Page 85 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess

“And what about Catherine?”

“She’ll always be my sister. I’ll make sure she gets the best possible treatment—a detox program, rehab. She has to get better. And only when I’m absolutely sure she can make apositive contribution to Rosie’s life will she be allowed back in. Rosie needs to feel safe, and she has to want her mother in her life again. That’s what matters most to me.”

“So, either she agrees to let you have Rosie, or you’re facing a long court battle?”

“Yep. Exactly.”

“I can’t imagine it’s easy for a judge to make that call. Taking a child away from her mother is a heavy decision. I just hope it all goes quickly and doesn’t drag on for months …”

“Yeah, I hope so too.”

I hope so desperately.

After tea, we both head to our rooms. I’m far too unsettled to think about anything other than Catherine and everything that just happened.

The next few days will be critical.

Chapter 21

Kimberley

For Rosie, it was just another ordinary night in a Rome hotel room. And just another ordinary morning—until the afternoon, when we’d fly back to London and start spotting cloud-ponies in the sky again.

Of course, I can see what kind of mental merry-go-round Gabriel is on. He’s been texting back and forth with his lawyer nonstop, even on a Sunday, to get everything in order.

Right before we land, he shows me his phone. His lawyer has just sent an update:

“Update: Catherine remains in custody. No bail granted. Hearing scheduled for Monday at 11:00 a.m. Your presence is requested.”

“Should Rosie and I come with you?” I whisper, making sure the little one is still glued to the window, watching the cloud, lost in her own world far away from any problems.

“No. You’re off duty. I’ll take her to school on Monday and Tuesday so you can handle your own things. You’ve still got plenty to take care of.”

“I can do it. I’ll still have enough time afterward, really.” I want to support him wherever I can.

“It’s probably better if I do it. I need to make a point of being present.” Right. That makes sense now more than ever.

“Got it.”

The next days are a kind of stress test I’ve never experienced before. Around Rosie we stay exactly the same as always—having fun, cooking, showing no negativity at all.

Meanwhile, Gabriel keeps me posted by text. On Monday, I can’t stop staring at my phone while I’m packing up my apartment. Over the years, I’ve managed to collect an insane amount of stuff.

“The decision’s in!” Gabriel texts me just as I’m carrying a box out of the bedroom. I almost drop it when my phone lights upand the message pops up. Heart pounding, I snatch it up and start pacing while the screen says,“Gabriel is typing …”

Come on.Type faster!

I pace circles around the living room. The hearing only lasted an hour. That has to be a good sign, right? Maybe they reached an agreement. Or maybe it got postponed.

Finally, another message: “Still in court.”

Seriously? He’s been typing for what feels like forever, and he still won’t tell me what’s happening?

“I’ll call in a minute.”

Gabriel!

“Six months.”