Against the Odds (Fighting to Survive #2)(24)

I say, “She’s happy.”

“We need a name for her,” he says, looking up at me.

“We do. Do you have any ideas? Something to go with Jamie, perhaps?” I ask.

“And Madison,” he adds.

I laugh and say, “Jamison, would be perfect if it were a boy.”

“Jamison Robert Grether, I like it but, it won’t work for a girl.”

“No, it sure won’t. The names don’t really go together to make a lovely combined girl’s first name. We don’t know Madison’s middle name, do we?”

Robert thinks for a moment and says, “I haven’t seen it posted anywhere.”

“Well, when we find out what it is, maybe we can match the names up to come up with something beautiful.”

“Sounds like a plan. In the meantime, I’ll call her princess.”

“Robert, you can’t call her princess, you call Jamie princess.”

“Mmm, you’re right. She needs her own name. In the meantime, I’ll call her, ‘her’ or ‘she.’”

We both laugh again and the baby kicks softly.

The next two weeks go by uneventfully. Robert gets into a routine of working out at home and at the gym. He arranges for someone to sit with me while he’s gone. Dove brings me my deposits, paperwork, and store receipts every Saturday. Gus comes with her and they usually bring dinner and stay for a visit. She also brings some sweets and cinnamon buns from Jo. We haven’t heard anything from Bruce, our attorney, or from the hospital about setting up another meeting. If we have heard something, Robert is keeping it to himself. I anticipate that we’ll hear something very soon. Madison is our daughter, and I would like to get to know her.

Mom and Margie come over several times a week and they bring pre-cooked meals for us. Fortunately for me and Robert, they are both excellent cooks.

Bruce Myles

“Bobby, please come in.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you called.”

“How’s Leah and the baby?”

“They’re both good. Two more weeks pregnant since the last time we talked.”

“That’s excellent news.”

“Have a seat. I wanted to update you on Madison.”

“I hope nothing’s wrong,” Bobby says and I can hear the concern in his tone.

“Oh, no, she’s okay. It’s about Drake. He’s refusing to talk to me so I have to go through his attorney for everything. Then his lawyer has to speak to Drake, so this whole thing is taking longer than we both would like.”

“It sounds like it’s intentional to buy them some time.”


I sit down across from him at the conference table and say, “I think it is. I also believe it’s time that we to file some motions.”

“Motions? Like what?”

“Like they can’t leave the country with Madison…”

Bobby interrupts and says, “Do you think they would do that?”

“Bobby, I have no idea. He’s a very wealthy and desperate man. A desperate man…”

“Will take desperate measures,” Bobby finish the sentence for me.

“Exactly.”

I can see Bobby is thinking before he says, “Well, if they won’t cooperate with you, then let’s file for full custody, too.”

“Do you want to speak to Leah about this first?”

“No. She has enough to do with just trying to stay pregnant. I think this idea is good. Let’s put the fear of God in them.”

“Okay then. I’ll get the papers drawn up and get them filed in family court in the next few days.”

I also tell him about the psychotic nurse who was involved in the baby swap. I tell him, Melissa Simms the R.N. on duty, is solely responsible for switching the babies. I also inform him she was an undiagnosed schizophrenic at the time all this took place.

Bobby and I talk more about his plan and what this will mean. He says he hates being that rude, but it’s the only way to get a response from them. I have to agree with him. I think we’ll be hearing something within the next week. This will certainly get their attention. Before he leaves, I hand him the gift that Mr. Reed gave to me at the end of the last meeting two weeks ago. I already explained to Bobby that the Sinclairs left right before I did. The package is addressed to Jamie written in very feminine handwriting.

As soon as Bobby leaves, I make one last attempt to get ahold of Mr. Reed, Drake Sinclair’s attorney. When my call is sent to voicemail, I begin my paperwork. I call my wife, Lilly, and tell her I’ll be home late tonight.

Leah

Robert and I are on our way back from my Doctor’s appointment. We are both excited to learn that the cervical cerclage is working. I haven’t dilated anymore and the baby is healthy. I am also two weeks further along in my pregnancy.

The car ride feels good and I beg Robert to take the long way home. He doesn’t. He does tell me that I can lie out by the pool later. I don’t know why I didn’t think to do that, sooner. I’ll still be lying down, but the different scenery will definitely help. I know I’m blessed to still be pregnant so I try very hard to not complain about the bedrest. When Robert asks how I am doing, I often make jokes about needing a bell to call my house boy when I need something and being a lazy couch potato. I also joke that I may never return to work again. It is tough to lie around all day but if it means delivering a healthy baby, I’ll do it.