Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
“L et me make sure I understand this,” Ben Sr., Antonio’s dad said. He was seated behind his desk and looked from Scarlett to him and back to Scarlett again. “You want my son to adopt Bella, so she can have the Jenkins name?”
Antonio didn’t miss the incredulous tone in his father’s voice. Hell, Antonio was still trying to make sense of everything too. After Scarlett returned from seeing Cynthia on Monday morning, she was adamant that he become Bella’s father as soon as possible.
While they were waiting for their flight, and Bella had fallen asleep, Scarlett explained what happened at Cynthia’s house. Whatever Ezra’s mother said or did made Scarlett believe the woman wasn’t above coming after them if she found out about Bella.
Though Antonio wanted nothing more than to have Bella as his daughter, this was a rash decision. He wasn’t sure this drastic move was necessary, but Scarlett was adamant that this was what she wanted and what Bella needed. Even if Alberta had no legal rights to her granddaughter, Scarlett wanted to do as much as possible to shield her daughter from people who could cause her emotional harm.
Scarlett had surprised Antonio even more when she’d told him that even if things didn’t work out between him and her, she wanted him to be Bella’s father. She might not realize it yet, but Antonio wanted Scarlett too—eventually as his wife. For now, though, they’d focus on one thing at a time, and then he’d do everything in his power to make Scarlett fall in love with him.
He had called his dad’s office first thing that morning to try to get on his schedule. As a defense attorney who owned a large law firm, Ben Sr.’s days were usually swamped. Thankfully his assistant had been able to juggle his schedule. Otherwise, Antonio would’ve called him directly. One thing about his dad was he always put his kids first. It had been like that all their lives, and Antonio tried to never abuse that privilege. Although today he would have done whatever necessary to get his father to meet with him and Scarlett.
“I know it sounds crazy Mr. Jenkins, but…” Scarlett stopped abruptly and glanced at Antonio.
If the way she was nibbling on her lower lip was any indication, she was nervous. Was she having second thoughts? Was there something she hadn’t told him? Without thinking, Antonio reached over and wrapped his hand around hers. Her small hand was cold, and he held it tighter.
“You can still change your mind, Scarlett,” Antonio said as he gently caressed the back of her hand with the pad of his thumb. He didn’t want her having any regrets, and that’s what he’d told her on their way to his father’s office.
His dad sat back and studied them. “For what it’s worth, Scarlett, I can’t think of a better father for Bella. You’ve made an excellent choice in picking my son.”
A slow smile punched up the corners of Antonio’s mouth, and then he chuckled. “Don’t listen to him, Scarlett. Not only is he biased, but he wants more grandchildren.”
They laughed.
“Guilty,” Ben Sr. said, still smiling before turning serious. “I’ve heard everything you’ve said, and I understand your concerns. I’m going to get someone to poke around in Mrs. Armani and her family’s life.” His attorney demeanor was firmly in place as he continued, “I’m not saying your reasons for wanting Antonio’s help in this situation are not legitimate. However, let’s make sure that Mrs. Armani’s concerns about her daughter and son-in-law are warranted.”
Scarlett squeezed Antonio’s hand and scooted to the edge of her seat, putting her closer to the large desk. “Mr. Jenkins, I’ve thought about this long and hard, and I think Antonio adopting Bella is in the best interest of my daughter. Especially since I know how much he loves her. Besides that, I’ve met Alberta. There’s no doubt in my mind that she’ll seek out her mother’s benefactor and try to contest the will.”
“If Mrs. Armani is as smart as I think she is, and as wealthy as you think she is,” Ben Sr. said to Scarlett, “she probably set up an irrevocable trust. Her daughter and son-in-law wouldn’t be able to touch the estate.”
“It’s not just about the money, Mr. Jenkins, I don’t want them to know about Bella. If she has a different last name, that’ll be one way of protecting her from them.”
“I understand why you feel you need to protect Bella. They can definitely make your life miserable,” Ben Sr. said as he nodded slowly. “Even if her grandparents can’t get their hands on her inheritance, they’ll want to know everything about the person who was awarded the estate. They might find out about Bella even if Antonio adopts her, especially if they are as powerful as Mrs. Armani claims.”
Scarlett rubbed her forehead, then met Antonio’s gaze. Warmth spread through his body at the tenderness in her eyes. She regarded him with so much trust and something else that he couldn’t quite identify. She had faith in him that there was nothing he wouldn’t do for her or Bella.
She’s. The. One .
The words screamed inside his head, and a calm settled over him. Yes, Scarlett was the one for him, and adopting Bella would just be the beginning to forever for all of them.
“I want to move forward,” Scarlett said, her attention still on Antonio.
An electric charge pulsed between them as they continued to stare into each other’s eyes. Did she feel what he was feeling? Did she understand he’d do whatever necessary to make her his?
If she didn’t, she’d know soon enough. She was the one , and he’d pursue her the way he went after everything else he wanted. He’d make a plan and execute it.
Ben Sr. cleared his throat, breaking whatever electric current flowing between Antonio and Scarlett.
Antonio turned his complete attention to his father, watching him carefully. He could tell when Ben Sr. was working out a strategy because that vein on the side of his forehead was visible. His dad wouldn’t steer them wrong.
“I’m not a family law attorney,” his dad said, “but I’ll set you two up with one of the best in our firm. However, you two have another problem.”
His light-brown hazel eyes bore into Antonio, sending unease coursing through his veins. “What type of problem?”
“Ohio has strict rules about adoption, especially when it comes to second-parent and stepparent adoptions. Antonio, the only way you can adopt Bella is if you and Scarlett are married.”