“This is not the first time I’ve seen Lucy either drunk or close to it. I don’t know what Eli can do, except hide the liquor. She must be getting it from him.”
“I’ve noticed it myself, but I haven’t said anything to Eli because I know how close they both are.” She smiled sadly. “Well, they used to be close until I came into the picture.”
Nate regarded her, sensing her misplaced guilt. “Don’t go blaming yourself. Lucy’s had problems for a while, long before you arrived.” He gave Sylvia a brief hug. “Talk to Eli. With his money, he could hire someone to look out for her. Like a companion. And tell him to lock his liquor up.”
She cupped his cheek. “Thank you, dear. I will.” She looked down at the sleeping girl, then took a light blanket from the closet and covered her after removing her hat and shoes.
A sense of foreboding filled Nate to find Sheriff Travis waiting outside his shop when Eli’s driver dropped him off.
“Morning, Sheriff.” Nate unlocked the door, and waved the man in. “Not more bad news, I hope?”
The sheriff removed his hat, and ran his fingers through his hair. “Wish I could say that, but I’m afraid I have a court order here for you and Mrs. Hale.”
He stared at the sheriff as he took the paper from the man’s hand.
“What?” His eyes widened as he scanned the document.
>
“I don’t understand it myself, son, but it looks like Amy’s parents want guardianship of your young’uns.”
“This is ridiculous.” He flipped the top page and continued to read. “They claim we’re unfit parents.” He gave the sheriff a questioning look.
The lawman shrugged. “I have no idea what they’re claiming. I suggest you find yourselves a lawyer. According to that paper,” he nodded at the document in Nate’s hand, “you and the misses have to be in court next week for some kind of hearing.”
The sheriff tugged his hat back on, and nodding briefly, left the shop. Nate stared after him, his stomach clenching.
Nate slowly climbed the front porch steps. He barely noticed the cold wind at his back. Glancing once again at the court order, he sighed and entered the house. How could he explain to Angel they might possibly lose the children? As preposterous as the whole thing seemed, the courts were known to do some pretty stupid things.
“What are you doing home so early?” Angel wiped her hands on a towel as he entered the kitchen. “What’s the matter?” She frowned.
“Sit down, honey.” Nate sat across from her, and took her hands in his.
“You’re scaring me, Nate, what’s wrong?”
“The sheriff served me with a court order today.”
Angel squeezed his hand. “Oh, no. More trouble for Sylvia?”
He shook his head. “Amy’s parents are petitioning the court for guardianship of the children. They claim you and I are unfit parents.”
Angel shot out of her chair and then abruptly sat back down again, opening and closing her mouth like a fish.
They sat and stared at each other, speechless. Angel took a large breath and swallowed. “That’s by far the craziest thing I’ve ever heard. Why, they haven’t come near them since they were here last year. Can they do that?”
Nate slumped in his chair. “I certainly hope not. But, who knows what a court will decide?”
She wrung her hands. “What are we going to do?”
He placed two fists on the table and pushed himself up. Striding to the window, he looked out at the barren winter ground, and stood with his back to her, hands on his hips. “I have no idea, because I can’t imagine on what grounds they claim we’re unfit.” He turned and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Unfit! Is that what they say? Why, because you said a prayer they didn’t approve of? I can’t believe this.” She wiped at the tear sliding down her cheek.
“We’ll need a lawyer.” His voice came out raspy.
Angel crossed over to him, and he pulled her close, resting his chin on her head.
“I have a little money set aside.” He squeezed her shoulders.