The Sheriff's Mail-Order Bride (The Watson Brothers #2)(53)
“What do you mean? Spill it, kid.”
“Layla called today and told Rory that she had a meeting with the other side’s lawyers, and based on the evidence of my drug test and what they could find out about me, they feel I was an innocent bystander caught up in all Aden’s drama, which as I said all along is the truth. If it wasn’t for him trying to distance himself away from his family for whatever reason he did, they would have known about his problems and us as well.”
“Of course they would, and they could have had a relationship with the pair of you, too. In saying that, you wouldn’t be here now and that I’d miss.” Callie smiled, watching Gina.
“Yes. Everything happens for a reason and even though it was hard, I’m glad it turned out this way. I have a whole new family and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Now we just have to wait and see if they agree with the lawyers or it will be on.”
“Surely they don’t want the press to get hold of this? I mean, it would make them look pretty bad, wouldn’t it?”
“That’s what I keep thinking. I’d be more than happy for Fisher to get to know them, but there’s no way they’re taking my baby.” Gina pushed back the anxiety that rose in her throat at the thought of someone taking Fisher from her.
“Bring it on, I say. They don’t know what they’re in for if they pursue it through the courts.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Rory stood with Gina on the porch and watched the big black car come slowly up the driveway. He could hear her breath coming in short sharp gasps and he did his best to soothe her with a hand on her back.
“I’m so scared.”
“Don’t be. They’re normal people like you and me, just loaded with more cash and assets.”
The shiny car pulled to a halt in front of the porch and the driver jumped out. He donned his hat before opening the passenger door. He held it wide and leaned in to help out the passenger. A petite middle-aged lady dressed in an immaculate dove-gray suit, her golden blonde hair swept up into a tight bun, slid out, her hand on his arm. The opposite door opened and a distinguished gentleman stepped out, and walked around to stand with his wife. Once they made eye contact, Rory stepped forward.
“Mr. and Mrs. Bellingham. Welcome to the ranch. I’m Deputy Sheriff Rory Watson.”
“Yes, I assumed you were.” Mrs. Bellingham gave him a perfunctory smile, looked past him, and focused on the baby. She lifted her chin and brushed past Rory toward where Gina stood. When she got within a few feet, she stopped and stared at Fisher. Rory and Mr. Bellingham followed and he stood beside Gina again, his hand on her arm in support. “He’s the picture of our Aden at that age, isn’t he, Richard?” She looked at her husband as if asking for confirmation then glanced back at the baby again.
“I think you’re right, my dear. Hello, Ms. Taylor. It’s very good of you to allow us to visit and meet this young man after all the drama we’ve caused you.” He kept his hand on his wife’s arm as if the contact would help.
“Call me Gina. It’s a pleasure to meet you both and even though it wasn’t the best beginning in the world, we do understand. Would you like to come inside and have a coffee? I made cookies this morning.”
Mrs. Bellingham glanced at her husband and then back at Gina. “If you’re sure it’s no bother, we’d love that, thank you.”
Gina led them inside and handed Fisher over to Rory who guided them into the lounge and offered their visitors a seat. They sat opposite him together on the couch and gazed at Fisher, looks of wonder on their faces. “I’ll just be a moment. Feel free to look around.”
“Oh, I think I can see all I want to from here, thank you very much.” She squeezed her husband hand and smiled. “I can’t believe we’re really here and seeing our grandson for the first time.”
“I’m sure Gina didn’t plan it that way either.” Rory had no intention of letting these people get the better of her, no matter how much money they had.
“Oh, please don’t misunderstand me, Deputy. I’m excited as you can imagine. When we finally found out Aden was dead, our world crumbled, didn’t it, Richard? He’d been missing for so long, you see.”
“I’m sure you can understand that. You only want what’s best for your child but things don’t always go according to plan.” Mr. Bellingham looked uneasy as he stood up to take the tray from Gina when she walked back into the room. He placed it on the small table by the window. Once she had served everyone coffee and cookies, she sat down on the arm of the chair next to Rory.
“I was just saying to the deputy here that you might wish for the best for your child although that doesn’t always happen.” Mr. Bellingham sipped his coffee before continuing. “Aden rebelled as I’m sure you know by now and I think you know part of the reason for that. I don’t feel we need to discuss that, its personal and nobody’s business but my wife’s and mine.” He cleared his throat and looked back at them. “But back to Aden. He was always a challenging child. He stumbled through college and then started to change somehow. There was a lot of pressure on him as far as he could see, and I don’t think he was quite ready for it. He knew that he would one day take over the companies and it didn’t sit well on his shoulders, all the pressure and decisions.” He patted his wife’s hand when she sniffed back a sob. “We understood how he felt and decided to let him have a break as it were. When I was his age, my parents gave me a gap year and then I knuckled down to begin my career. I promised him he could have twelve months to sort himself out and live like a normal teenager before we took him into the company and groomed him to take the reins.”