t been easy. Besides, I think Maria wants a partner, and finding one gets harder when you’re a mother. Trust me, I know. But I guess none of us can see the future, and couples are vulnerable to unforeseen events too—good and bad.”

  “I liked Maria,” Sawyer interrupted, “but she got voted out. I still think she’d be a great mom, but we all agreed that we each had an equal vote, and Maria lost out.”

  “I thought she was lovely too,” Ms. Yeung agreed. She’d secretly been hoping they’d choose the accomplished single mom, but experience had taught her that this would be unlikely. “But not to worry. I’ll continue to work hard on her behalf. And Winston and Michelle?”

  “We all loved them,” Sawyer enthused. “The only reason we didn’t think they’d work out was because they live so close.”

  “We didn’t want to run into them unexpectedly, especially if they had London with them,” Francis added. “That would be awkward, to say the least.”

  “That’s a really good point,” Ms. Yeung agreed. “And you are correct. They are wonderful people, and there are three other out-of-town pregnant women interested in meeting them. They’ll be parents soon enough.”

  Sawyer’s mother breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m very pleased to hear that.”

  “Taylor and Sydney already have a child,” Sawyer said, “but they were the perfect couple and we all feel good about them.”

  “That’s the most important thing.” Ms. Yeung stood up. “Now that I’m convinced that you’re one hundred percent comfortable with your choice, I’ll go back to my office and make the phone calls. I want to assure you that I’m as enthusiastic about the Fox-Laberge choice as you are.”

  Sawyer’s face lit up. Francis struggled not to pump the air with his fist. He’d known from the very start that they were the right couple, and now it had been confirmed.

  After Ms. Yeung left, Francis stayed for a short time before Sawyer said she needed a rest. Once alone in her bedroom, she lay down on her bed and pulled the covers up over her face. She’d been tired lately, finding it more difficult to move around. This would be her last week at school. She’d do her best to finish the year online, but it was a challenge to concentrate. With the baby’s future decided, she felt a great weight lifted. Because she knew that London could hear and feel her, Sawyer would be positive, no matter how hard that might be.

  • • •

  Ms. Yeung sat down at her desk and picked up her phone. She had four calls to make. Two would be heartbreaking, one difficult, and one would remind her of why she loved her work so much. Of course, she saved the best for last.

  When the phone rang in the Scotts’ house, Beth saw Phoenix’s number on the call display and picked up halfway through the second ring. “Hello! I hope this is good news.” She crossed herself.

  “I’m sorry,” Ms. Yeung responded quickly. “But I’m afraid you and your husband are still on the list.” She could picture the scene in the Scott household and regretted the pain she had inflicted on them.

  David Scott saw his wife’s face crumple and his heart sank. Their nightmare would continue. After Beth hung up, he tried to comfort her, but she pushed him away.

  “Leave me alone,” she said flatly.

  “I’m not sure we love each other enough to raise a child together right now,” David said, wondering if they’d survive as a couple through another round.

  Maria had just finished examining a colicky horse when her cell phone buzzed. “Hello,” she answered, full of hope. “Dr. Del Ray.”

  “Hello, Maria. It’s—”

  “I know who it is,” Maria said. “And I can tell by your tone, it’s not good news.” She kept her voice strong while her heart broke.

  “I know how hard this is,” Ms. Yeung said sympathetically. “But we are going to find a match soon, Maria. I really think we should talk about an international adoption, again. It’s a bit of a wait, but as I’ve said before, it’s a better option for single applicants. The children are in orphanages, and you’d be matched up with a child by our people on the ground. Let’s talk again once you’ve had a chance to get over this.”

  The third call wasn’t any easier. Frankly, she’d been surprised when Sawyer hadn’t named Michelle and Winston as the baby’s parents, but she’d appreciated that proximity could be a very real issue.

  Michelle answered the phone. “Hang on a sec,” she said breathlessly. “I’m going to put you on speaker so Winston can hear everything.”

  “I’m sorry, Michelle and Winston, but it’s not good news.” Ms. Yeung gave them a moment to reply. When they didn’t, she continued. “Don’t lose heart. The only difficulty was that you lived close by. It won’t be terribly difficult for me to find you a child. Please be patient. I already have two other babies in mind where proximity won’t be an issue. A third one is an open adoption, for which being nearby isn’t a liability. This time it just wasn’t meant to be.”

  After they’d hung up, Michelle and Winston went for a long walk on the beach. “It’s going to okay,” Winston whispered to Michelle. “We have to do what Ms. Yeung advises. We have to be patient for a little while longer.”

  At last, Ms. Yeung made the call she’d been looking forward to. Taylor ran for the phone, but he hesitated when he saw the number. Finally, on the third ring, he answered with a tentative “Allo?”

  He and Sydney wanted a second child so badly, but they realized it would take special people to accept them. Special people, they both knew, were few and far between. “Good news, I hope?”

  Sydney stood at his elbow, Star in his arms. He kept his eyes glued on Taylor, watching his facial expressions for clues. When the tears started down Taylor’s cheeks, his heart sank. He hugged Star closer.

  “Thank you, Ms. Yeung.” Taylor dropped the phone gently into its base. “Sydney,” he said in a shaky voice, “it looks like we’ll be returning to Vancouve
r in a couple of weeks.”

  Sydney, for once, was speechless. “Tu es sûr?”

  “Oui, sans aucun doute.” Taylor grinned. “Nous sommes vraiment bénis.”

  “Why are we blessed, Dad?” Star wanted to know.

  Sydney pulled Taylor into his embrace. “Because we are going to be parents for a second time. You’re going to have a baby sister.”

  Star clapped her hands together. “Une soeur!”

  • • •

  Both Francis and Kevin visited Sawyer regularly, even during their exams. At first Kevin went because he couldn’t stand to be at home where the vacuum created by his father’s death threatened to suffocate him. Then he went because he felt welcome and part of something bigger than himself.

  Whenever Francis went, his mother sent packages of goodies. One cool, sunny May afternoon, the boys showed up together. Francis had a large box of truffles in his satchel.

  They found Sawyer at the kitchen table and Jack leaning out the window smoking. “For the baby’s health,” he explained.

  “I’m going to get fat,” Sawyer lamented, tearing open the box. “No wonder I can’t see my toes anymore!” She quickly popped three truffles into her mouth.

  “Well, you are nine months pregnant. Soon you’ll be your old skinny self again.” Francis helped himself to a truffle.

  “Do you think your mom will keep sending over treats after the baby is born? I’m spoiled now.”

  “What are we celebrating?” Kevin asked.

  “Well, for one thing, today everything about the baby is settled.” Sawyer clapped her hands. “It’s about time too. It hurts to walk. And I can’t focus on anything. I’m hungry all the time.” She picked up another chocolate. “I can’t believe I’m eating truffles now. The kids in my class sent over a box of macaroons yesterday. They said they’re going to have a class party when the baby is born.”

  “Well, you’re eating for two.” Kevin laughed. “That’s crazy about the kids in your class. We don’t talk about it at school, even though word’s leaked out. Kids shoot Francis weird looks. Right, Francis? But that’s about it.”