Page 103 of Embracing Trust

It’s been a few weeks since I talked to Julia on her porch. As she asked, I haven’t tried contacting her. I’ve been busy getting my plans in order.

After I got the call from my attorney, Gary Bishop, while I was visiting Grandma Nola, it didn’t take long, and Aubree was served with a court-ordered DNA test. Of course, she never said a word to my parents about it but didn’t waste any time running to her attorney. We found out from Gary she’d had her attorney on stand-by practically from the moment she stepped foot in Hamilton.

As I finish breakfast, Gary calls and asks me to stop by his office. My muscles tighten in readiness like going into enemy territory in Afghanistan. We never knew quite what to expect and the adrenaline would course through my veins as the angst of the unknown fell upon my unit.

Hopefully, Gary will agree with my decision.

When I arrive, Gary leads me into his office and motions me to sit down in a chair across from his massive oak desk.

Gary studies me across the desk. “In all the years I’ve been practicing law, you’re theonlyclient I’ve had that didn’t want to know the results immediately.”

I take in an easy breath and smile. I’m on top of my game and I’m getting my life back in order. “Honestly sir, it doesn’t really matter what the results are. My decision has been made and we already discussed what that’ll mean for me.”

Gary rubs his chin and takes a drink from his coffee cup. “I did review the paperwork and as always, in these situations, the test results are iron-clad.” Gary picks up a pencil from his desk and taps it on his chin as he leans back in his chair. He reaches into a folder on his desk and pulls out an envelope. He hands it to me across the desk and my fingers tremble as I take the paperwork that directs my future.

This is it. This envelope holds the answer to what my life is going to look like for at least the next eighteen to nineteen years.

“Are you sure you don’t want to know now? In case you have any questions.”

I shake my head.

Gary studies me. “I’ll be sending the results to Aubree’s attorney next week.”

“Thank you, sir. Thank you for agreeing to hold off on sending them. I appreciate it.”

“No problem, Ryan.” Gary smiles. “It’s only a few days.”

“I understand.” I tuck the envelope into the pocket of my jacket.

“You don’t need to answer any calls from—”

“I already have her number blocked for now.”

Gary takes a drink from his coffee cup. “Do you want to give me a call next week?”

“Sure.” I stand up from my chair.

Gary rises from his chair. “Why don’t you plan to call me next week and we can meet. I have a court hearing on Monday morning, but I should be around in the afternoon.” Gary thumbs through the datebook on his desk. “Looks like Tuesday is mostly open as well.”

I extend my hand and Gary gives me a solid handshake. I’m holding the envelope that’s going to change my life—either for the better or a more challenging and complicated future. Only time will tell.

***

I leave Gary’s office and the sky is dark with a thunderstorm rolling in from the west. I didn’t know there was rain in the forecast. I barely make it to my truck when the sky opens up, and sheets of rain come pouring down.

I sigh and rub the back of my neck. The rain reminds me of that day on the beach when we got caught in the storm and ended up in her bed. Everything was a lot less complicated.

As I make my way to my parents’ house, the windshield wipers keep a steady rhythm. The pace is almost hypnotizing—like a countdown to my fate.

How is this all going to turn out?

I pull up next to the curb and let out a breath.

Thankfully, all three cars are here—Dad, Mom, and Aubree’s rental car.

Time to get down to business.

The rain is relentless, and I scurry to the shelter of the front porch.

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