Page 53 of Twenty-Three Years of Longing

“Not at all. Like yourself, he wanted nothing to do with his son. Tyler is autistic and the biological father and his family viewed him as an embarrassment. None of them wanted anything to do with him except use him to make my wife’s life difficult. In the end, he ended up signing off her parental rights and I adopted Tyler and have raised him as my own since. My wife Morgan has taught me that love comes in many forms, and usually when you least expect it,” he stated.

Was he trying to tell me that Orion loved me? I’d like to believe he did, even though he hadn’t said the words. His actions were of someone who loved a person. He admitted to caring about me, but was it love? I wasn’t sure. Maybe he wasn’t either. All I knew was that I was falling in love with him. It was too fast and that scared me, but I had no doubt about my feelings for him. Unfortunately, that didn’t change the fact that our timing was really bad. With everything going on, there was no time for us to explore our connection. Not in the way we’d like to. And right now, I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be in Tabiq in a couple of days, never mind dating Orion.

“Mr. Henderson...”

“Please, call me Shaun.”

“Shaun, what should I do?” I asked.

“First of all, you need to fly back to the States. You need to sit with the judge in person to show him the woman you are, not the one he’s portraying you to be,” he stated.

What kind of woman is that? “He knows nothing about me. We haven’t spoken in almost ten years. Joey was just a baby when he walked out on us,” I stated, trying to keep my composure. Something I didn’t need to do with Orion. With him, I felt as though I could be the real me. It was nice. Comforting. And the thought of leaving Tabiq and not having him by my side frightened me. Kathy was great, but not what I needed now. I needed Orion.

“It doesn’t matter what he knows, it’s what he has said. I had his petition to the courts pulled and apparently, he told the judge that you abandoned your son and that’s why he wants an immediate junction giving him full custody.”

“He can’t have him. I can’t let Joey go and be with someone who has never cared about him before,” I said.

“And that’s why I’m going to help you. Bennett can have the Henderson jet fueled and ready for you to leave in a couple of hours. Tomorrow, we can meet with the judge so you can tell your side of the story. But like I said, all this needs to be done in person. And I know your son is only ten, but if you can have him join you to tell his side, that would be beneficial as well,” Shaun stated.

I turned to Orion and said, “I’m sorry. I want to be here for the students, but you understand why I must go. I can’t lose Joey.”

Orion reached over and held my hand. “Do not think twice about it. You’re doing the right thing. Trust Shaun. He won’t let Joseph take your son from you.”

“No, I won’t,” Shaun said firmly.

She turned back to the computer and said, “Shaun, his family... can be intimidating.”

Shaun laughed. “I have done my research, and the Davison family has crossed paths with my family before. They don’t want to do so again. Your being there and speaking to the judge is more a formality than anything else. We want it documented by the judge on your character and not what Joseph said you are.”

“Thank you,” I said.

“And if you decide to change your last name back to your Madian one, it can be done at the same time,” Shaun stated.

“I had thought about doing that, but Joey’s last name is Davison. That is the only reason why I kept it. Easier for him,” I admitted. Otherwise, I’d have changed it as soon as I learned he cheated on me.

He nodded. “Do you have any questions for me?” Shaun asked.

I nodded. “Will you be there as well?”

“No. I will have a family attorney there to represent you and Joey. But I'm only in Boston and can fly out to you if you need me in Ohio,” he offered.

“That will be okay. I have your number and I’m sure your attorney will update you. I’ll find a way to repay you for all you’re doing for us,” I said.

“All I ask is for you to continue being the mother you are. And from what I’ve been told about you, that son of yours is very lucky. Trust the process, Raya. Keep your cool. And remember, don’t fear the Davison name. Believe in yourself, and the bond you have with your son. You will be fine,” he said.

“I will,” I replied, just before Bennett closed the laptop ending the call.

“Why don’t I leave the two of you to talk while I go make arrangements for the jet,” Bennett said, getting up and leaving us alone in his office.

Once alone, I turned to Orion and said, “I’m glad you called Shaun. It sounds like I might win this.”

“Not might. You will win. I know you will,” he said.

“I just wish...I wish I didn’t need to leave...Tabiq,” I said. What I wanted to say was I wished I didn’t have to leave him.

“Raya, who do you have in Ohio who can go with you to court?” he asked.

“Kathy, but she won’t be any more help than if you asked Mayson. They mean well, but their mouths get them in trouble. In this case, it will get me in trouble. Why?” I asked.

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