“I know, but I was honestly expecting it to take a couple of years. Cuba is a Hague Convention country, but they rarely ever grant intercountry adoptions, and they’re notoriously difficultin dealings with the States,” said Pa as he moved some papers around on his desk as if searching for something in particular.
“I truly think we have the pope to thank for their decision,” remarked Uncle Brett.
The previous week a news journalist had asked the pope for his opinion of the now highly publicized story, and the pope had stated that he was aware and had been following it. He then commented that a family is sacred in God’s eyes and that every effort should be made to unite them.
Camdyn’s grandpa had been right. The story of Javier trying to gain guardianship of his orphaned cousin had spread like wildfire, especially within the Latino community. Camdyn had lost track of the number of interviews Javier had done over the course of the last few weeks. But the notice of one man, with immense influence, had finally gotten the ball rolling.
Her grandpa looked up with a grin and quipped, “Yes, I agree. That was an unexpected blessing. I’m surprised he commented, but thankful that he did. Thank God he’s a baseball fan.”
They all shared a laugh, then Pa found the paper he’d been looking for and passed it to Uncle Brett. Their conversation shifted to other cases they were working on, and before long, their huddle broke apart so that they could get some work done.
The atmosphere at Callahan was so different from the corporate feel at Anderson. Camdyn realized the difference was there was no competition here. Her uncle and Pa had immediately accepted her as their equal, because they saw her as the future of Callahan. There was no vying for partner. They included her in discussions and frequently brainstormed together as a team. She’d always been made to feel less than the partners at Anderson. The environment here was less stressful and more supportive, the exact change of pace she’d unknowingly needed.
Several hours later, she called Javi and he answered on the first ring.
“Hey, Cami! Are you still coming to the game tonight?”
“I am. I’m leaving work early so that I can go pack a bag and then I’ll drive in. I might be late getting to the game.” She was, in fact, packing up her work bag as she spoke with him.
“Okay. You’ll meet me after?”
“I will. And Javi, I have something to share with you.”
“What’s that?” he asked.
“You need to pack a bag, too.”
“Why? I can’t go anywhere. I’ve got games Saturday and Sunday. Then an away series that starts on Tuesday.”
“You’ll be leaving after your game on Sunday to fly to Miami. I was notified today that you’re being granted guardianship of Lola.” Her statement was met with silence. Maybe they’d been disconnected. “Javi? Are you there?”
“I’m here,hermosa. I’m just surprised and so grateful.” He sounded choked up as he continued, “Thank you for everything you’ve done to help secure this. Does my mother know?”
“No. I had thought it best to let you tell her. However, I have booked her a flight from Pensacola to Miami for Sunday. Pa and I will fly into Miami before you and we’ll meet her there. The flights to get you there after the game are hectic, but if everything goes as planned, you’ll be there in time to fly to Havana with Pa Monday morning to get Lola.”
“You’re not going to Havana, too?” he asked.
“Unfortunately, my passport is due for renewal within the next six months. I’ve already submitted for renewal, but it hasn’t been granted, and Cuba restricts entry if your passport is not valid for six months beyond your arrival date.”
“Well, that’s unfortunate. Are everyone else’s passports good?”
“Yes, the rest of you are good. I’m the only problem.”
He immediately responded with, “You’re never a problem, Cami.”
She laughed. “Many people would disagree with you. You need to notify your mom, and your manager and agent. According to the collective bargaining agreement, you should get three days of approved emergency leave. You’ll have to miss Monday through Wednesday.”
“I’ll go ahead and call my agent now and then mymamá. I love you, Cami. Drive safe, okay?”
“Of course, Javi. I’ll send you all the flight details and I’ll see you soon.” It wasn’t the first time he’d said those three words to her. She still hadn’t said them back, and he hadn’t pushed for her to. Maybe it was the emotion behind them, but this time she’d felt almost guilty for not saying them back to him. Was it because she loved him? She thought that it probably was.
Working in immigration and family law had given Camdyn an opportunity to observe many dysfunctional relationships. They’d all left a lasting mark on her. She preferred immigration cases and helping families reunite, but unfortunately, divorce proceedings made up about half of her caseload, and she hated those. When she got married, she wanted it to be forever, like her parents and her grandparents. She didn’t want to be unsure of her partner. And while she knew they were smart, she didn’t want to deal with prenup and postnups in her own life. She just wanted love. Enduring, staying love that she never had to question. Was Javi that love? She wasn’t sure yet, but she thought he might be.
CHAPTER 18
Luck is just a matter of hustling. I’m lucky because I get out and hustle. Any man with any ability at all can be one of the lucky ones if he digs into the work.
– John “Happy Jack” Chesbro, Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, 1946
