Page 51 of Finding Home

“Do you all want some coffee or cookies?” Shaina bustles into the kitchen without waiting for a response.

“Coffee and cookies it is.” Justin laughs again at his mother. “While we wait, can I look over the request? I know you sent it to me in an email, but I always like to get eyes on the actual documents, just in case.” Harper hands it over, and the room goes silent while Justin reviews it. Lizzie’s helping Shaina in the kitchen, and Daniel pats Harper on the back in a fatherly way before settling into his recliner. I learned the first time I came here with Harper that the recliner is Daniel’s spot; she described it like Sheldon’s spot on The Big Bang Theory. She also informed me that he falls asleep in said chair within ten minutes of sitting down, every time. His eyes close, hands folded over his belly that has gotten rounder since retirement, according to Shaina. Daniel appears to be well on his way to his afternoon nap.

“Here we are,” Shaina singsongs as she steps back into the room. She’s carrying drinks while Lizzie carries a tin of cookies. “Justin, have you figured out how to take care of this yet?”

“It’s been five minutes, Mom. Can I finish reading it first?” Their banter reminds me of my mom and Maddy.

“Whatever it is, he will figure it out. Ooooh, I’m just so mad at Curtis. Who does he think he is, anyway? I’ll tell you what I think. I think his behavior is a classic example of overcompensation. Likely due to having a little centimeter peter.” She wiggles her pinky at us.

“Mom!” Justin squawks, while Harper dissolves into a fit of giggles.

“What, you know I’m right. Right, dear?” Shaina directs the question to Daniel.

“Of course, dear, tiny wieners mess with their minds,” he responds without ever opening his eyes, but reaching up to tap the side of his head.

“See. No excuse for being an asshole.”

“Ms. Shaina!” It’s Harper’s turn to shout, still laughing uncontrollably. “I don’t think I have ever heard you cuss!”

“Sometimes, it’s called for.”

“Lord, help us. Cussing and talking about small genitalia. You’re getting feisty in your old age, Mom.” Justin looks like he can’t decide whether to laugh or hide his face in horror at his mom’s newly liberated vocabulary. “On a more professional note, I’m ready to talk logistics and your case.”

“Lizzie, honey,” Shaina pipes up, “Daniel is going to take you to see the new baby goat outback.” Daniel's eyes finally open.

“I am?”

“Daniel,” she scolds exasperated, “this is no conversation for a child.” The unspoken comment being that Shaina is not about to miss out on the conversation and any part she can play in the resolution. Daniel grunts as he hauls himself from the chair.

“Come on, Lizzie, we have a list of possible names going, maybe you can help me choose one.” She gets bundled back up and follows him outside. I’m so grateful to this couple that have taken my girls under their wing and brought them into their family. Everyone deserves to be loved and cherished, even if Harper’s blood family doesn’t get that, these people do.

Justin sits forward, all business, finger steepled. “First, since I know this situation is incredibly hard, I want to tell you that after reviewing the paperwork, it’s my professional opinion that he does not have a case. Moreover, I checked court files last night and this morning, and there is nowhere that shows this request has gone through proper channels.”

“What does that mean?” Harper gasps, clutching my hand tightly, while we both wait for his response.

“It means that this request has not been approved by a judge and has no legal standing. Looks like Curtis and his lawyer buddy were trying to scare or manipulate Harper into giving him custody of Lizzie.”

“That ass fucker!” Harper hisses beside me. “He just did it to torture me?” Justin shrugs.

My mind is whirling from the new information. I don’t for a second believe he’s doing it just to mess with her. I hope Blake's contact has been able to find out more. Blake’s old friend, Bennett, works for a private protection firm, and has connections which we hope can dig up information on Curtis and his motives. Harper doesn’t know, and I want to keep it that way. I don’t want her to get her hopes up if nothing comes of it.

“What’s next? How do we make him go away? How do we ensure Harper’s parental rights are ironclad?” I ask, hating that he can jerk her around at all.

“As far as the law goes, Harper is Lizzie’s only parent. Aside from doing something that would cause the courts to remove Lizzie and terminate her rights, there is no recourse against her. He can still file the motion at any point, but it likely won’t even make it to court. I can’t imagine any judge approving the request for a hearing.”

“But Curtis’s family has a lot of money and clout. Can they use that to bully their way into Lizzie’s life? Curtis brought up the fact that I don’t possess the same financial stability as him. Could that factor into anything? His family has a history of throwing money at problems, and in my experience, they always get their way.” Harper’s voice quivers, but that is the only outward sign of the turmoil she’s going through.

“I have a very good friend from college, and he’s one of the best family attorneys in the tri-state. He has agreed to review the file as well, and if it comes to it, he would be willing to represent you and Lizzie, I’m sure.”

“Fuck,” Harper drops her head into her hands, “legal battles are expensive, and ugly, and the thought of putting Lizzie through that guts me. He couldn’t call for her to be questioned, right? She wouldn’t be put on a stand, right? She can’t. That would fucking traumatize her…” Harper’s breathing has gotten ragged. I rub her back and Shaina comes over, resting her hand on Harper’s shoulder.

“That is where his money and familial influence could make things more difficult. He could draw things out with appeals and other nonsense, but Harper, I really don’t think he has a case here.” Justin’s voice is firm, and his conviction is evident.

“Don’t worry about the costs, babe. We will figure it out. Your only concern is Lizzie,” I say.

“Jace is right, we are all here for you, and we will make sure you have every resource at your disposal.”

Harper takes a shuddering breath and finally lifts her face from her hands. “Okay, Mr. Fancy Law Degree, how do we make him go away?” she quips to Justin, and I breathe a sigh of relief, seeing some of her fire come back.