“For Emily,” he nodded. They walked back to Matt, hand in hand, united in the decision of a lifetime.
Matt looked at them pleadingly. “Please tell me you will do this. I don’t know what I will do if you don’t.”
Rex stepped up. “Although we have hesitations about what is best for Emily in the long run, we will take her. We love her already and for her and Carrie’s sake, we will raise her as our own until you’re able to care for her. Please get the help you need, Matt, you can’t continue living like this.”
“I brought as many of her things as I could fit,” Matt said between tears.
He reached Emily to Monica, who accepted her as her own tears streamed down her face. Matt and Rex unloaded the SUV without a word, and then Matt pulled out an envelope with papers to sign. When each party had a signed copy, Matt pulled a smaller envelope from his pocket and handed it to Rex. “Please give this to her when she is old enough to understand.”
Monica felt her chest tighten. He spoke as though this would be a permanent arrangement. More tears spilled when Matt brushed a final kiss across his daughter’s cheek, whispered a finalI love you, and left without looking back.
She remained shellshocked on the porch watching Matt drive away, closing a door on the most precious person in his life. Her heart broke for Emily at the sorrow experienced in such a young life and determined then and there that she would protect Emily with her life to prevent any more distress for this darling little girl.
Rex had moved to her side. His arm wrapped around her and an outside bystander could easily mistake them for new parents bringing their baby home for the first time, never knowing the drastic change they were just appointed.
He led Monica inside, and they attempted to sort through what just happened. First priority was ensuring that Emily had everything needed to provide for her basic needs. Monica found a baby blanket to lay Emily on, and they proceeded to do a quick inventory of what Matt had left. Everything they would need for now was there, including a portable crib, swing, diapers, clothing, formula, and bottles. She breathed a small sigh of relief that for now, they wouldn’t have to leave the house until they had adapted to this change.
Remembering she was supposed to be at Lacey’s, Monica sent her a quick text messaging that something came up and she would see them tomorrow. By then, maybe she could wrap her head around her newfound role as mom.
“How am I going to tell my parents?” Monica dreaded how this would affect them. “Soon they’ll realize Matt isn’t home. I have to call them and the Russells.”
“Tell them the truth. Would you like me to make the call?”
“No, they need to hear it from me.”
“Come here,” he said, patting the sofa. “Sit down for a minute and gather your thoughts. I’ll stay with you while you call.”
“Thank you.”
With Rex’s support, she made the difficult phone call to her parents. They were equally shocked, but Monica was taken aback when they didn’t seem upset.
“Baby girl,” her father began, “we knew Matt was sinking deeper into his own grief. We grieve for the loss Emily has suffered but we rejoice that Matt has placed her in your hands. Rex and you will give our granddaughter the love and support she needs, something that Matt wasn’t able to do. While it may seem a selfish act from him, he was being selfless doing what he knew was best for his child despite the pain it caused him. He loves his daughter, and don’t ever let Emily doubt that.”
Monica carried those words with her throughout the afternoon as she continued making phone calls to other family, doctors, and the lawyers, while Rex took care of Emily. By evening, they crashed on the sofa, physically and emotionally exhausted.
“I was thinking…” Rex stared at her but didn’t continue.
“What?”
“Let’s get married now. We can run into town, get the marriage license and get married Thanksgiving Day.”
Her jaw dropped. “We’ve only been engaged for two days.”
“Life’s short. I know every girl wants a big wedding, but I promise I’ll give you a big ceremony and reception one day, but let’s start our life together now.”
Staring into his eyes, she saw he meant every word, and her heart didn’t hesitate to answer. “I never was one of those girls. I’ve never been a bells and whistles type of person, and to me the marriage is more important. Would you be upset if we had a small ceremony with the justice of the peace?”
“Sweetheart, I would marry you anywhere or anyway you wanted. I just don’t want you to ever feel cheated out of a wedding.”
“How could I ever feel cheated when I’ll be married to an amazing man that I love beyond words. If I didn’t already love you so much, I would have fallen in love again today when you took in Emily. Only a very special man would do that.”
“So, is that a yes?” He nuzzled her neck, teasing her with kisses.
“Do you think anyone will be available for the job on Thanksgiving?”
“I’ll make it happen.”
A baby’s cry interrupted them. Pulling apart, they began laughing, taking the situation in stride. Rex took Emily from the swing while Monica made her a bottle. “Are you still sure we made the right decision?”
