The Firefighter's New Family by Gail Gaymer Martin

Author:Gail Gaymer Martin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

“I need to talk with you, Renee.” Devon swallowed his apprehension, trying to maintain calm in his voice. He knew she would balk if he came on too strong.

“Talk about what?” His mild manner didn’t alleviate her uptight attitude.

“Kaylee.”

“What about her?”

He wished they could talk in person, but he couldn’t in front of Kaylee. Words were lost for a moment until he got a second wind. “Since her mother is hospitalized, I’ve decided to—”

“Gina’s here, Devon. Would you like to speak to her?”

Air left his lungs. Now what? His argument failed, and yet her presence didn’t change his mind. “Yes, if she’s there.”

He heard the telephone receiver hit something hard and Renee’s voice ebbing away from the phone. Moments passed while he clung to his cell phone and reorganized his thoughts.

“Devon.” Gina’s voice sound feeble, no energy, no momentum. Dead.

Steadying himself, he grasped his determination. “How are you?”

“Okay.”

“When were you released?”

She sighed. “I’m sorry you learned about that. It was unfortunate.”

“Why is it unfortunate?” Tension knitted his body.

“You worry about things.”

“Your absence affects Kaylee’s life, Gina, not mine. I should know when things aren’t going well for you.”

“You can’t do anything.” Her tone heightened.

“But I can. I think Kaylee should live here with me until you’re up and about. Renee shouldn’t be the one raising our daughter. Not when she has a father who’s willing to care for her.”

“How, when you work the hours you do?” She ran out of breath. “Renee loves Kaylee, and—”

“I love her, Gina, and she loves me. She wants to—”

“No.”

He pulled back the phone and peered at it. “You can’t say no and think that will end it.”

“But I did. No. She’s staying here.”

He bit the edge of his lip, holding back the frustration that raged inside him. How could she expect him to accept her no? He didn’t want to drag her to court, and he knew mothers always were favored over fathers, but... His jaw tightened. “Can I reason with you? Let’s make the move temporary until you’re ready to be a mother to her, when you can—”

“I am her mother. I’m not listening to another word.”

The clang of the receiver resounded in his ear and the hum of silence. He lowered his cell phone, hit the end button, and slipped it in his pocket as he crumpled against the chair back. What now?

What would convince her? Or would nothing result in an amicable change of custody? No matter what he did, Kaylee would be in the middle, and he never wanted to put her in that position. Her feelings outweighed winning a battle, but he wanted the best for her, too.

But what was best?

The sermon he’d heard the day before slipped into his mind. He couldn’t battle this alone and the pastor had reminded the congregation that all they need do is give their problems to God and wait for His answer. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

So simple. Yet could he do it? He lowered his face in his hands and prayed.

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