CHAPTER 34

Frank Jones reached Don at his office in the medical building.

“Don,” he asked, “have you heard from Alisha?”

“She called a few days ago. Her mother did not survive. The services have been held and she plans to remain in Pittsburgh to care for her father.”

“So she is not contesting the divorce?”

“That’s what she says, and also that she does not want custody of Jay.”

“I have received a sworn statement from her lawyer that addresses those issues. When you can find the time, Don, try to come in so we can start the process.”

“Thanks so much, Frank.”

Don checked his calendar as soon as he hung up the telephone. He noted that his patient load was light on Thursday and that there were a few patients that could be rescheduled. He really wanted the whole afternoon clear to consult with his lawyer.

He wondered if he should ask Frank about the feasibility of an annulment, as opposed to a no-fault divorce. He had not informed his staff about his personal situation, although they knew his wife was out of town and that Jay was in day care.

He did inform Becky that he would not be in the office Thursday afternoon, that the staff could have the afternoon free. He asked her to reschedule those patients involved.

On Thursday, Don had a quick lunch and was in Frank’s office at one o’clock, the appointed time.

“Don, I’m glad you’re here. I’ve cleared my calendar so we will have plenty of time to discuss your issues.”

“Great! I’m anxious to get started.”

“I know. There are several things to consider. First, even though the DNA test proves you are not the biological father, your name is on the baby’s birth certificate as the legal father.

“As for your marriage, it may be deemed to be fraudulent because your wife misled you, lied about the child being yours when she knew she had used a sperm donor.

“Now, if you divorce her, she has declared that she does not wish custody of the child. But still, you can sue her for child support if you choose.”

“God, no, Frank! I do not want to have anything, nothing at all to do with that woman! Never! No!”

Noting his client’s agitation, Frank responded, “Man, take it easy.”

“Just thinking about her upsets me. No, I can support Jay if I have to. Be no problem, none at all.”

“Good. I need you to sign some papers stipulating a no-fault divorce on the grounds of incompatibility or irreconcilable differences. I will be forwarding copies of these to her lawyer as well.”

“Frank, how long will this take? To get the divorce, I mean?”

“Once the decree is handed down, you have to wait sixty days for it to be final.”

“Can’t come too soon for me.”

“How are you managing to take care of the child, Don?”

“It’s hard because I have to meet his every need. But he is a pleasant, amiable child. As long as he’s fed and clothed, kept clean, he responds to me with a happy grin.”

“Think he misses Alisha?”

“Don’t know, he doesn’t seem to be looking for her, so I don’t really know. You know, Frank, when I had to go out of town to a medical meeting, my ex-wife babysat Jay. She said he was the easiest child she had ever taken care of.”

“Wonderful. Must have made you feel good.”

“It did. We talked some about our differences. I have many, many regrets over my despicable behavior, I have to tell you, but incredibly Leanne said, ‘I try not to dwell on the past.’ She seems willing to forgive, not that I deserve one iota of forgiveness for what I have done to her and my children. Believe it or not, Frank, she invited me and the baby to Thanksgiving dinner. I expect to have some tense, anxious moments when I face Curtis and Jane. I’m very anxious to know how we will make out.”

“Don’t forget, you are their father. Just remember that.”

“Thanks, Frank. Don’t know what I would do without you.”

Frank grinned at him. “Wait ‘til you get my fee, see how you feel then.”

* * *

Leanne was not going to tell the children that young Jay was not their father’s child, not their half-brother; she would let Don do that. She could only hope that the innocent child, in effect now parentless, would receive their consideration and empathy.

Leanne Matthews was an innately positive person, and she had put a positive spin on her expectations for the day. Of course she expected some initial tensions when the family gathered for the first time in months. But she prayed that would be short-lived.

To save time and conserve her energy, Leanne had a cleaning service to come in and clean the house. The windows sparkled, the furniture gleamed, the rugs were spotless. The house had a fresh, airy, comfortable feel to it.

By late morning, she had already set the table with her best china, silverware and glassware. Arrays of fall flowers were in the center of the table. The precooked turkey, which came with mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing, had been delivered that morning at eleven. All she had to do was pop it into the oven for an hour or so just before serving it.

Everything was set, but she still gladly accepted Don’s offer to come over an hour early to help her. He also said he would be bringing the wine.

“Would you mind carving the turkey?” she asked him.

“Be happy to do it,” he said, inwardly wincing as he recalled the many times he had performed that task for his family. But he was determined to put the best possible face on whatever happened that day.

When Leanne opened the front door for Don and Jay, the baby bounced gleefully, obviously recognizing her.

“He knows you!” Don exclaimed.

“Give him to me! How are you doing, big boy?” She kissed his forehead. It was obvious Jay was happy to see her.

“You know, Don, he is a very smart child.”

“Seems to be.”

“Do you think he’ll be okay in the playpen for now? Have to be in the kitchen doing a few things, and you’ll want to get started on the turkey. We can move the playpen into the kitchen.”

“Sure smells good in here,” Don observed. He opened some of the pots, checked the rice, greens, a pot of gravy simmering on a back burner.

“Got sweet potatoes?” he asked and grinned at her.

Laughing, she teased him, “Now what do you think? That I would forget one of your favorites?”

“I know one thing for sure, wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without your candied sweet potatoes.”

“Don…”

Still standing in front of the stove, he turned to look at her. She had been tossing a large bowl of salad greens with silver forks.

“Yes, Leanne?”

“It’s good to have you here. I don’t know what kind of future we might have, but for me it’s almost as if you’ve been away on a long trip and you’ve come home. I don’t really know…except I’m glad you are…back.”

He did not miss the sober look on her face.

“Leanne,” he began moving the few steps from the stove to the table. Facing her, he placed his hand on her right shoulder. It was the first time he had touched her. She welcomed the warmth of his hand.

“Leanne,” he said, “I, too, don’t know what’s ahead for us, but I want you to know how much I appreciate your understanding and support.”

“You are most welcome here anytime. By the way, Don, I haven’t told the children about the nature of your relationship with Jay. I think you should be the one to explain it?”

“Right. I just hope Curtis and Jane will understand.”

“They are sensible children. They will understand, I’m sure. Would you take the turkey out of the oven? Needs to cool down a bit before you carve it.”

“No problem,” he said, wishing that the rest of this day would have “no problems.”