Page 61 of Twenty-Three Years of Longing

“He told Joseph that he could either retro pay me spousal and child support for the past ten years, or sign off his legal parental rights to Joey," I stated.

"Holy shit. That would mean he would have no legal rights to even claim Joey as his son.”

Even though he couldn’t see me, I smiled. “That’s correct.”

“What did Joseph say?" Orion asked.

"I won't repeat the cruelty he used, but let's say that Joseph will never be in my son's life," I said, joyfully.

"Congratulations! I know you must be thrilled at this. But how is Joey handling the outcome?" he questioned.

"My fear was he'd be hurt deeply by the rejection. I mean to hear first-hand that your flesh and blood father doesn’t want anything to do with you must be painful.” I regretted saying that as I recalled the fact Orion’s mother left him and never made contact again. “I’m sorry. That was insensitive of me,” I said. Damn. I knew his mother had left him. I never should have said that.

“Don’t worry about it. My mother madeher choice. Joseph made his. I don’t hate my mother. And after twenty-plus years of longing for her to reach out to us, I stopped caring. My only wish was that she’d have bid us goodbye instead of just disappearing from our lives.”

That made sense. “Maybe that explains Joey’s reaction. After having to sit in the courtroom and hearing how his father spoke to me and about him, somehow it seemed to have made it easier for him to accept the rejection. Strange because I would've thought the opposite would've happened. I had been prepared to console him, but instead he was the strong one telling me that we don't need Joseph. Never even called him dad, or father. Just Joseph." I was so proud of him. Glad that he was nothing like that sperm donor of a father.

"That's amazing. But from how you speak about Joey, it doesn't surprise me. He's got courage from his mother," he said.

I wished we were having this conversation in person because I'd be wrapping my arms around his neck and telling him how much I love him. With everything he has said and done, him complimenting Joey is my favorite.

How can I not love someone who I know already loves my son?

"I really can't wait for you to meet him. And he seems excited to be going to Tabiq too and I haven't even told him about you taking him fishing yet." I said, jokingly.

The truth was, I hadn't told Joey anything about Orion. Not because I was afraid of what he'd say, but because I wasn't sure where Orion and I were headed yet. But through all these difficult things we had faced, we bonded and supported each other in ways that neither of us expected. I felt closer to him than even Kathy, and that said a lot.

"When I have a chance, I'll go and dig the supplies out of the shed. Haven't used them in years," he said. "Not sure what shape they are in, but I'll make them work."

That was perfect. I wanted to shop for something with Joey to bring to Tabiq. Tonight, I would sit him down, and tell him everything about Orion. Explain how he’d been there for me, and how even though they didn’t know each other, Orion had been there for him too. If all that went as I expected, I’d take Joey out shopping tomorrow. I now knew what would be the perfect gift for him. Fishing poles.

The good thing about being flown in a private jet was not having to worry about overhead storage or what would fit in one suitcase. Shaun made sure to let me know I could bring anything and as much as I wanted. Not that I had an abundance of things, but I was nostalgic and kept a lot of Joey's things from over the years. Those things mean a lot to me.

"Don't worry about the pole. There will be a lot of other things for him to do when we get there." That hopefully would put him off searching for something he won't need. "Now, tell me, how is your grandmother?" I had been waiting for an update on her, but I knew he also didn’t want to disturb me while I was in court.

"She is awake, but in a lot of discomfort. Finn said she will be in the hospital for at least another week, if not more."

"I am sure that they are just trying to make sure she is strong enough to go home," I said.

"Unfortunately, I need to deliver her some bad news when I go to see her in the morning," he said.

That scared me. "What is that?" I asked.

"Finn said she cannot go back to living alone. You know how she feels about that,” he stated.

“I do. It’s going to be very hard for her to accept, but if anyone can make her understand, it is you,” I said. I witnessed the bond they had. She adored both of them, but Orion held a special place in her heart. I know that feeling. He does for me as well.

“I am not so sure about that. But I have done some serious thinking and...and I have decided that it is best that she lives with me," he stated.

I smiled. "Good. I know it won't be easy, but you have one of the biggest hearts of anyone I ever met. She's lucky to have you. And I know you will take better care of her than any stranger would.”

"I hope she sees it that way," he sighed. “She was adamant about living alone.”

I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy conversation, and she was going to argue with him. "If she doesn't, I'll be happy to talk to her for you. And Orion, I will help in any way I can. You don't have to feel as though you need to do it all on your own," I said truthfully. Then it hit me. He needed space and his apartment might not be the right place for that. "Are you bringing her to your apartment? Because I don’t think that is going to be very convenient. You need lots of space. And also, someplace that will feel like a home to her. She might not be able to do a lot, but she said she loves to sit in her rocker and knit.”

"About that. I have something to tell you,” Orion stated.

"What about it?" I asked.

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