Colin grinned. “I can imagine what she said. Run as fast and far away from the situation as you can.”
“Not at all. Once I explained, she seemed legitimately concerned. Gigi has a huge heart and has been on many boards that deal with children’s rights in the province. In fact, years ago, she used to be a child advocate with the B.C. provincial government.”
“Then she’s no doubt looking at this scenario from the legal end of the spectrum. You know, the law… not the logic of the case. Those two need someone to care and love them, and I’m willing to do it. That’s logic.”
Jaqueline turned to look into his face. “Okay. Pretend I’m the judge. Convince me why I should risk giving the kids to you. And remember, we’re talking the rest of their lives are dependent on his or her choice.”
“Okay. Let me see. I make a good living as a University Professor. My subject is Psychology, and I’ve written scads of papers on the subject, done a lot of research into the human mind both adult and children, and have lectured extensively in many major cities. I believe my reputation in that field is stellar. I earn a decent living and can support two children easily. My home is big with a housekeeper to maintain the interior and a gardener who takes care of the yards. I—”
“Beeeeepp!” Jaqueline shocked him into silence.
“What? Why did you beep me?”
“You never said one word about your feelings? That you care about Charlie and Maisie… even love them. And that the thought of them being in a strange foster home is breaking your heart.”
“You’re right.” Dejected, he slumped onto the sofa. “I feel that way, but will the judge care about my feelings?”
“Of course. The point is to place the kids where they’ll not only be safe but happy. Not where you’ll just be responsible for their external needs, but that you’ll love them. You must prove to the court that you have their best interests at heart because you care. After all, they won’t be with you for a week or two… but until they’re adults. And if you do things right, they’ll be around for a lot longer than that.”
Before he could agree, the phone rang again. Cord’s tone sounded much happier than when he showed up earlier that morning. “Nurse Dean has agreed to meet us for lunch in the hospital cafeteria… say noon?”
“We’ll be there. Thanks, Cord.”
***
They both dressed appropriately and hurried to their appointment. Once seated with Cord, the pretty, middle-aged nurse arrived carrying a tray of food. In a fluster, she apologized. “Sorry to be so late. My schedule is crazy, especially from weird, weather-related accidents. Around this season the hospital gets surprisingly full. I’m certain that everyone’s in such a rush to get things done in time for the big day, they don’t take care.” She plunked herself down and turned to Colin. “I remember you now. Your lawyer explained about your troubles with Children’s Services and that you wanted to talk with me.”
“Yes. The local Children’s Services manager wants confirmation that Gisele intended Maisie and Charlie to live with me. Since we never had time for the actual paperwork, we remembered that you must have overheard our conversation in the hospital room.”
“I did.”
“Would you be willing to testify that she was in full control of her faculties and meant what she said?”
“Yes. Of course. What I remember most is how kind you were to that poor woman. At one point, she confided in me that she wanted her children to be with you, that she trusted what you told her about wanting to give them a good home and lots of love. Then I overheard you talking with her, so compassionate and gentle. It wasn’t hard to understand why she felt that way… about both of you.” She turned to look at Jaqueline and included her in the conversation.
“Thank you. I don’t think we introduced ourselves in the hospital. I’m Jaqueline Bouchard and this is Colin Jones.”
While the flustered nurse unwrapped her sandwich and took her first spoonful of soup, she nodded at them. “I’m Nurse Dean, Cheryl Dean. I’m sorry to be in such a hurry, but I promised to get back as soon as I finished lunch. Another two accident patients arrived just as I was leaving.”
Cord interrupted soothingly. “No problem, Cheryl. I brought the papers from our earlier interview for you to read over and sign. I want to deliver them to the Children’s Services department as soon as possible. Based on your testimony, we’re hoping they’ll allow the kids to stay with Colin and Jaqueline for the holidays. During that time, I can get started on the actual paperwork to get Colin named as their guardian.”
“I understand.” She turned to Colin and added, “Cord showed me evidence of your background and from the discussion I had with your boss, I feel confident you are who you say you are. Can’t be too careful in today’s world.”
Hmm. Cord hadn’t mentioned that they’d contacted the president of the university, his boss, Henry Foder, but having nothing to hide, he knew the older man would have been complimentary. “Good. I’m glad you took the time.” Colin smiled… his satisfaction in her carefulness quite obvious.
Nurse Dean turned to Cord. “Can you read the paper to me while I eat. That way when I check over the document, it won’t take so long.”
Cord began reading what he’d written, and Jaqueline heard the lawyer language in the way he’d presented the beginning of the report, that is, until he got to the part where Nurse Dean began to speak. From then on, the file read from the heart of a woman who cared about the welfare of her patient and family. She’d given a succinct recall of what she’d overheard when Gisele and Colin had talked. What made the most impact though is when she recited her direct conversation with Gisele. Her words gave an explanation of a frantic mother running out of time, not having prepared for her children’s future, and having an answer to her prayers show up at the last minute. Those sentiments struck a nerve. Everything she said was a positive for their case, and Jaqueline thrilled as Cord read on.
At one point, wiping her eyes, she couldn’t help sending a teary smile at Cheryl Dean and got a nod and grin in return. By the time Cord finished reading, both Jaqueline and Colin were buoyed up with hope that this would be enough to swing the people who insisted on proof that Gisele knew what she wanted and voiced those wishes to Nurse Dean.
Quite simply, she wanted her children to be with Colin.
Chapter Fifteen
Colin’s hope skyrocketed after their meeting with Nurse Dean. In fact, he was so excited that he insisted they stop at a local store to buy more tree ornaments and even shop for groceries so the meals would reflect the season. “Jaq, we have to be prepared in case we get snowed in again. And I don’t know about you, but a turkey and all the trimmings is an essential in our house.”
“True. Gigi always invites us there for the big day so she can take care of the turkey. She swears my mother desecrates the bird on purpose.” Mimicking her gramma’s voice, Jaq continued, “Silly woman never listens. I told her she cooks it with too high a temperature until it’s dry as leather. And don’t get me started on the gravy.”
