Page 91 of Miss Fortune

Figuring it would be the best way to get rid of the person, I clicked on the call. “Caleb Morrison here.”

The sound of a crying baby flooded the speakers. “Hi, it’s Tabitha.”

Daisy and I shared a look of concern at the continued sound of the baby crying in the background.

“Hi, Tabitha. Are you in the hospital?”

“No, I’m home now. I had the baby five days ago. He came early.”

“Is he okay?”

“He cries constantly because of his lip deformity. Um, I’m calling because I’m ready to have you file the paternity suit. I meant to call earlier, but I was in the hospital, and nothing was going right.”

“What kind of deformity?”

“Cleft lip and palate. What about the paperwork?”

I wanted to ask more about the baby’s birth defect but figured it might be better to answer her questions, so she could get off the phone and attend to the baby. “I have the document prepared and can get it filed with the court first thing tomorrow morning. Are you sure the father won’t submit voluntarily?” The first course was usually to ask.

“No, he won’t. And I want him served at home in front of his wife.”

I sighed. This wasn’t the first time I’d heard such a request. “I suggest we have it served at work. We prefer cooperation over confrontation.”

“Fine.”

Daisy whispered, “Ask her if anyone is there with her. Please.” The sound of the baby crying got louder.

“Is anyone with you? Your family or a friend?”

“My friend was here earlier and so was a nurse, but they had to go. I’m just so tired.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“Can you get a baby to stop crying?” She didn’t ask it with snark but with what sounded like exhaustion. “Anyhow, keep me posted with the paternity suit. The hospital did the DNA test, so I’ll have those results soon.”

“Okay. I’ll keep you updated.”

The phone disconnected, and Daisy immediately declared, “We need to go there.”

“What? To her house?”

“Do you have her address?”

“I do, but I doubt I’ll be welcome. Are you concerned?” I felt bad about how tired Tabitha had sounded and the crying newborn, but as far as judging whether a mother and baby were doing okay the first few days after getting home, I had no clue.

“She didn’t sound okay. And the baby crying so much is cause for concern. Maybe we could stop by. You can knock on her door to see if she needs anything.”

“Maybe you should come in with me because I have no clue what to do with a crying baby or a new mom.”

She sighed. “I’m not sure how she’d feel about it, but you can ask her. Maybe say I’m in the car and willing to help if she’s open to it. Sometimes a good sleep is what a new mother needs. Maybe I could watch him while she naps, or we could grab her a hot meal.”

It was so generous. So Daisy. So not how I intended to spend the evening, and yet I knew we’d both feel better if we checked on the situation.

“Does she have family nearby?”

I shook my head. “She mentioned she’s not close with anyone except a brother. You’re really worried, aren’t you?”

“I can’t explain it, but yes.”