Page 34 of Brokered Betrayals
“What’s that look about?” Kelsey said. “You guys just held an entire conversation in five seconds.”
“It’s been quite an eventful day with some unsettling developments,” Sawyer said.
“Oh, this doesn’t sound good.” Kelsey shuffled to the glider and eased down into it. “Okay. I’m ready.”
“Wait,” Andrew said. He strode across the room and sat down on the sofa. “I’m ready too.”
Sawyer and Royce relayed everything they knew up to that point, and as he suspected, Kelsey hadn’t heard about Ned Owens’ death. Her beautiful face betrayed the shock, sorrow, and anger she felt.
“I texted Miguel to let him know I had the baby, and he acknowledged my message without mentioning the situation with Ned.”
“He might not have known then,” Andrew said. “Even if he did, Miguel likely isn’t privy to whatever Ivy knows. Their potential legal issues might not affect him.”
“Doubtful,” Kelsey replied. “If there’s even a hint of unethical practices in a single adoption, all firms involved will be under scrutiny to see what they knew and when they knew it. I wouldn’t be surprised if a judge reviews all their cases within a certain time frame.” She shook her head in dismay. “I listened to a podcast about this recently. A judge in Michigan reviewed every single case a law firm handled for an adoption agency. Those adoptive families were terrified of having their babies taken away.”
Sawyer died a thousand deaths before his next heartbeat. This was how it would end for him after years of trying to ensure a healthy cardiovascular system. His hand went to his chest automatically as he focused on breathing.
Andrew must’ve read his panic because he settled a hand on Kelsey’s back. “My love, that kind of conjecture isn’t helping anyone.”
Kelsey looked over at Sawyer, and her eyes widened in alarm. “Oh, honey,” she said. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that this situation is the same.” She tried to push up out of the glider,but Sawyer went to her instead and sat on the stool. Kelsey took his hands. “The judge in Michigan upheld every single adoption. No one is coming to rip your baby girl out of your life. I won’t let that happen.”
“No one will,” Andrew said.
“And your friend Charlie from the sheriff’s department hasn’t responded to your message yet?” Kelsey asked.
“He sent a text a few hours ago letting me know he’d return my call as soon as he could. In all the excitement, I forgot that Mendoza and Abe are out of town. That means Charlie is acting sheriff, and he’s likely got his hands full with this investigation.”
“Let me know what you find out.”
“Of course,” Sawyer said.
Kelsey reached for his hand. “Everything is going to be okay.”
Darla let out a soft little whimper in her bassinet, and he launched to his feet.
“See, little miss agrees with me,” Kelsey said. “Now, help me up so I can see her.”
“I’ll bring her to you,” Sawyer replied.
Kelsey settled back in the glider and propped her feet up on the vacated stool. “If you insist.”
Darla blinked her eyes when he approached, and he swore she locked her gaze on him, even if only for a few seconds.
“There’s my girl,” he whispered as he lifted her from the bassinet. “Someone special wants to snuggle with you for a bit.”
Kelsey held her arms straight out in front of her and wiggled her fingers in a give-me gesture. Sawyer transferred Darla over and smiled as Kelsey studied the miracle she created and carried for them. “My heart is so full,” she told the baby. “What a blessing to be part of your life and watch you grow. I get to suffuse you with my love and then go home and sleep peacefully through the night.”
The guys all chuckled, but there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
Kelsey peeled the hat back a little to see her hair. “Ella had beautiful black hair like this. Curls for days.” She looked up and smiled. “I’m surprised Evangeline hasn’t adorned her locks yet.”
“She didn’t want her head to get cold, but she’s already picked out a headband for her birth announcement photos,” Sawyer said.
Darla yawned big and triggered a domino effect around the room.
“That’s our cue to leave,” Kelsey told Andrew. “Everyone needs their rest.”
Sawyer took Darla from Kelsey, and Andrew helped her stand.