Angel Unaware (26 page)

After all, he’d just established a new relationship with his niece, and in the last few days since the Winter Carnival they had grown steadily closer. He loved playing games with her, or coming home early from work so he could have an after-school snack with Penny and discuss her day, or taking them all out for burgers and a movie. He’d even laughed hysterically with Penny through an entire movie about a penguin tap-dancing his way through life.

Penny had taken on the life of a different child. She’d been happier than Tony could ever recall seeing her. Her ready laugh was genuine and filled with glee when she told Dora about what a lousy cook her uncle was. She’d stopped looking to him for approval about everything she did and had taken on her own unique personality. Her eyes sparkled with new life, and her attachment to him was heartwarming and unmistakable.

Was that all about to end with Judge Collier’s decision? Were they going to have to go home and tell Penny she was leaving them to live with people she didn’t even know? Was he going to have to watch while the child’s newly mended heart broke wide open?

Tony didn’t even want to think about what that might do to Penny’s newfound lease on life, or to the house that had been transformed from a building into a home, or to the people who would be left behind. Or that once Penny was gone, there would be no reason for Dora to remain in his life.

With a sick heart and weighed down by an emotional burden heavier than he’d ever carried on his shoulders, he swung the door to the conference room open and stepped aside for Dora to precede him. Inside, Leon, Lisa, and the two lawyers were already gathered at the table. When they entered, the somber mood prevailing over the room was thick enough to cut. Everyone nodded at them, but no one said a word. They took their seats.

Tony avoided eye contact with either Lisa or her husband. Not out of fear of physical retribution, but because his fear had manifested itself in a way that left him feeling helpless, and he would not give Lisa the satisfaction of knowing it. To his dismay, Tony felt what could only be described as fragile, as though a big block of ice had formed around his body and any movement might break it open, and he’d shatter into a million pieces. After the pain he’d endured following Rosalie’s loss, he wasn’t at all sure that this time he could put the pieces back together again.

Finally, after what seemed an eternity, Judge Collier entered. She’d exchanged her red blouse and gray skirt for a plain, tailored navy dress. Her hair, pulled into a bun at the back of her head, made her look more severe. The fear surrounding Tony’s heart thickened. He reached for the reassuring warmth of Dora’s hand and squeezed it.

The judge laid a file folder on the table and took her seat. She opened the file and scanned it for a time, then raised her gaze to the people waiting expectantly.

“I’ve looked over the file and taken into account everything you’ve all told me.” She paused. “To say I find some serious questions would be minimizing my concerns in this matter.” She leaned forward and clasped her hands atop the open manila folder that held the secret to Penny’s future happiness.

A dull ache formed in Tony’s right temple. He had to physically stop himself from ordering Judge Collier to just tell them her decision. Dora must have sensed his impatience and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. He glanced in her direction, and she smiled encouragingly. That one simple gesture from her eased the tension knotting in his gut.

“Over the last few days, I’ve read this file innumerable times, and one thing stands out in my mind.”

Another maddening pause.

Tony’s insides tightened. He clenched his jaw and he glanced at Dora. Nerves made his empty stomach heave. The seconds stretched into interminable minutes. Tension around the table was palpable and as thick as a London fog. Finally, the judge cleared her throat, took a deep breath, and turned to the Randalls.

“Mr. and Mrs. Randall, the argument you presented for the financial stability and the kind of life you could provide for Penny is admirable. One cannot argue that it’s certainly beneficial for a child to live in a big house, attend the college of her choice, and be provided with anything she could ever desire. I have no doubt Penny would do well with you.”

Tony’s heart sank. He could feel the color drain from his face. Lisa and Leon exchanged a satisfied smile. The gloom from outside the windows seeped into Tony’s soul. He’d lost Penny. His body went numb, beyond feeling anything but complete and utter despair.

“At the same time, however, Mr. Falcone presents equally persuasive arguments why Penny’s continued residence with him would be in the best interests of the little girl.”

The satisfied smiles vanished from the Randalls’ faces. A tiny sliver of hope rose up in Tony, allowing the rays of sunshine to filter in and part the gray mist holding his soul captive. He fought it down, certain he wouldn’t be able to stand it if that hope was dashed to the ground.

“There is, however, one glaring difference between the arguments the two of you presented.” Judge Collier closed her file. Leaning her forearms on the table, she studied the people around her. “One word, which I found made all the difference, and it played a big part in my final decision.”

Tony looked questioningly at Dora. She shrugged. Tony racked his brain, trying to think what that difference could be. Was it that the Randalls could provide both a mother and father for Penny? Was the fact that Dora was an employee too insubstantial to assure the same in Tony’s home? Once more, the knot of apprehension took up residence in his gut.

“That difference is love,” the judge said. “It’s quite obvious to me Mr. Falcone loves this little girl very much. His main concern is for her emotional well-being, and to me, that’s much more important than any of the material things anyone can buy her. Penny has been through one of the worst traumas a child can experience. She’s lost both parents. Some children don’t survive the loss of one parent, much less two. To put her through any more pain, in my considered opinion, would be unjust and cruel in the extreme. What she needs now is stability in a home that reinforces her emotionally and as such, plays a major role in helping her to heal. I believe that Mr. Falcone can better provide that type of home for Penny.”

Tony held his breath, unwilling to allow himself to believe his ears. Dora’s grip on his hand tightened.

“I am, therefore, denying the Randalls’ suit and ordering custody of Penny Stevens remain with Mr. Falcone.”

Breath she hadn’t been aware of holding escaped from Dora in a rush. Tony’s mouth turned up in a broad grin. He squeezed Dora’s hand so hard she had to bite her lip to keep from crying out. Despite the dismal weather outside the windows, it seemed as though rays of blinding sunlight lit the room. Happiness bubbled inside her.

Judge Collier turned her attention to the Randalls. “I’m truly sorry for your plight, but wanting a child so you can shower her with gifts and possessions is wanting a child for all the wrong reasons. As for your interest in this little girl, I must tell you that you don’t need to have custody of Penny to be a part of her life.” She looked directly at Lisa. “She’s your blood, your deceased brother’s child. There is no reason you should not be a part of her life, but be a part of it because you love her, and not because you can give her things or because she fills a hole in your life. Love is a must. Possessions are a bonus. And there are a lot of children out there looking for the kind of love you seem willing to give if you just open your heart to them. Don’t cross them off your list of possibilities because your blood doesn’t run through their veins. Believe me, I’ve seen many families with damaged children come through my court. More often than not, they were blood related. Your DNA is a fact of nature, but it does not come with love built in.” Judge Collier stood and shook Lisa and Leon’s hands. “I wish you the very best life has to offer. Merry Christmas.” Then she turned to Tony and extended her hand.

Tony rose and shook her hand vigorously. “Thank you.”

The judge’s smile reflected her benevolence. “Merry Christmas, Mr. Falcone. But then, I’m sure it will be.” Dora and Tony turned to leave, but Leon stopped them. “Congratulations … May I call you Tony?” At Tony’s surprised nod, Leon went on, disappointment evident in his face. “We would like to be a part of Penny’s life, if you’ll let us.”

Tony said nothing for a moment and then nodded, and stunned Dora by adding, “Why don’t we begin with both of you coming to our house for Christmas dinner? You can get to know this remarkable little girl a bit better.”

CHAPTER 21

When Tony and Dora walked into the house, Millie and Penny, clad in pink pajamas, were playing the little girl’s favorite game of Chutes and Ladders on the living room floor. A fire blazed merrily in the hearth, warming the room and casting a yellow glow over everything. In the corner, Penny’s tree stood proudly, the ornaments catching the glow of the fire, making them sparkle with added zest. Beneath it were three badly wrapped gifts, Penny’s presents for the important people in her life.

At their entrance, Millie bolted to her feet as quickly as her arthritis would allow, rousing Jack from his lazy slumber next to Penny. Millie’s face reflected the worry she’d been going through waiting for their return and news of the judge’s verdict.

“Well?” she said, wringing her hands and glancing apprehensively from one to the other.

Penny stopped arranging the pieces on the game board and got to her feet to stand beside Millie. Though she had no idea what was happening, her face plainly reflected the air of apprehension radiating from the adults.

Before Tony answered Millie, he had to feel the substance of the little girl, to make sure he really hadn’t lost her. He scooped her into his arms and hugged her close. Burying his nose against the soft, fragrant flesh of her neck, he inhaled deeply. She smelled like freshly shampooed hair and the talcum powder he’d given her for her last birthday. Her arms encircled his neck, and he squeezed her tighter, making her squeal in protest.

“Uncle Tony, you’re squishing me!”

“Sorry,” he mumbled, unable to say more through his emotion-filled throat. “I just missed you, I guess.” He kissed Penny’s cheek, then set her on her feet.

“Well?” Millie repeated, still looking from Dora to

Tony. “What’s the verdict?”

“What’s a verdict?” Penny asked, looking from one adult to another.

Tony’s throat still filled with emotion; he could only nod and smile at Millie.

She expelled a long breath and sank onto the sofa as though her legs no longer had enough strength to support her body.

“Thank the good Lord,” she said in a whisper.

Penny surveyed the adults, her face scrunched up in a frown. “For what?”

Tony glanced helplessly at Dora. Dare he tell Penny he’d nearly lost her? Did she need to know? As usual, Dora came to his rescue.

“For you,” Dora interjected with a big smile and she kissed the child’s cheek. “And for us all being together at Christmas.” She took Penny’s hand. “Now, let’s you and I go get some cookies and milk for everyone.”

Still looking confused, Penny nodded and obediently followed Dora from the room. Jack trailed behind them, his tail wagging happily. Ever since he’d tasted the chocolate chip cookies, Calvin’s addiction to them had increased daily and the mere mention of cookies found him front and center, waiting for his share.

When the room was clear of all but him and Millie, Tony sank to the sofa beside his neighbor. Briefly he related what had happened in the judge’s conference room and told her Lisa and her husband were coming for Christmas dinner.

Millie looked skeptical. “I don’t trust that girl, but it sounds as though her husband is a very smart man. That little girl needs all the support we can give her, and if Lisa is truly interested in being a part of Penny’s life, we should know if she means it soon enough.”

Tony agreed. “I’m sure if she’s less than sincere, she’ll show her colors eventually. I just want to be sure she doesn’t hurt Penny in the process.”

Millie tilted her head and studied him. “If you don’t mind my saying so, for a man who just won a custody battle, you don’t look all that happy. There’s something more bothering you,” Millie said with her usual perceptiveness. “You want to talk about it?”

He could deny it, but he’d tossed the problem around all he could. It was time he asked someone else about it. He knew there was a great deal Penny discussed with Millie that she didn’t talk about with anyone else. If anyone would know, it was Millie. “Has Penny ever told you that she feels responsible for her parents’ accident?”

Millie’s mouth fell open. She pressed a hand to her chest. “Oh, good heavens. That poor baby.” She shook her head. “No. She’s never mentioned it.”

Millie’s words helped to close a bit the chasm of guilt that had opened inside Tony the night Penny had revealed her belief to him. If Millie hadn’t known how Penny felt, then no one had. But the heartache for his niece intensified. Because he’d been so wrapped up in his own grief, she’d been bearing this unspeakable burden alone.