Sean’s cell phone buzzed as he got back into his car after dropping Grace at school. He glanced at the screen. Mrs. Collins, the lawyer. Wonder why she’s calling?
“Hello, this is Sean Holland.”
“Mr. Holland, this is Mrs. Collins.” Her voice was serious. “Do you have a moment today to stop by my office?”
“Yes. Are you available right now?”
“Yes, that would be fine.”
“Do I need to know something?”
“I’d prefer to speak to you in person, if you don’t mind.”
Sean’s stomach tightened. What was this all about? He clenched the steering wheel and pushed beyond the speed limit. Stepping into the law office’s lobby, he was escorted directly to Mrs. Collin’s office. She stood, extending her hand. After a quick shake, she plopped back into her desk chair.
“Please, have a seat.”
Sean eased into one of two chairs facing the desk. “What’s this all about?”
“I wanted to make sure you knew that Grace’s grandmother is planning on filing for custody.”
“But I was appointed her guardian in the will.”
“Yes, however, she can file. Between you and me, Mrs. Williams has recently remarried, and she discovered there is money set aside for Grace. I think that’s what she’s after.”
“But, she doesn’t have a chance, right?” Sean scooted to the edge of the seat.
“Well, she is a relative. Your name isn’t on Grace’s birth certificate.”
“Mrs. Collins, cut to the chase. We both know Tiffany wanted Grace with me.”
“Of course, it would look better if you were married, but…” She shook her head. “You’ll appear in front of a judge who will decide what’s best.”
“So, we’re fine?”
“A lot depends on which judge presides and how well Mrs. Williams presents herself and her husband as a better home.”
Sean’s throat constricted.
“I’ll be in touch,” the lawyer said.
Sean trudged to his car and sat in the driver’s seat, his forehead on the steering wheel. He couldn’t lose Grace now. She called him Daddy. He was starting to get the hang of a little girl’s routine and even fixing hair. How could he make sure he kept his little girl? His mind whirled. He sighed and raised his head. There was one way.
* * *
Hope rushed to shower and change. Sean had called and asked her to supper. His tone was guarded or serious. She couldn’t quite determine which, but there was something about his voice that let her know this would be more than just dining out. He had even arranged for Grace to stay with his parents. There was a knock on her door. She glanced at her watch. He was early. Her stomach quivered, and she gnawed her bottom lip. She took a deep breath, plastered on a smile, and flung the door open.
“Hi. I’m a bit early. Sorry about that.” Sean ducked his head slightly and gazed at her, brows raised.
Hope shook her head. “It’s fine. I’ll just be a minute. Have a seat.” She jogged back to the bathroom and brushed through her hair again. She stared at her reflection, then rolled her eyes. Did Sean have any feelings toward her other than as a friend and help with Grace? She had to know. Soon.
Maybe tonight would afford a moment to discover his intentions. Could she be brave enough to ask? Would his answer hurt? She prayed for direction and courage.
After being seated at a local restaurant, Sean leaned forward, locking her gaze with his.
“Something’s come up with Grace.” He paused, a pained expression on his face.
Hope instinctively placed her hand on his arm. “What is it?”
“Tiffany’s mother has remarried and obviously found out there is money set aside for Grace. She’s going to try to get custody.”
Hope’s chest tightened. “But, you have the letter, so she can’t follow through, right?”
“My lawyer says it depends on the judge and which is deemed more of a family.” He ran his fingers through his hair and plopped his arm back onto the table. “I have to look like the better home.” His gaze bore into her. He kept silent as if awaiting a reply.
“Did the lawyer give you any advice on what to do?”
Sean nodded, and his eyes darted everywhere except to her.
Hope leaned over the table closer to him, forcing his gaze to meet hers. “Sean, tell me.”
“She said I would fare better if I were married, giving Grace two parents.”
Hope’s heart flip-flopped. Was he saying what she thought he was saying?
He reached for her hand, grasping it and caressing it with his thumb. “I can’t believe I would even ask this of you, but it’s all I can think about.”
A tremble spread through her body.
“And, I actually feel it would be good for Grace. Besides, we spend a lot of time together anyway.” He paused and sat up straighter. “Would you marry me? For Grace’s sake?”
Just for Grace’s sake? Would this be a complete disaster? Sean hadn’t mentioned love for her. Should she question that? She feared his answer. But, Hope couldn’t imagine the horror for Grace if she were to lose another parent. Could her heart handle a fake marriage when she really yearned for the real thing with Sean? Where was that warning feeling from the Holy Spirit she was sure she should feel? “Okay…yes.”
Sean’s face lit up, and his eyes danced. He grabbed both of her hands and squeezed. “I thought we could talk to the preacher, maybe do it in his office.”
Hope nodded.