Page 87 of Fourth Heartwarmers Trilogy
“Well in that case, according to Gisele when I asked the same question, the children have no other family here in Quebec. Hersister who actually lives in B.C. has declined to take them, saying she has her own family and that her husband absolutely refuses to take on more responsibilities. We found a letter in the files she told us about from last month basically stating that fact. There’s no one else.”
“You’re saying her sister lives in British Columbia?”
“I understand that to be the case. Plus, the return address is from Victoria, a smaller city on Vancouver Island.”
“Okay, that should work in our favor. Can I see the letter?” Once Colin fetched it, Cord took a photo and handed it back to Colin saying, “Keep it safe. We’ll eventually need the original.
“Of course.”
“I’ll make an appointment to speak with the nurse. It might be best if you come along so she can identify you as being the people we’re discussing. I’ll let you know when and where.”
“We’ll be ready. Cord, we have to get those kids back here in their own home. Once they’re safe with us, we’ll fight the rest of the battle.”
“I’m thinking we might be able to get them to release the kids to Jaqueline who can look after them here. Her credentials are impeccable, her pediatric nursing background especially, and Children’s Services are overflowing right now. Ms. Lather turned out to be a huge advocate on your behalf, so keep your fingers crossed.” Cord finished his muffin in one bite, slurped the rest of his coffee, and stood to leave. “Wish me luck.”
Colin followed him to the door. “If there’s anything you need from us, just ask. We’ll be waiting to hear from you.”
Cord nodded. “I know. Don’t give up hope. All is not lost. Just be prepared that you might have to move to a hotel while Jaqueline stays here with the kids.”
Colin laughed without any humor. “Go figure. I gave up my hotel room at the Chateau just yesterday.” He turned to look atJaqueline. “But I believe Jaq still has her room there. We’ll make it work, don’t worry. Call me as soon as you have something.”
Cord nodded at them and waved as he reached his vehicle.
Jaq stood in the kitchen doorway, waving back. She turned to Colin, “Is there any hope they might let them come back today?”
“I don’t know, sweetheart. Cord said not to give up hope.” He walked toward her, unconscious of the endearment he used. “You did tell me you still have your hotel room, right?”
Chapter Fourteen
Jaqueline hated the waiting worst of all. There were so many things they needed to do so the children would have a nice Christmas, and both were terrified to leave the house in case Cord returned or needed them to show up somewhere else.
By the time they’d cleaned themselves and the house, Jaq couldn’t sit still a moment longer. “I need some exercise. This waiting is driving me mad.”
“I know. It’s like stinging ants crawling around my innards, chewing away at my confidence. One minute I think of how much sense it all makes for them to let the kids come home to good people who just want to love and care for them. And then—”
Jaq kicked in. “And then all the stupid regulations rear up and damned if they don’t make sense. I mean if someone told me a story about a couple of strangers who decided they wanted to foster two orphans they’d only met a few days ago, I’d ask them what fairy tale they were reading.” Jaqueline laughed. “It’s kindawhat my Gigi said when I talked to her this morning and told her about our story.”
Colin grinned. “I can imagine what she said. Run as fast and far away from the situation as you can.”
“Not at all. Once I explained, she seemed legitimately concerned. Gigi has a huge heart and has been on many boards that deal with children’s rights in the province. In fact, years ago, she used to be a child advocate with the B.C. provincial government.”
“Then she’s no doubt looking at this scenario from the legal end of the spectrum. You know, the law… not the logic of the case. Those two need someone to care and love them, and I’m willing to do it. That’s logic.”
Jaqueline turned to look into his face. “Okay. Pretend I’m the judge. Convince me why I should risk giving the kids to you. And remember, we’re talking the rest of their lives are dependent on his or her choice.”
“Okay. Let me see. I make a good living as a University Professor. My subject is Psychology, and I’ve written scads of papers on the subject, done a lot of research into the human mind both adult and children, and have lectured extensively in many major cities. I believe my reputation in that field is stellar. I earn a decent living and can support two children easily. My home is big with a housekeeper to maintain the interior and a gardener who takes care of the yards. I—”
“Beeeeepp!” Jaqueline shocked him into silence.
“What? Why did you beep me?”
“You never said one word about your feelings? That you care about Charlie and Maisie… even love them. And that the thought of them being in a strange foster home is breaking your heart.”
“You’re right.” Dejected, he slumped onto the sofa. “I feel that way, but will the judge care about my feelings?”
“Of course. The point is to place the kids where they’ll not only be safe but happy. Not where you’ll just be responsible for their external needs, but that you’ll love them. You must prove to the court that you have their best interests at heart because you care. After all, they won’t be with you for a week or two… but until they’re adults. And if you do things right, they’ll be around for a lot longer than that.”
Before he could agree, the phone rang again. Cord’s tone sounded much happier than when he showed up earlier that morning. “Nurse Dean has agreed to meet us for lunch in the hospital cafeteria… say noon?”
