“What I’m suggesting is that I am good at many things, but parenting is not one. I may not be the most qualified person for this job. But if you and the court decide that I am a good candidate for temporary custody, I feel that taking care of them would be an honor.”
Julia sank back in her seat. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks. “Thank you,” she mouthed to Wendell.
But it was not over. The judge was clearly torn. “This is an emergency hearing for the petition for emancipation. However, it has become clear that there are more pressing matters. I believe the court needs to consider immediate custody issues before any determination of emancipation is made.”
Jamie looked at Julia and nodded. This was what she’d hoped for.
“It is clear the current living situation for the children with their aunt is not in their best interest during this time of transition.”
Julia could sense that he had arrived at some juncture, and her heart began to pound.
“This is a challenging decision for any judge. Julia, you are quite capable and clearly very bright. You have means to support yourself that most others do not. And you have made your wishes to stay in Saybrook very clear.” He stopped. “However, you are only fifteen. That is one year below the age our state deems acceptable for emancipation. Which is not to say it cannot be done, or that your departure to London cannot be delayed until such time as you are of legal age to be emancipated. But age alone is not the determining factor.”
Julia’s heart began doing its flip-flop thing again, and she wondered if the whole courtroom could hear it. “I will be sixteen in just nine months.”
Jamie threw her a look.
“I know the math,” the judge said. He closed the folder and looked between the two of them once more. “Given the current strain in the home, and taking into account the child’s wishes and the potential guardian’s willingness to care for the children, I propose a temporary joint custody arrangement.”
Candace sucked in her breath as Julia did the same. She didn’t want part-time custody. She and Pippa wanted to be free of her!
“Ms. Aldeen, you have requested a guardian ad litem for the children.”
Jamie nodded. “Yes, Your Honor. I feel it will provide the court with pertinent information and protect the interests of both girls in the meantime.”
“I agree.” Judge Bartlett addressed Wendell next. “Mr. Combs, effective immediately, I propose that Julia and her sister, Pippa, move in with you for one week. This will give everyone a cooling-off time. Starting next Monday, I then wish to set a schedule in which the girls will be with their aunt Monday at noonthrough Thursday at noon. At which time they will transition to your house for the weekend. Are you able to accommodate them while also working?”
Wendell looked to Candace. “I work Thursdays and Fridays. But perhaps they can come with me? And stay on the property, but leave with me at the day’s end?”
Candace shook her head. “Forgive me, but this is silly. The girls can come home. In fact, they can stay home.”
Judge Bartlett cleared his throat. “Ms. Lancaster, it is my opinion that both you and the children need a break. You are in the process of selling the home and property, yes?” She nodded. “Then, if this is not objectionable to you, and you can continue to be available to them during the workdays as you have been, I think this is a good compromise.
“In the meantime, a guardian ad litem will be meeting with all of you. Please make yourselves available to them and share as openly as you’re able. This is an important part of informing the court’s decision. I call for a continuation, to be scheduled in two weeks.”
A hearing date was set for two Mondays out. Judge Bartlett stood, adjusted his robe, and stepped down from the small platform on which his desk sat and sailed out through a side door. Julia felt her insides flutter like the hem of his robe.
Twenty-NineWendell
It was move-in day. There was no other name to call it. Wendell watched at first with amusement, then doubt, as the girls loaded up his truck with their “belongings.”
“Just a few things to make your place feel more homey,” Julia explained as the girls came out to meet him in the driveway. “After all, the judge said we’re staying for a week.”
Wendell shook his head as Pippa dragged a sparkly purple duffel bag larger than she was down the front steps. “Exactly. A week. Not a year.” He stooped to help her with it and lifted it into the bed of the truck. “Good grief, Pippa. What did you pack in here?”
He was serious, but Pippa giggled in delight. “Just my stuffies.”
“Her stuffed animals,” Julia translated. “Like about a hundred of them.”
Wendell shook his head again. “Will we be needing one hundred stuffies?” Then, as he walked around the truck to help Julia with her equally large bag, “Doesanyone?”
But they weren’t done. “Where are you going?” he asked as both girls ran back up the steps.
Pippa halted. “To get the rest.”
Wendell waited outside, noting that Candace was markedly absent. He wasn’t surprised. He also wasn’t about to let himself insidethe house, though from what he’d seen so far, the girls weren’t light packers and could’ve used a hand.
Two more trips later, the bed of his truck loaded, the three climbed inside the cab. Wendell started the engine and looked over at them. Pippa was sandwiched between him and Julia. She rested a small hand on his leg.
