“No. I’m here on holidays. I live with my mother in Vancouver.”
Perplexed, Cord scratched his forehead. “Is there anyone who can vouch for you that Gisele wanted you to take her children. Did she call anyone or tell someone at the hospital?”
Jaqueline spoke up. “Would that make a difference? Because the nurse was with her the whole time she talked with Colin. She could have overheard their conversation.”
“That’s right.” Colin pointed his finger at Cord. “In fact, at one point, she broke into the conversation, suggesting that Gisele rest. But Gisele argued and told the nurse that she didn’t have time to rest. It was imperative to settle Maisie and Charlie’s future. That she must tell the lawyer that she wanted me to be the children’s protector.”
“What did the nurse say?”
“Hmmm. If I remember correctly, she patted Gisele’s shoulder and made her lie back down. I believe she said something like she needed to conserve her strength then, and her body needed to rest so she would be strong enough to speak with the lawyer.”
“Bingo.” Cord pulled his phone out and began to dial. “I’m checking with the hospital administration to see which nurse was on duty and assigned to the case. If we can get her to write a letter saying that she could verify what you’ve just said, then we might have means to get them to let the children stay here with you for now. While they’re under your care, I’ll try every way I can to get a legal paper drawn up for you to be their guardian.”
“Is that the same as adopting them?”
“No. It will just give you the legal right to make decisions on their behalf until they’re of age.”
“And that would include bringing them to B.C. with me?”
“Unless they have other family members who might disagree. If so, then you would need their permission and give them 60 days written notice.”
“Well in that case, according to Gisele when I asked the same question, the children have no other family here in Quebec. Hersister who actually lives in B.C. has declined to take them, saying she has her own family and that her husband absolutely refuses to take on more responsibilities. We found a letter in the files she told us about from last month basically stating that fact. There’s no one else.”
“You’re saying her sister lives in British Columbia?”
“I understand that to be the case. Plus, the return address is from Victoria, a smaller city on Vancouver Island.”
“Okay, that should work in our favor. Can I see the letter?” Once Colin fetched it, Cord took a photo and handed it back to Colin saying, “Keep it safe. We’ll eventually need the original.
“Of course.”
“I’ll make an appointment to speak with the nurse. It might be best if you come along so she can identify you as being the people we’re discussing. I’ll let you know when and where.”
“We’ll be ready. Cord, we have to get those kids back here in their own home. Once they’re safe with us, we’ll fight the rest of the battle.”
“I’m thinking we might be able to get them to release the kids to Jaqueline who can look after them here. Her credentials are impeccable, her pediatric nursing background especially, and Children’s Services are overflowing right now. Ms. Lather turned out to be a huge advocate on your behalf, so keep your fingers crossed.” Cord finished his muffin in one bite, slurped the rest of his coffee, and stood to leave. “Wish me luck.”
Colin followed him to the door. “If there’s anything you need from us, just ask. We’ll be waiting to hear from you.”
Cord nodded. “I know. Don’t give up hope. All is not lost. Just be prepared that you might have to move to a hotel while Jaqueline stays here with the kids.”
Colin laughed without any humor. “Go figure. I gave up my hotel room at the Chateau just yesterday.” He turned to look atJaqueline. “But I believe Jaq still has her room there. We’ll make it work, don’t worry. Call me as soon as you have something.”
Cord nodded at them and waved as he reached his vehicle.
Jaq stood in the kitchen doorway, waving back. She turned to Colin, “Is there any hope they might let them come back today?”
“I don’t know, sweetheart. Cord said not to give up hope.” He walked toward her, unconscious of the endearment he used. “You did tell me you still have your hotel room, right?”
Chapter Fourteen
Jaqueline hated the waiting worst of all. There were so many things they needed to do so the children would have a nice Christmas, and both were terrified to leave the house in case Cord returned or needed them to show up somewhere else.
By the time they’d cleaned themselves and the house, Jaq couldn’t sit still a moment longer. “I need some exercise. This waiting is driving me mad.”
“I know. It’s like stinging ants crawling around my innards, chewing away at my confidence. One minute I think of how much sense it all makes for them to let the kids come home to good people who just want to love and care for them. And then—”
Jaq kicked in. “And then all the stupid regulations rear up and damned if they don’t make sense. I mean if someone told me a story about a couple of strangers who decided they wanted to foster two orphans they’d only met a few days ago, I’d ask them what fairy tale they were reading.” Jaqueline laughed. “It’s kindawhat my Gigi said when I talked to her this morning and told her about our story.”
