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Georgie positioned herself on the side with the baby in his arm and helped to support him.
“You jumped?” It stunned him that she would do that.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To make sure you didn’t die.”
Riggs had no response for that. Georgie had risked her own well-being to try to keep him safe. That took a lot of courage.
“Are you hurt?” she asked.
“No, I’m fine. You?”
“Well, my wits are definitely damaged but other than that, I’m okay.
Sudden spotlights blinded her. “Looks like our ride is on the way,” Riggs commented at the sound of an approaching boat.
“Good,” she looked at the baby, who was curiously calm. “While we wait, want to tell me why the hell you jumped off that bridge?”
“I told you, his mother screamed for me to save her baby. It was a cry for help. I had to try to save them.”
“What about the parents? The father? Was he driving? Did he make it?”
“No. He was already dead when I reached the car.”
“And the mother?”
“The car was almost underwater when I reached it. I got the baby out, but the mother was trapped—her leg. There was no time to wait if the child was going to survive. And from the looks of things, the head wound she sustained was probably lethal. She barely had the strength to stay conscious long enough to speak to me.”
“What did she say?”
“She said promise me you’ll take care of my son.”
"When I told her I'd make sure he got the best care, even though barely alive she grabbed for me and said “No. It has to be you.You’re who God sent to save him. Don’t abandon him, Mister. You’re all he has. Please.”
Riggs knew that he’d never forget what happened next as long as he lived. For the first time, he looked at the baby he cradled, something inside him changed. He felt it. A connection. A trust. Yes, that was it. This tiny child, in the midst of fear and loss, looked at him with eyes of trust.
“I promised her I’d be his family.”
A well of emotion opened, threatening to suck him in. “And then she was gone.”
“I’m sure those words meant everything to her, Riggs. And I feel confident the foster system can—”
“No.” The word came out more forceful than intended, and he saw her shock. “Sorry. But no. I’m keeping him, Georgie. He’s mine now. I promised his mother, and I won’t break that promise.”
“But…”. She trailed off for a few seconds then continued. “But you’re not in any position to care for him right now, Riggs. Nor do you have a home for him. There are so many factors to—”
“I know.” He snapped and then softened his tone. “I know, Georgie. But I will make it happen, so the moment we’re on dry land, please get up with Naomie. Tell her I need her and Dad and Uncle Rich as well.”
“For what?”
“A quickie adoption.”
“You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“More serious than I’ve ever been in my life.”