Page 117 of Left Behind

Wiley didn’t know there were tears in his eyes until his lawyer handed him a handkerchief.

Judge Beale shifted focus back to Corina.

“Do you have anything you want to add?”

Her face was expressionless, her voice as cold as the heart within her. “No. I don’t want the kid. I’m willing to give up custodial rights.”

Beale said nothing more as the papers that took away Corina’s rights to her child were signed and given back to her lawyer.

“Miss Dalton, the fact that no one has pressed charges against you does not make you innocent. If you ever show up in my courtroom again, I will remember you.”

Then the papers giving Wiley Pope full custody and legal guardianship of Ava Dalton were signed and given back to his lawyer.

“Mr. Pope, I saw the pictures. I commend you on your desire to do the right thing for your sister and to want the best for her. I have every faith that will be so. I wish you and your family the best.” He cleared his throat, then gave Wiley a long look. “If only every lost child had a bed and a pillow, and a brother like you. You are both dismissed.”

Corina snatched the papers from Frank Ashton’s hands and walked out without a word.

Wiley took the papers Ray Greeley gave him. “Thank you, Judge Beale. Thank you,” he said, and then they left the courthouse.

Greeley went one way, and Wiley took an Uber another. He had something to pick up before he left.

***

They had a tailwind in the chopper flying back to Jubilee and arrived fifteen minutes faster than the trip out. He thanked the pilot, then walked back to his SUV. He got in and watched the chopper as it lifted off and disappeared. The silence wrapped around him like a hug as he reached for the phone and sent Linette a text.

I’m back. No challenges. She’s ours. Corina didn’t even blink. I’ll pick Ava up. I need to hug her…and you…so tight. See you at the house. We’re going out to eat tonight. We have much to celebrate. Love you.

Linette got the text, sent him back a big heart emoji, and glanced at the clock. Her shift was almost over, and it was a good day.

The monkey was off Wiley’s back.

***

Wiley rang the doorbell at Dani’s, and as he waited, he heard little footsteps running toward the door. Then it opened and Ava threw herself into Wiley’s arms.

“Bubba! I didn’t see you all day!”

He swung her up and hugged her, then kicked the door shut behind him. “I know!” he said, then heard music coming from the kitchen and danced her up the hall toward the sound, with Ava giggling in his arms.

Dani heard all the merriment and turned toward the doorway as Wiley two-stepped in with Ava stuck to him like a little monkey, and thought, The joy on their faces is a beautiful thing.

“So, little brother, you look happy today,” she said.

“Best day ever,” he said, and put Ava down. “Go get your stuff, sugar. Linnie will be home soon, and we’re going out to eat tonight.”

“Yay!” Ava said, and flew out of the room.

Dani arched an eyebrow. “So?”

“I just flew in from Conway. The guardianship hearing was today. Ava’s mine. Signed, sealed, and delivered. Corina Dalton is now nothing but a bad memory.”

Dani clapped her hands. “Oh my lord! This is wonderful news! Ava is such a precious little soul. Thank God she’s safe. You are her hero. I’m so proud of you and so happy to be a part of her life.”

“You’ve helped tremendously,” Wiley said. “I couldn’t have done my job as easily as I have been without knowing she was with someone I trusted.”

“And I will continue to do so,” Dani said. “It won’t be long before school starts. You’ll be dropping her off at school instead of at my house, but I’ll be there for her every day and bring her home with me until you’re both off work.”

Ava came running back into the room with her backpack hanging off one shoulder and Pinky tucked under her arm.

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