“No,” I protested. “You and Maeve need to get to Ireland.”
“We’ll stay a couple of days while we organize new flights,” she reiterated. “I want to meet my new niece more than anything.”
My stare went back to Tia. “Whencanwe meet her?”
Tia smiled. “You have to file a petition with the family court for legal custody. Your name isn’t on the birth certificate, soyou’ll need a court order to complete that. You’ll have to appoint a family lawyer to represent you. Will that be a problem?”
“No,” I stated. “We have a close family friend who’s a partner in a law practice. I just need to make a phone call.”
“That’s good,” she responded. “If we want to rush this through, you need a lawyer who can take on your case immediately. As for meeting Imogen, we need a judge to sign off on it, but in the circumstances, I can make an exception and let you see her at least.”
My heart did a backflip. “Today? Now?”
Tia let out a little laugh. “Yes. Give us a few minutes to set it up, and I’ll come back for you.”
Jen stood up and took a step toward me. “Imogen’s such a sweetheart. She’s quiet and watches everything like she’s taking it all in and storing it up in her head. She’s a pretty baby, but there’s more to her. She’s got an old, wise soul.”
My mouth curved. “That’s nothing like me. I’m impulsive and I wouldn’t say I’m really a watcher; I’m more of a doer.”
“Having opposite personalities isn’t a bad thing,” Jen declared. “You’ll balance each other out.”
I stood and clasped her hand. “Thank you for taking care of her. I bought her a few things—clothes and medicine and diapers, and stuff. There’s a gift card for you to put toward food”—my eyes swung to Tia—“if that’s okay. I don’t know the setup and I don’t mean any offense, but Imogen’s my kid and I’ve already missed so much. I want to be the one to provide for her. Even if things don’t go my way, that won’t change. I’ll still take financial responsibility.”
Tia beamed. “From what I can see, Donovan, you’re going to be fine.”
Maeve sat forward and asked, “Can you give her the dolly that Donovan bought her? It’s a soft toy and it’s age appropriate.”
Jen nodded. “Of course.”
I went over to the bags and rummaged through them until I found the soft, raggy doll I’d bought. “I read that I wouldn’t be able to meet her straight away, so I wanted her to have something to hug until it can be me.” I stalked back to Jen and handed her the doll.
“Oh, Donovan,” Mam whispered, then a sob left her throat, and her face crumpled.
Maeve and Callum were out of their seats in a flash. “It’s okay, Maureen,” Maeve whispered, bending down to hold her. “Imogen will be home soon enough.”
Mam swiped the tears away from her eyes and nodded, unable to speak.
“We’ll give you a few minutes,” Tia murmured. “I realize this must be highly emotional for you all. I can’t give you guarantees, but from what I’ve seen so far of you and your family, I’d be shocked if you weren’t back in Wyoming with Imogen by the end of the week.”
I took my seat next to Mam and pulled her close. “I hope so; my Ma’s going to drive me insane with all her crying. She’ll be dehydrated by Friday.”
Ma let out a soft snort, while Tia smiled.
On the outside, I was keeping my shit together, but I couldn’t stop the surge of excitement shooting through me.
I wouldn’t admit it to Tia or Jen, but I wasn’t going anywhere without my girl. The day I drove home, she’d be in her car seat, either watching me sing along to the radio or snoozing all the way.
I hadn’t even met Imogen yet, but my chat with Ma had swept away all my doubts and filled me with a newfound sense of determination to have my kid with me where she belonged. I may have had a slight wobble and a major crisis of confidence, but in my defense, it was a big shock. Deep down, I alwaysknew what the outcome would be; I just needed a push and for somebody to help me see the light.
Very soon, I’d be a single dad with a little girl to care for, but I didn’t give a fuck. Being a single guy didn’t mean I couldn’t learn. Hell, I’d attend daily goddamned parenting classes if that was what it took to get the judge to side with me.
I also had women around me who Imogen could go to if she needed more than I could give. Ma, Aislynn, and Maeve. I hoped one day I could add Rosie to that list, even though we’d had a glitch already, and I was pretty sure she was pissed at me. However, I also knew the woman Rosie was. When I explained about Imogen, there was no doubt that I’d have her support because she, of all people, understood that kids came first every time.
It was crazy how suddenly that phrase made so much sense. I hadn’t even laid eyes on Imogen in the flesh, but she was already the most important thing in the world to me. Without question, I knew I’d lay down my life for my daughter.
Now, I just had to convince the judge.
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