Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 86808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
“Miss Sylvie,” Judge Laudermilk says in his most courtly tone. He puts a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I understand how awful things have been for you, especially with your mother dying. I know that you’re very out of sorts and none of this is fair. But we do have laws to follow in this state, and if Ethan Blackburn is your father, and he wants custody of you—”
“I do,” I say, the first words I’ve uttered during this entire proceeding. I say this not looking at the judge or anyone else. I am speaking from the heart and my message is for Sylvie. “Once the test comes back proving she’s mine, I’ll want her with me.”
“That is not what’s best for her,” Lionel Mardraggon booms before wheeling on his attorney. “You fix this or you’re fired.”
“Mr. Mardraggon,” Judge Laudermilk says, and gone is the genteel tone he used with Sylvie. Instead, it’s laced with the steel of a man who could put the great Mardraggon patriarch in jail if he so desired. “This is not your attorney’s decision. It is mine. And there is no fixing this. I’m going to follow the law.” Once again, he turns to Sylvie and gentles his expression. “But here’s what I’m going to do for you. For the time being, and until paternity is proven, you’ll stay with your grandparents. If it’s determined that Ethan Blackburn is your father, I’m going to order that he become your legal guardian. However, I will order an evaluation in two months’ time and we will revisit the matter. If things are not working out and you wish to go back to the Mardraggons, I will certainly take your wishes into consideration. Just know that my job is to do what’s in your best interest, Miss Sylvie.”
Sylvie’s expression hardens on the judge and it is both impressive and terrifying to me that she has the confidence in that tiny body to voice such a strong opinion. “I don’t understand why it can’t be my choice now.”
“Because I have to follow the law,” he replies, and while his expression is still kind, there’s a bit of authority in his tone. “And that means I have to place you with your legal guardian, which will be Mr. Blackburn if paternity is proven. But I promise to keep a close eye on your case. Mr. Blackburn has to prove he’s a fit father and can take care of you.”
Sylvie’s gaze cuts away from the judge to her grandfather and then back again. “You’re just going to trust he’s fit? Without making sure?”
“Your Honor,” Todd Gillam interrupts, and the judge doesn’t chastise him the way he’s done twice now to the Mardraggon attorney. “Might I suggest you, Sylvie and I have a private conversation? I think we understand your order and we can release Mr. Blackburn, Mr. Mardraggon and Mr. Rotenburg. Then perhaps we can have a candid discussion with Sylvie on how this might play out.”
“An excellent idea,” Judge Laudermilk booms.
Todd puts a hand on my shoulder and lowers his voice so no one else can hear. “I suggest you go get that paternity test and make your home ready for a little girl.”
Once again, the nerves crash through me as the reality of what is happening hits. I at least have the presence of mind to shake the judge’s hand before walking out. I ignore Lionel’s scowl. I want to say something reassuring to Sylvie, but I can feel the hostility radiating off her so I opt for a friendly smile before exiting the judge’s chambers.
Mind still spinning, I nearly run over my mother as I turn the corner in the hallway outside the courtroom. Hands going to her shoulders to keep her upright, I apologize. “Are you okay?”
“Ah, I’m made of stronger stuff than that,” she chastises, immediately putting a hand to my freshly shaven cheek. I normally have thick stubble, but today I felt the need to make a good impression. “How are ye feelin’, love? I know this has thrown ye for a loop.”
I’m not an overly warm and fuzzy guy, despite having deep love and affection from my parents and siblings my entire life. But my mom’s concern is touching. I rest my hand on hers and pull it away from my face, only to bring it to my lips to kiss the back of it. “Like you, I’m made of tougher stuff. I’ll figure it out.”
“Of that, I’ve no doubt. But we’ll sort it out together. As a family.”
CHAPTER 5
Ethan
“It’s Mr. Gillam,” Kat announces from her seat by the front window in the formal sitting room.
Her words cut through the silence, causing me to jerk slightly from my position at the mantel. Like the rest of the family has been doing, I’ve been quietly mulling over the upcoming events that will change all our lives. My nerves are frayed and have been that way since Todd Gillam called with the paternity results.