Finding Her Family. Syndi Powell

making notes on her tablet. She clutched the tablet to her chest. “No peeking. You know the rules.”

      He knew very well what they were up against, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t try to get an advantage. “Do you think she’s got a chance?”

      “More than a chance if I have anything to say about it. Have you seen how clean and organized this place is? I’m tempted to hire her to come and take a stab at my apartment.” Brittney walked into the kitchen and opened a cupboard. “The spices are organized alphabetically. And the cans by food group. Don’t even get me started on the color-coded closets and linens.”

      “It takes more than organization to convince a judge.”

      “She’s got stellar references from her friends to provide emotional support, although I wish she had stronger family ties.” She typed in more notes. “But then maybe she can identify with coming from a broken family like Ruby does.”

      “And the cancer?”

      Brittney stopped typing and looked at him. “That’s the wild card in this. She’s in midtreatment, but I have a letter from her doctor that states she is physically able to care for a child. So that’s got to stand for something.”

      Impressed that Page had thought to get the letter before he had, he gave a nod. “Let’s hope the judge sees it the same way.”

      Mateo stared as Page entered the living room. She had put on a simple black sleeveless dress and tied a silk floral scarf around her head. She frowned and looked down at her outfit. “What’s wrong? Is the scarf too much? I don’t usually wear one, but I thought it might not hurt.”

      Brittney made an amused noise next to him and moved on to check the basement. He took a few steps closer to Page. “Nothing. You’re fine.”

      She kept the frown on her face and put a hand on her hip. “The look on your face said otherwise.”

      He took a deep breath and reminded himself she was a client. He shouldn’t be thinking that the dark color of her dress made her eyes look like emeralds. Or that the scarf made those eyes look huge. He cleared his throat and adjusted his tie. Was it hot in here?

      “Did Brittney say anything about my case?”

      “We both agree that it looks promising. Do you have a statement prepared?”

      She shook her head. “Sort of, but I figured I’d speak from the heart when the time comes. Do you think I should write something?”

      “That’s usually best.” His phone chimed, and he took it out of his pocket to check the display. Lulu was texting to remind him about calling his dad. It would have to wait. “We won’t be in a courtroom but rather the judge’s chambers. It will be less intimidating, hopefully.”

      “She’s dead set against going into a foster home.”

      “We’ll do our best.”

      Brittney returned to the living room and approached them. “I’ve finished my report, so I’ll see you later at the courthouse.” She put her tablet in her purse then put a hand on Page’s arm. “Good luck. This girl will be lucky to have you.”

      Page thanked her and Brittney departed. He noticed Page sat down quickly on the sofa and doubled over. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous. Not even when I got married.”

      Mateo sat next to her and put an arm around her shoulders. “It’ll be okay. I’ll be with you through this. You won’t do it on your own.”

      She nodded against his shoulder. “Thank you.”

      He dropped his arm, and they sat in an uncomfortable silence. They had a few hours before they had to appear in the judge’s chambers. “Page, about what you said last week. About how I don’t see you.”

      She reached up and removed the scarf from her head. “Yes?”

      “You were right.” He looked deep into her eyes. “I haven’t seen you as a person. Not really. And I’m sorry for that.”

      She swallowed. “Thank you.”

      “But all of this the last couple of days has opened my eyes.”

      “And?”

      He wasn’t sure what to say at first. She looked so hopeful, but he couldn’t give her false expectations. “I’d like for us to be friends.”

      The light dimmed in her eyes. “Friends. Sure.” The smile on her face looked forced. “Who couldn’t use more friends?”

      * * *

      MATEO DROVE THEM both to the courthouse since Page hadn’t been able to concentrate on anything beyond what the judge’s decision might be. She had to convince the judge that she could take care of Ruby. Had to show him that it was in the girl’s best interest for her to stay with Page. She tried to think of what she would say when the time came, but words didn’t seem to stick in her brain. All that filled it was the image of Ruby alone in that hospital bed.

      They pulled into a garage and Mateo parked. He turned off the engine and glanced over at her. He’d been so helpful through this process. Had it really been twenty-four hours since she’d met Ruby and set all of this in motion? She’d never been impulsive, but this certainly qualified. Mateo put a hand over hers and squeezed. “No matter what, it’s going to be okay.”

      The feel of his strong hand on hers made the butterflies in her belly slow their flight. “What if the judge doesn’t see it my way?”

      “Then we go to plan B.”

      She raised an eyebrow at this. “Do we have a plan B?”

      Mateo grinned. “We’ll think of something.”

      He got out of the car, and Page opened the passenger-side door. And then he was there with a hand to help her out. She took it and didn’t let go as they walked out of the garage and crossed the street toward the courthouse.

      Once inside, they waited a few moments until the steel elevator doors opened. They entered, along with several other people, and Mateo pressed the button. Crowded in, Page found herself squished to his side. She kept her gaze forward, but was aware of how his breath caught as the elevator started its ascent. She could smell the aftershave he wore, a spicy citrus scent. His presence alone lent her courage and strength.

      He was right. If this didn’t work, they would figure out a plan B. Ruby didn’t have anyone else to be her advocate. To make the decisions that would help her and her unborn baby. Page wanted desperately to be able to help her.

      She’d wrestled with the question of why the previous night. As the first rays of dawn appeared, she realized that she’d hoped for someone to step into her life as a teenager and care for her. That she’d dreamed of an adult who would see the neglect in her situation at home and stand up for her, and provide a home where she didn’t have to worry about the next meal, or having clean clothes to wear to school. It hadn’t happened for her, but she could do that for Ruby. She couldn’t lose this chance.

      The elevator doors opened, and Mateo ushered her forward. They walked down a long hallway to an unmarked door. Mateo rapped on it and took a step back. An older man with graying hair and a beard answered. He extended a hand to Mateo, who shook it. “Mr. Lopez, on time as always.”

      The man turned to her. “Ms. Kosinski. I’m Judge Frederick Bond, welcome.”

      She put her hand in his.

      With a broad sweep of his arm, he stepped back and allowed them to enter his chambers. They found Brittney sitting in a chair in front of a massive desk. The judge moved behind it and indicated the other empty chair. Page took a seat while Mateo stood behind her. Judge Bond opened a manila folder and perused the paperwork. He glanced up to peer at her. She folded her hands in her lap and prayed that she looked trustworthy. After reading through the file, he closed it and spoke to Brittney. “Has the state reached a recommendation on Ms. Kosinski’s