“That’s fine. Do you think Edith will be able to take Mary to live with her?”
“Edith’s lawyer will have to prove she’s better off with her grandmother than you. It won’t be easy or quick.”
“Can I talk to Edith and find out why she isn’t happy?”
Sadly, Adam shook his head. “Now she’s filed the petition, there’s no point trying to come to a compromise. We have no choice but to let the legal process continue.”
The flame of hope inside Becky’s chest began to waver. “Edith wants to visit Mary again. Do you think that’s a good idea?”
“Possibly not, but you don’t want to be seen as restricting her ability to see her granddaughter. We could always organize a supervised visit. If you need someone to act as an impartial observer, the therapist would be my choice.”
“I’m not sure Edith will see it that way, but it’s a good suggestion. Can you ask your friend if they can help me? Otherwise, I’ll find someone else.”
“Sure.” Pulling his keypad closer, Adam typed something on his computer. “I know this is difficult, but I’ll do everything I can to make sure Mary stays with you. Having said that, we need to be prepared for every eventuality. Are you happy to answer some questions about your past and your relationship with Edith’s son?”
Becky nodded. She had nothing to hide. “If it helps the guardianship issue to be resolved faster, I’ll do anything.”
“In that case, let’s make ourselves a hot drink and enjoy the muffins. We could be here for a while.”
Becky checked her watch, then sent a quick text to Molly. Her sister had offered to help Laura in the flower shop if today’s meeting lasted more than an hour. And, from the sound of things, it would. Hopefully, by the end of it, Adam would have a much clearer understanding of why Jamie and Sophia chose her as Mary’s guardian. And, more sadly, why they hadn’t asked Edith.
Sean parkedhis truck in front of the three-story barn on his family’s ranch. He’d spent the day vaccinating and branding calves. Even using the new equipment they’d bought last season, it was back-breaking work.
Opening the barn doors, he walked from stall to stall, grateful someone had fed the animals his sister had rescued. Usually, it was a chore he enjoyed. But, with a handful of things he still had to do for the wedding, it was another thing he didn’t have to worry about.
After petting the llamas, he walked across to Frank and Mildred’s pen. Their cantankerous pigs weren’t eating as well as he’d like. If things didn’t improve, he’d ask the vet to take a look at them. Judging by the small amount of food left in their trough, they’d eaten something tonight. He’d take that as a definite step in the right direction.
The last pen held Sally’s latest additions. The miniature ponies were cute, even though they were a little on the short side. They wandered toward him for a pat, before heading back to the leafy hay they’d been happily chomping.
With the animals settled for the night, he stepped outside and took a deep breath. An eerie silence had settled across the land, filling the yard with the presence of everyone who’d gone before him.
His great-grandfather had bought the ranch with dreams of creating a haven for his family. Over the years, the original parcel of land had grown as their neighbors sold their ranches to Sean’s family. Some moved to be closer to their families. Others reluctantly left as escalating debt and rising prices crushed their spirit. Whatever their reason, the Gray family had done their best to create a sustainable ranch that would be here for many decades to come.
Nathan walked around the edge of the barn carrying a bucket. “I thought I heard your truck.”
“What are you doing? I thought you’d be inside with Catherine and Toby.”
“Amy took them into town to visit her mom. She’s here for a mini vacation.” He held the bucket in the air. “You weren’t home, so I thought I’d feed Sally’s zoo.”
“Thanks. Frank and Mildred looked more settled.”
“They ate almost everything I gave them. How are the wedding plans going?”
Sean crossed his arms in front of his chest. “It’s supposed to be a secret. When did Matthew tell you?”
“This morning after he almost collided with my truck. If he doesn’t get married soon, he’ll kill himself on his four-wheeler.”
“He’s a bunch of nerves. With all the people we’ve asked to help us, he’s worried Ashley will discover what he’s doing. If she does, he doesn’t know what she’ll do.”
“She has a good sense of humor. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be marrying him.”
“You can say that again.” Sean nodded toward the barn. “Before I tell you about the wedding, is there anything else I need to do?”
“Not tonight. Catherine and Toby fed the cats before they went into town and Henrietta is behaving herself.”
“That’s a first.” Henrietta was a stubborn goat whose arrival on the ranch was as controversial as the three goats she’d given birth to. “There’s cold beer sitting in my refrigerator if you’d like one?”
Nathan grinned. “I couldn’t think of a better way of ending the night. Matthew said you’ve found a caterer.”
