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Chapter 34
Jasmine
Jasmine shuffled around the papers on her desk. She’d reread them three times because she was so distracted. It was Friday—three days with no word from Atlas. But today was the day she was supposed to hear back from the Remingtons about their decision. Would Oliver terminate his parental rights without issue?
Would she ever see Atlas again? His apology had seemed so sincere. He’d promised to earn her forgiveness. But then that woman had shown up. Was Atlas like his brother? Married to one woman and having mistresses?
Her phone chirped and the front door opened a moment later. A tall man in a dress suit walked in, a large envelope in hand. “Miss Evans?”
“Yes?” She stood. Her body trembled, her knees knocking together. Nerves bound and twisted her insides.
“I have a delivery for you.” He slid the white paper into her hands. She stared down at the return address. JosephRemington.
She took a deep breath and glanced towards Zoey playing happily on the rug nearby and back up to thank the courier, but he’d already gone. She ripped open the tab and pulled out the documents.
The form for relinquishing parental rights was signed by Oliver. This was it. She was free. He wouldn’t come and try to take her baby from her. She turned the page. A check written out to her in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars was attached to a note.
This is the first payout of Zoey’s trust. If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. Signed, Joseph Remington.
She blinked away the emotion that welled up. A weight lifted off her shoulders. Zoey wouldn’t have to do without. But sadness for her baby finding out someday that her biological father didn’t want her dulled the elation. She walked towards the couch and sat by her little girl. Zoey would discover that Oliver had abandoned her, a pain Jasmine knew all too well herself. But Zoey had an entire family who surrounded her with affection and support. Their tribe was comprised of unique individuals, bonded together with affection strong enough to fight the deepest, darkest adversaries. Love was thicker than blood.
She placed the paperwork back in the envelope and called Bently. He picked up on the second ring.
“Did they get back to you?” he asked.
“He signed the paperwork. It’s over.”
“We’ll all come. Let’s fire up the grill and celebrate,” he suggested.
Gratitude glowed in her chest. “Sounds like a good idea. See you soon.”
“Did Atlas contact you?” he asked.
She shook her head, even though he couldn’t see. “No.” She’d hoped that he would be the one to bring her the news. But it seemed he hadn’t meant what he said after all.
“See you in an hour,” Bently said.
Jasmine hung up her phone, eyes flicking to the photo icon. She clicked it, finding the pictures of Atlas and Zoey together. Her heart ached. Someday, Jasmine would find someone who would love her the way she deserved to be loved and accept Zoey as their own. She wouldn’t ever settle for less.
Zoey walked over to her.
Jasmine set the phone down. “Your cousins are coming over for a cookout.”
The little girl’s face lit up with a big smile. “Right now?”
Jasmine nodded. “In an hour.”
“Yay!” Zoey squealed and hugged her neck, choking her. Jasmine closed her eyes and pulled her daughter into her arms. She didn’t need anyone else. It was going to be her and Zoey against the world, with their family by their side. And if a man worthy of them did ever come along, he’d have a lot to live up to.
