6. Chapter Five
Chapter Five
Arnav
I hummed to myself as I drove the back roads north of Mission City on Friday. I glanced at the clock, considered, and then carried on. My business shouldn’t take long, and I wouldn’t be late for my date with Foster at Fifties. I adored the diner, but didn’t indulge often. My metabolism was pretty good, but high cholesterol trended through my family. My grandmother, my mother, and now both Beena and Minal. Minal was the youngest save me, so that drove home how precarious the situation might be for me. Since I didn’t have any older brothers, I had no way of knowing if this was a female genetics thing or a general thing. Regardless, I wasn’t going to take the risk.
The sign for Healing Horses Ranch came into view, and I turned left into the driveway. The route was a slow upward climb through thick trees which blocked any of the remaining light. When we were so close to the beginning of December, daylight was at a premium. Night came earlier and earlier. Which meant the solstice and Christmas were coming. My family celebrated the Christian holidays—something they picked up in the Philippines. We retained many Indian traditions as well. My grandmother’s philosophy was expansive rather than narrow. We noted Jewish and Muslim holidays also, although we didn’t partake in them. Simply acknowledged our neighbors and respected their traditions.
As I emerged into a clearing, I spotted the parking lot, the ranch house, as well as the riding ring beyond. Somewhere would be the stables where the horses resided. Healing Horses healed people with equine, canine, and traditional therapy. I’d referred a client here after she’d left an abusive marriage. First, I’d helped her seek a restraining order.
After that legal maneuver, her husband had moved to Halifax because the asshole had finally realized she was never coming back to him.
I worried he might be abusive to someone new back east, but I couldn’t do anything about that. My client had thrived, and I would have no hesitation referring other clients up here.
I pulled my SUV into a spot, noting both Stanley’s and Justin’s SUVs.
Stanley was married to one of the therapists—Justin Bridges. Well, formerly Bridges. He’d chosen to change his name to Powers in his personal life, retaining the Bridges only in a professional capacity.
I grinned as I snagged my briefcase.
Those two are going to be so excited.
Justin had mentioned something going on here tonight. Calling ahead to say I’d be here for certain would’ve made more sense, but I wanted to surprise the men. Some days, my job sucked. Other days, it was the best occupation in the world.
Today was going to be one of those days.
As I exited the car, I was greeted by a woof . I closed my door and then headed toward the beautiful golden retriever gazing up at me with soulful dark-brown eyes. “Hello, Tiffany.”
She cocked her head as if to ask how do you know my name ?
“Well, you’re not Rex.”
Her gaze never wavered.
“No, she’s not.” A laugh came from the woman headed my way. She wore sturdy boots, jeans, a chambray shirt, and a huge smile. “I’m Rainbow.” She held out her hand.
I clasped it. “You run the place.”
“Okay, now I really want to know how you know this isn’t Rex.”
“My name is Arnav Mehta.”
She snapped her fingers. “Yeah, the lawyer. I remember now.”
I appreciated she didn’t mention my client by name. “Know I’ll likely refer other clients your way in the future.”
“Well, we’re always here. Avery’s a great counselor.” She indicated toward the house. “I’m a little cold, so why don’t we take this inside? I’m assuming you’re here to see Kennedy, Avery, or Justin?”
“Well, Justin and Stanley.”
She winced. “Justin’s busy with a client. It’s…an emergency.” She held my gaze.
“I’m not here to disrupt his schedule.” From her expression, I gleaned this was a bad time to interrupt.
“Stanley’s getting a tour of the little house we’re building for my parents when they visit. Which is more than you need to know.” She led me around to the back of the ranch house. She stepped onto the back deck while indicating a pathway leading to a much smaller one-story building with lights blazing through the windows. “You’ll find him there. Our handyman Simeon is giving him a tour.”
“Fantastic.” I saluted.
Tiffany rubbed against me.
Rainbow groaned.
I cocked my head.
“Dog hair.” She pointed at a huge tuft on my dark slacks and winced. “Normally she’s not so forward, but she’s off the clock and feeling affectionate toward everyone.”
I grinned and dropped to my haunches.
Tiffany sat and faced me.
“Off the clock, eh? I understand you work very hard.”
She blinked.
Slowly, I raised my hand.
She nuzzled it.
I grinned. “I think we’re, like, friends for life.”
She woofed.
Rainbow laughed. “You do have a way with animals.”
Slowly, I rose. “I wish. I think it’s specific to your dog. I always wanted one, but my mother swore raising seven children took all her effort.”
“My mother, having raised eight daughters, would likely agree.”
I grinned. “I have six sisters. Our mothers should meet at some point. Commiserate about having so many kids.”
“Okay, some other time you’ll have to tell me about having six sisters and being the only boy. You were the only one, right?”
I nodded.
“Cool. I always wondered what a brother would’ve made of eight of us.”
“Overwhelmed, spoiled, and loved…if he was as lucky as I was.” Often, I’d chafed under the weight of six older sisters who thought they knew what was best for me. Most of the time—now I was older—I just felt gratitude and, more importantly, love.
“That’s so neat. I try to talk to my youngest sisters, the twins, about what it’s like to be the youngest in the family. One waves me off and says it’s fine while the other is…more introspective? She’s also shyer, which can be dangerous with seven gregarious siblings.”
I scrunched my nose. “I went to school with Sunshine.”
Rainbow snapped her fingers. “Right. I forgot you were born and raised in Mission City. Lucky were the kids who were born between each Dixon sister who didn’t have one of us in their classes.”
“Sunshine was great. Give my best to your sister when you see her.”
“Oh, she’ll be here shortly. As soon as she gets off her shift at The Owl’s Nest. Tonight is the Christmas-decorating party. Oh, you should stay. Join in with cider, eggnog, and general merriment.”
I laughed. “Taking in random strangers?”
She arched an eyebrow. “You’re not a stranger. Which practically makes you family around here.”
“Well, I happen to have a date this evening.” Even as I said the words, a little butterfly flapped her wings in my belly. Admitting Foster was more than just a potential friend had serious consequences. And maybe you shouldn’t have just told the older sister of the biggest gossip in town your news…? “Uh, perhaps I shouldn’t have said that.”
With a huge belly laugh, she grinned. “I won’t tell Sunshine. But I am freezing, and you’d better go find Stanley.”
I tipped an imaginary hat to her as I did just that. I made my way along the path to the little house. When I arrived at the glass door, I knocked.
A tall blond man with a shy smile answered it.
“Is Stanley Powers here?” I asked.
The man stepped aside and gestured for me to enter.
Even as I did, Stanley strode toward me. “Is something wrong?”
“No, far from it.” I glanced around, taking in the combined kitchen-and-living-room area. I spotted two doors and assumed one was for the bathroom and the other perhaps a bedroom. “Rainbow said you were here. She said Justin was dealing with an emergency.”
“Yes. He couldn’t give me the details, but it’s not a good situation.” Stanley frowned. “Why are you looking for us?”
I was glad he made the leap I was here to see him. Made things a little less awkward. “I have something to discuss with you that’s pressing. Justin mentioned the party, and I figured coming here would be simpler. Rather than you coming to the office.”
“Ah, it must be important—” He arched an eyebrow, almost as if asking silently if I could just say it and put him out of his suspense.
“It is.” I held his gaze. “Utmost importance.”
“All right then.” He glanced over at the blond man with the hazel eyes and the small smile.
“I c-can leave you the keys.”
“Shouldn’t take too long.” I didn’t want to inconvenience anyone. And, truly, the news wouldn’t take long. I just didn’t know who this gentleman was, his relationship to Stanley, and whether he could be trusted.
“Let’s take it into the bedroom then.” Stanley laughed. “That sounds really bad.”
I returned his laugh. “I have visited my clients in many different places.” I met the gaze of the stranger. “Lawyer. Jack-of-all-trades.”
“Nice to m-meet you.” He gestured to himself. “Simeon.”
Right. I nodded, then pulled my wallet out of the back pocket of my slacks. I whipped out a business card to hand him. “In case you ever need a lawyer. You’d be surprised at some of the clients I’ve cared for since passing the bar.” Perhaps a bit forward. Maybe even inappropriate. But I needed more clients to build my practice and so offering up one of many business cards just made sense.
The guy tucked my card into his shirt pocket.
Judging by his jeans and shirt, he appeared to be someone working on the building. A handyman of some kind? I nearly asked him for a card. I loved working with local people, and matching work needed to competent help always gave me a sense of accomplishment. If Rainbow hired this guy, then he was clearly good at what he did.
“T-thank you.”
Stanley gestured to one of the doors.
I nodded, then followed him in.
The smell of sawdust was as pervasive in here as in the main room.
I nearly sneezed, but managed to sniff my way through it.
“It’s a construction site. Or just about.” Stanley met my gaze. His dark-brown eyes carried worry. The man was as serious as anyone I knew—unless he was talking about his husband or their children. Then he’d light up with pure joy. Given his past, I found that remarkable. “What’s going on?”
“I wanted to share the good news in person.” I held his gaze. “Cherelle has relinquished custody entirely. She’s signed the papers to give full custody to you and Justin. She’s indicated that, if you and Justin want to, she would like you to adopt Opal.”
He blinked. “I don’t understand.”
The Stanley Powers I knew was whip-smart and able to take in large amounts of information while simultaneously processing it. The man before me was a loving, caring foster father who was being presented with what he’d always wanted—but had never believed would happen.
I took a deep breath. “Cherelle, sadly, was arrested recently on serious charges. I just found out yesterday and arranged an interview. She drove the getaway car after her boyfriend robbed an electronics store in Vancouver. And he shot the clerk. He’s facing a huge amount of time in prison. But he’s fighting it and going to trial. Cherelle is going to testify, and the crown is lessening the charges against her—but she’s still going to jail for a long time.” I let those words sink in. “I met with her this morning. With her lawyer as well. The very-competent woman had all the paperwork drawn up, and Cherelle signed it in front of me. Now, she said if you don’t want to adopt—”
“I want.” Stanley pushed the words out even as he pressed a hand to his chest. “You know I want. That we want.” He blinked several times. “We’ve wanted this since the day the social worker brought Opal to the house. But we’re her foster family. As much as Angus wants to keep her as a younger sister, we’ve been explaining that he can’t just adopt her.” He rubbed his sternum. “Because Opal has a mother. A mother who was trying to go straight…” He winced. “We honestly thought she would.”
Thought or hoped? Stanley and Justin were two of the best men I knew. All they’d wanted was for Cherelle to get her act together and become the mother Opal deserved. A couple of times things had looked promising. I hadn’t even been aware of this arrest until her lawyer contacted me yesterday. I’d attended the meeting without telling Stanley and Justin. I wanted to know what was going to happen before I read them in. In a million years, I couldn’t have predicted Cherelle relinquishing custody. “Now, there are many steps—”
“I don’t care. Whatever…” His breath hitched. “She really said she wants us to adopt Opal?”
“Yes. She’s witnessed you caring for her daughter for more than a year. She acknowledged she’s made a series of very bad decisions in her life—the robbery obviously being the worst. She claims she didn’t know he was going to rob the store.” I winced. “Her lawyer didn’t even believe her—which is, I suspect, why she encouraged Cherelle to plead guilty.” I drew myself up a little straighter. “With two lawyers and a corrections officer as witnesses, she made it clear she wants you to adopt Opal. If you don’t want—”
“Don’t even say whatever you’re about to say because it’s a one hundred percent yes . I don’t even need to consult with Justin because he loves her as much as I do. She’s…” He took a deep breath and blinked several times. “She’s our everything, Arnav. I never thought…” He paused. “I never thought I’d have kids. Then my younger brother died, and I got custody of Angus. Justin joined us and we became a family. And I learned I had so much love to give, and then the three of us talked about fostering, and shortly after we qualified, Opal arrived. Angus adores her. We’ve spent fifteen months cautioning him not to get too attached—” He rubbed his chest even harder and squeezed his eyes shut.
I wanted to tell him that I wouldn’t mind if he cried. Clients did that a lot. Either because I was delivering devastating news or because I was delivering amazing news. Often, because I was either alleviating stress or piling on more, they did the opposite of what I expected. “Are you okay?”
“We should…” He gestured to the door.
“Of course.” I followed him out into the main room.
“I can’t wait to tell Justin.” He came up short as we found Simeon was no longer alone. An attractive, very slender redheaded man had joined him.
Stanley glanced at me as if asking permission. “Uh…”
I gestured for him to share.
“We’re adopting Opal. It’s official once we sign the papers. Her mother…” He swallowed hard. “She’s given up…” He blinked rapidly.
Simeon, in a moment of breathtaking compassion, stepped toward Stanley and held his arms open.
The older man fell into them. “I…was so scared. That she’d get Opal back and not treat her right.”
I glanced toward the fourth man in the room.
He pointed to the door.
I nodded.
We exited.
And stood by the door.
I extended my hand. “Arnav Mehta.”
“Ryan.” He didn’t provide a last name.
And I didn’t press. Nor did I offer a business card. Now felt very much like the wrong moment. I glanced back to see Stanley and Simeon speaking in what I could only guess was an intense conversation. I shivered, as night had pretty much fallen. The gloaming just before the last of the light was extinguished brought a chill breeze with it.
“Why don’t we head to the ranch house?” Ryan pointed the way.
Since I still had papers needing to be signed, I nodded and followed him.
Upon entering the ranch house, I was assailed by the scent of cider, pine, and something undefinable, but definitely festive.
“Ryan, you have to try this.” Angus, Stanley and Justin’s eleven-year-old son, beckoned Ryan over.
He offered me a sheepish look before heading over to join the boy on the couch.
I spotted Opal sitting in Avery’s lap. The counselor was reading a book, and the young girl, whose life was about to change in ways she couldn’t possibly understand, appeared enraptured.
“Arnav.” At Justin’s voice, I turned.
His expression of concern had me putting on my brightest smile. “Good news, I promise.” I gestured with my chin that he move to the side with me. After he did, I grasped his arm. “It’s a long story that I’ll explain later, but Cherelle has relinquished custody. She wants you and Stanley to adopt Opal. I have the paperwork. Oof—” I had most of the breath knocked from me when Justin hauled me into a bear hug. A chuckle rose up within me, but I held it in. He might misunderstand. I was laughing because this was such a Justin way to respond.
He pulled back, attempted to straighten my jacket, then blinked, much as Stanley had. “That simple?”
“Well, sort of. She got herself into some bad trouble with the law, and the fallout won’t be pretty, but it convinced her to clear the way for Opal to have a better life. There are plenty of hoops and administrative things…but yes, she’s made her wishes clear.” Before I could elaborate, Stanley and Simeon entered the house.
Clearly Stanley hadn’t expected Justin to be out of his office, because he made a beeline for his husband.
Justin threw himself into Stanley’s arms.
I deftly stepped aside as the two men embraced.
Rainbow caught my gaze, and I headed her way. “Might there be somewhere private I can speak to the men? We have paperwork to be signed.” It could’ve waited since the courthouse was closed for the weekend, but I didn’t like having unsigned documents with me. Better to do this now. “And I’ll need a witness.”
She nodded. “Kennedy is really the best witness. Her understanding of legal jargon exceeds my own.” Kennedy was Rainbow’s older sister and the owner of the ranch. The witness didn’t really need to understand the documents, and they were straightforward, but Rainbow also looked like she was going to have her hands full. What with all the boxes of decorations.
“That would work.”
“Great. Let’s go to her office. It’s the biggest. If you can, maybe you can explain it to her?” She glanced at Justin and Stanley who held hands and pressed their foreheads together.
Thus far, Angus and Opal appeared not to have noticed anything amiss. I hoped we could get the papers signed before things got chaotic.
I glanced at my watch. I’ll have to text Foster that I’m running late .
Why had I thought this would be simple?
Happy? Yes. Simple? Far from it.
Yet I had zero regrets.
After Rainbow left me in Kennedy’s office, and headed out to locate her sister, I texted Foster.
He responded immediately and said he’d head to Fifties an hour later than we’d planned.
Guilt swamped me, but I hoped he understood.
Soon, though, I was helping Stanley and Justin begin the next stage of their lives with Kennedy as their witness.