Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20653 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 103(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20653 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 103(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
“I’m still worried. Doesn’t a biological father have greater say than an aunt over a child with a deceased mother?”
“Typically? Yes. Judgments of custody and guardianship favor direct parenthood over assumed forms. But if it’s proven that the child would suffer under the care of the biological parent, awarding guardianship to an aunt, uncle, or grandparent is hardly unheard of.”
“Don’t the violent crimes he has on record help?” Graham adds. “The database shows he’s done time for armed robbery.”
“He has, yes. He’s even currently on probation. It’s enough for me to award temporary guardianship to Tallie. Until it’s challenged, you’re in the clear. In the meantime, I suggest you show yourself to be a fine example of parenthood. Be attentive to the child’s needs, and prove that you can keep her housed and fed.”
The last part stung me. If it wasn’t for Graham’s generosity, I’d be able to do none of that. Strictly speaking, I’m a homeless woman with nothing to her name but the clothes on her back.
“That won’t be a problem,” Graham says. “She’s been staying with me since Lucy’s mother passed and it looks like she’s going to keep staying with me.”
I feel a little flustered with him saying that. It all seems so sudden, so quick.
The judge smiles. “Then she’s in good hands, Graham. I’ll do what I can on my end to make sure everything goes smoothly legally. Keep your noses clean, both of you.”
“You know me, judge. I’m going to burst into some wild crime spree any day now,” he says with a laugh.”
“Thank you,” I say, shaking the judge’s hand as Graham and I stand up.
Side by side, we walk out of the courthouse. Lemon was taking another shift of babysitting duty while we were out doing this. She seems to have taken a liking to my niece.
“Getting a bit hungry,” Graham says.
“Well then, should we...”
Before I even finish my sentence, we’re met by another couple on the sidewalk.
“Abby and Bart, how the hell are you two doing?” Graham says with enthusiasm.
The other couple are a bit surprised to see us, but it’s clear they’re together from their body language. The guy resembles Graham way too much not to be his brother.
“Didn’t expect to run into you today, Graham,” Bart says. “I thought you’d be out doing search and rescue stuff in Hobson.”
“That’s how I met Tallie here.” Graham throws an arm over my shoulder and pulls me close. “We were just pondering lunch. How about the four of us head over to the Home Cookin’ Diner? My treat.”
The other couple exchanges glances, silently checking in with each other before the woman speaks up. “Sure, that sounds good to us.”
We head over to the diner, and the staff gives Graham, Bart and Abby familiar glances. It’s pretty clear that the Rough family are regulars here.
“Love this place,” Graham says as we all sit down at a booth. “Old-fashioned as hell, but it’s not coasting on its history. It still makes some damn good food.”
“Dunno, always feels a bit weird when Mom and Dad reminds us that this is where they really hit it off,” Bart adds. “Thinking of them being all lovey-dovey here is a bit awkward.”
“Then you gotta feel awkward at home too. Mom and Dad are lovey-dovey everywhere.”
“True.”
The menus come out and we place our orders. Bartlett gets a burger, Abby gets the soup of the day. Graham gets a big bowl of chili and I go for the chicken parm.
“So, Tallie, are you a Hobson native?” Abby asks over our food.
I nod. “Lived there my whole life. I grew up there with my sister.”
Her face sinks. “Sorry, didn’t mean to remind you of that.”
“Not your fault.”
There’s an awkwardness about talking to them. As if Bartlett and Abby are holding back.
I need a moment. “Pardon me, time for a trip to the ladies’ room,” I say, jumping up and heading into the bathroom.
Another half-truth, I guess. What I really want is a moment to look into the mirror.
Wondering where all of this is going.
Last night with Graham was fantastic. It felt so wonderful that it pains me to think that it may only be temporary.
He told the judge Lucy and I are staying with him, but his generosity can’t last forever, can it? He’s successful, has connections, he’s everything I’m not.
I’m just some homeless girl with no prospects who’s desperately clinging to a baby she can’t possibly take care of. Unless I win the lottery or something, I’m wholly dependent on handouts and that’s not a good place to be.
I’m not giving up. I know what extreme neglect Lucy will face if she falls into Marcus’s hands. But I feel so hopeless in this moment.
After washing myself up a little, I head back, only to hear the three of them talking. My nosiness gets the better of me, and I press myself against the wall, hoping I won’t be seen or heard.