Page 5 of Harts & Hurts

3

Griffin

Anistyn and I walked back into the conference room. She went to retake her seat. I made a beeline for my mother and took Melrose out of her arms and into my own. I kissed the beautiful little girl’s chubby cheek.

“Anistyn Hurt and I are going to take custody of our niece,” I announced.

Marissa’s hand hit the table with a loud slap. “Why would you do that, Griff? Why would you take the baby away from Mom?”

I looked at my pushy-ass little sister. I loved Marissa, but she had the tendency to be unlikable. “I’m not taking her from Ma. I’m honoring Fisher and Ashlynn’s wishes. They chose me and Anistyn; you’re gonna have to deal with it.” I turned to Attorney Clark. “What’re the next steps?”

“I’ll draft a petition for temporary guardianship and get that over to the court clerk. You’ll need to go over to the police station and have fingerprinting done and a background check run. While you’re doing that, I’ll wait to hear from Sandy over at city hall about when you can go before the judge for an emergency temporary order. Hopefully, that will be today. If not, I’m sure it’ll be first thing tomorrow morning. My secretary will call you with the time, and we’ll go over to the courthouse to get this thing done.”

“So we’re free to take her right now?” I confirmed.

“Yes. If you don’t mind, I would like to speak to both you and Ms. Hurt before you leave.” He looked away from me, back at our family members. “The rest of you are free to go. I’ll start working on the paperwork to get the sale of the property going and the trust for Melrose Hart set up.”

“Ma.” I looked across the table at her while Melrose played with her own fingers in my arms. “I’m gonna need the baby’s things. Her car seat, her baby bag, the bottles, . . . all her stuff.”

My mother’s eyes ballooned. “Why? Where are you taking her, Griff?”

“With me. I’mma need her stuff.” I sighed. “Unless you need me to go buy her all new stuff, which I will if I have to.”

“You can just bring her back to the house. All her stuff is already there.”

“Absolutely not!” Mrs. Hurt’s voice was almost shrill. “You’ve been holding her hostage for three days, Yolanda. At least when she was in my home, I was open to you all coming to visit and spending time with her.” She pointed at my mother. “You won’t even answer my phone calls.”

My mother folded her arms across her chest. “And won’t,” she said sassily.

“I lost my daughter.” Mrs. Hurt cried, and I had to be honest; my heart cracked a little at the pain in her voice. “I will never understand how you could be so cruel as to take pleasure in keeping the only connection I have to my girl away from me, especially because you don’t even know me. You know me, Mark.” She addressed my father. “How can you let this happen?”

“You’re right, Tara. I⁠—”

My mother and Marissa cut him off simultaneously. “She’s right?” Each practically shrieked.

“Shit’s so damn stupid,” I mumbled to myself. Why were my family members taking pleasure in hurting this woman more than she was already hurting? “Mrs. Hurt.” I gave her my attention. “As soon as Anistyn and I get settled and talk about . . . all of this, we’ll have you meet us somewhere so you can spend time with Melrose. We’re all hurting. We’re all mourning. There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to spend time with your grandkid.”

My mother stood up from the table and flounced from the room. Marissa was hot on her heels.

“Ma! The baby’s stuff.”

She ignored me. My father stood from the table. “Don’t worry about it, Griff. I’ll get the car seat out of my truck and meet you at your rental.” He turned to Tara and Adam Hurt. “I don’t wanna make excuses for my wife. I’ll just say that she doesn’t know how to process her pain. This loss is . . .” He couldn’t finish before a rumble of anguish left his throat.

Mr. Hurt stood from his seat. “Dawg, you ain’t gotta tell us. I’m praying for y’all, and I hope y’all are doing the same for us.”

My father took a deep breath. “Lashing out ain’t the answer. I’m glad my son is big enough to do what should’ve been done all along. Enjoy spending time with your grand. I’m definitely praying for y’all.” He turned to me. “I’ll meet you at your rental with the car seat and the diaper bag.”

Mrs. Hurt turned to Anistyn. “Just come by the house, Ani. I have diapers, formula, and bottles. I even have the little travel bassinet that I bought a few months ago.” She smiled faintly. “It’ll probably be tight, but you’ll be able to get away with using it for at least a week or so, just until you can figure out a real sleeping situation for her.” She turned to her husband. “I’m ready to go home, Adam.”

“Mom.” Mrs. Hurt stood up from the table, and Anistyn fell into her mother’s arms. The two of them cried together while Amberlyn, Anthony, and Mr. Hurt joined them in a group embrace.

I got choked up. My older sister, Mariah, was the only other member of the Hart family still in the room. She walked over to me and enveloped both Melrose and me in a strong hug. “This shit hurts,” I told her in a low voice.

“So bad, baby bro. But I’m so damn proud of you and the way you’re stepping into this. If you want me to, I’ll stop by your hotel room or wherever and help you with any questions you may have.”

“That’s good stuff, Sis. Thanks. I’mma take you up on that.”

“You better.” She dropped a kiss on my cheek and then on Melrose’s. “Call me.”