Alaskan Hideaway by Beth Carpenter

Author:Beth Carpenter
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-04-12T15:03:23+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

FRED READ OVER the letter. “I don’t know what to tell you, Ursula. It’s not real clear what they’re after. But the will specifically appointed you guardian, and the judge honored that request. The bad news is the estate hasn’t finished clearing probate, and decisions aren’t final.”

“So there’s a possibility a judge might award custody to her biological grandparents? Even though she’s never met them?” Ursula heard the note of desperation creeping into her voice. She glanced toward Mac, sitting in the chair beside her, his face a picture of calm strength. She sucked in a breath. “How likely is that?”

“Hard to say.” Fred shook his head. “I don’t know what arguments they might make, or even if they want full custody. Perhaps they only want visitation. Would you be amenable to that?”

“I...” She paused, considering. The wounds these people had inflicted on their daughter went deep. Kendall had spent most of her life fulfilling their expectations, and yet when she’d made the decision to go her own way, they’d abandoned her without hesitation. But they were Rory’s grandparents, and family was important. “I don’t know. I’d have to meet them first.”

“Yes. Well, I suggest you get yourself a family attorney who knows the ins and outs of this sort of thing. I’ve made a list of my recommendations. Given a choice, Darlene Henderson would be my top pick.”

“Thanks.” Ursula tucked the list into her bag. “I’ll give her a call.”

“I’d do it sooner, rather than later. This feels like the opening salvo of a surprise attack to me.”

Ursula looked up, startled. “What do you mean?”

Fred shook his head. “I’m not sure. It’s just the vague wording of the letter. I get the idea this is just the formal required engagement before they spring something on you. I may be wrong.”

Ursula doubted it. Fred seemed to have a sixth sense about which issues were likely to fizzle out and which ones might build into something major. He’d been able to head off trouble for several of her friends over the years. But a vague feeling didn’t help her much. “I’ll call her today.”

“Good. Good luck, and let me know if I can help.” Fred shook her hand and turned to Mac. Fred had raised an eyebrow when Mac had accompanied her into his office, but hadn’t questioned her. No doubt he’d pass this on to Penny, who would draw her own conclusions, but right now Ursula was willing to endure a little gossip if it meant she had an ally in this battle.

Mac had hardly said a word during this consultation, but she could tell he was listening carefully, weighing Fred’s advice. She was confident he’d remember the things she was too flustered to consider. He reached out to shake the lawyer’s hand. “Thank you, Fred. We appreciate your help.”

In the lobby, Mac helped her into her coat and rested a hand on her back to guide her out the door to the parking lot. “Coffee?”

Ursula shook her head.

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