Prodigal Daughter. Patricia Davids
I think you kicked me!”
Melissa sat up and waited to see if she had imagined it. No, it was definitely a thump. Oh, why wasn’t Amy home? Melissa wanted to share this moment with someone. Richard’s face flashed into her mind. He would understand what a thrill this was. Would Dean feel the same way if she gave him the chance? She cupped both hands around her tummy.
“Are you knocking? Do you want out? Don’t be in a hurry to get here, kid. Life isn’t all that grand. Your daddy’s run off. Your mother is a fool—and these could be the lyrics to a country-western song.”
A bubble of giddiness rose in Melissa and erupted into a laugh. “I can’t believe I’m talking to my stomach.”
Another faint thump, thump left no doubt. Her baby had moved. The thought was closely followed by the knowledge that he, or she, would soon be someone else’s baby.
Melissa’s merriment faded. Conflicting emotions tumbled through her heart. Longing and misery, amazement and sorrow. She would give her child away as soon as it arrived in the world.
“I hope you know this is the best thing for both of us. I’m not the kind of person who would make a good mother. Someday maybe you’ll understand that,” she whispered. “Maybe someday you’ll forgive me.”
Melissa tipped her head back and sighed. One more giant heartache loomed on her horizon. Where would she find the strength she needed to do the right thing?
Chapter Four
It was almost ten o’clock the next morning before Melissa worked up the nerve to call Richard McNeil. The level of candy in the clear glass bowl Amy always kept on hand had dropped significantly and a pile of discarded foil wrappers littered the desktop.
Thinking about putting her baby up for adoption was one thing. Actually making the call to tell Richard to start the process was a whole different story. Her mind said this was the right thing to do, but her heart seemed bent on arguing.
“One small step at a time, girl,” she murmured as she grasped the receiver and held it to her ear. With her free hand, she punched in the numbers she had memorized, then she wadded the silver wrappers into a ball and tossed them into the trash can.
When she told Richard about her decision, would he think she was throwing her baby away?
His secretary answered on the second ring and put Melissa through to him.
“Richard McNeil speaking.” His voice came across sounding curt and professional. Her courage wavered.
“Richard, this is Melissa Hamilton.”
“Melissa, how are you today?”
“Honestly? I’m frightened, confused, nervous and about to expire from an overdose of chocolate kisses,” she said in a rush. “How are you?”
“I’m fine. Would it make you feel better to know that is how most people feel when they have to call an attorney?”
She heard his amusement and she relaxed a little. “At least I’m not calling from jail.”
“Always a good sign in my books.”
“I wanted to let you know that I’ve made up my mind.”
“And?”
“I want you to help me find this child a good home.” She winced inwardly at her choice of words. This wasn’t like finding someone to take in a stray puppy.
“Melissa, are you sure about this?”
“Yes. Tell me what I need to do.” If only she could feel as sure as she sounded.
“I’ll get the paperwork started. Have you thought about what type of adoption you want?”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you want an open adoption, where you choose and meet the adoptive parents and remain in limited contact with the child? Or would you rather not know anything about the family?”
“Open sounds better, doesn’t it?”
“That’s up to you.”
“I guess I’ll have to think about that. What else do I need to know?”
“As I told you, I have a friend who is an adoption attorney. I’ll have him put together some information for you and then we can go over it after you’ve had a chance to read it and think about it. After that, we’ll form an adoption plan. If you want to meet the prospective parents, I’ll set up some interviews.”
“That sounds good.” With Richard to help her, maybe this wasn’t going to be so bad after all.
“I’ll draft a letter to Dean to let him know what you’re planning. He won’t be able to relinquish his rights until after the baby is born. You understand that you can’t, either. Nothing will be final until the baby arrives.”
“I understand that.”
“Good. There is something else I’d like to discuss. You mentioned that you don’t want to move back home. Do you still feel that way?”
“Absolutely. I’ve talked to my mother and she understands how I feel.”
“In that case, I have an offer for you to consider. My sister and her family recently had a fire at their home. While their house is being renovated, they’re staying with me. To make a long story short, Angela is working a lot of overtime and Dave is spending his free time trying to get their house repaired. That leaves the girls with me or on their own. My sister has been thinking about hiring someone to help with the housework and entertain the girls when she can’t get home. Would you be interested in the job? She can’t pay much, but you would get free room and board. You would have a bedroom and a bath to yourself. Are you interested?”
“You’re offering me a job?”
“Let’s call it a temporary solution to several problems. My sister needs help and you need a place to stay. It won’t be for more than five or six weeks, but that should give you time to find a place of your own.”
“That’s very kind of you, Richard.”
“This isn’t kindness. It’s a business offer. Unless, of course, you really like sleeping on Amy’s couch. In that case, I’m sure Angela can find someone else to help.”
Melissa gave the cream-colored divan a sour glance. It was pretty, but as a bed, it didn’t quite make the grade. “If you’re sure this is a job and not charity, I accept your offer. When do I start?”
“I could help you move in tomorrow. Would that be too soon?”
“Not at all. Tomorrow will be fine.”
“Good. I think you’ll like the girls. Samantha is twelve and Lauren is eight. They’re old enough that they don’t need a lot of supervision, but they’re still too young to leave alone for any length of time.”
Something in his voice made her question him further. “I get the feeling there is something you aren’t telling me.”
“The girls have had some trouble adjusting since the fire, especially Samantha. Usually she is as happy as a lark, but since the fire, she has been unhappy and withdrawn. I’m hoping that having someone new in the house will help take her mind off of things.”
“I’m sure we’ll get along. I come from a big family, remember?”
“I remember. I’ll pick you up tomorrow afternoon. What time works for you?”
“I think I can have my duffel bag packed by four.”
“So, I won’t need to rent a moving van?”
“No, not this time.”
“Great. My back was aching at the thought.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” She