Chapter 16 - Four Parents, One Child
No one liked the proposal at first.
That was probably why Ellen Park believed it had a chance.
Temporary shared guardianship.
Emma would remain living with Grace and Alexander while Jenna and Lucas completed counseling, housing, medical evaluations, and a structured reunification plan. The court would review progress every ninety days.
No permanent adoption.
Not yet.
No forced removal.
Not now.
"This is not a final answer," Ellen said. "It is a bridge."
Grace stared at the papers.
"And at the end of the bridge?"
"We decide what gives Emma stability without erasing her biological family."
Jenna looked at Grace.
"I don't want to erase you."
Grace's eyes burned. "You don't have to comfort me."
"I'm not. I'm telling you the truth. She knows your voice. She settles when you hold her. I'm angry that I lost three months with her. I'm not angry that you loved her."
Grace looked down.
Alexander spoke next.
"And Lucas?"
Lucas swallowed. "I want to be her father. But I don't know how to be one yet."
That answer made Alexander's expression soften.
"Neither did I."
The agreement was signed two days later.
It did not solve the fear.
It gave the fear a schedule.
Meanwhile, Dr. Shah asked for a decision about Emma's cataract surgery.
All four adults attended the appointment.
"The procedure is medically reasonable," Dr. Shah said. "But I need everyone to understand that success is not 'normal vision.' Success may mean light perception, contrast, shapes, or more. It may also mean less than you hope."
Jenna wiped her eyes. "Would you do it if she were your child?"
Dr. Shah shook her head. "I won't make your decision for you. I can tell you the risks and what the evidence supports."
Grace appreciated her even more.
After a long discussion, they agreed to proceed.
Surgery was scheduled for the following week.
The night before, Grace carried Emma through the quiet nursery.
"Tomorrow may change what you see," she whispered. "Or it may not."
Emma touched her chin.
"But nothing changes who you are."
The phone rang downstairs.
Alexander answered.
His voice changed.
Grace knew before he came upstairs that the call was bad.
"They found Malcolm Reed," he said.
"Where?"
"At a private airfield."
"Did they arrest him?"
Alexander's face tightened.
"No. He surrendered."
Grace frowned. "Why is that worse?"
"Because he brought a lawyer and a box of documents."
"What documents?"
May you like
Alexander looked at Emma.
"He says they prove Harold Vane acted alone - and that Jenna agreed to give Emma away."
