Read Online Adopted Son by Linda Warren - Free Book Online

this special gift and it meant the world to me. It still does. When you don’t use it, I feel you’re condescending to me.”
    Her heart fell to the pit of her stomach. “I’m so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I like the name Jeremiah.”
    “See.” He shook his head. “It’s all about you. You don’t even care what I like.”
    “I…ah…” She had no words to defend herself. In his eyes she was a self-centered bitch and seeing his view of her she couldn’t deny it. Many of her hang-ups became crystal clear at that moment. She had to be smart, in control, organized and an overachiever because if she wasn’t, the real Grace would emerge.
    The real Grace? She wondered who the real Grace was.
    “Brady has been through hell and he needs someone to love and care for him. I don’t know anything about the Templetons and…”
    “They’re very nice people.” She wanted him to know that.
    “So Beau tells me. They sound picture-perfect.” His eyes caught hers. “But there’s always something wrong with picture-perfect.”
    “Are you saying…”
    “A judge will decide,” he told her. “He will do what’s best for Brady and I will abide by that.”
    She hated that he made her feel so guilty, so weak, and her fighting spirit surfaced. “You think you’re what’s best for Brady?”
    His eyes darkened even more if that were possible. “Are you questioning my abilities as a father?”
    “I’m questioning your abilities as a single father. Brady needs security and someone who is there for him twenty-four hours a day. Lisa and Keith can provide that. Can you?”
    He watched her for a moment and she resisted the urge to fidget. “So you’re going to make a case of a married couple verses a single man?”
    “I’m sorry, but yes.”
    “You know, I kind of thought you might recuse yourself to preserve family harmony. Guess I was wrong, huh?” He placed his hat on his head. “I would prefer it if you and I had no contact. If you’re at Eli and Caroline’s, I won’t go over and I’d appreciate the same courtesy. But knowing you, Grace, I’m sure you’ll do whatever you please.” He turned and walked out.
    Grace took a long breath and crumpled into her chair.
    Nina rushed in. “Are you okay?”
    Grace sat on the edge of her seat, her knees trembling. She would not let her distress show. “Yes. I’m fine.”
    Nina glanced at the open doorway. “That man is drop-dead handsome…and angry. What a potent combination. Who is he?”
    “Someone who thinks I’m the wicked witch of Austin.”
    “You are one tough lady.”
    Grace’s head jerked up. “Excuse me?”
    “Oh…I didn’t mean anything by that.” Nina quickly backpedaled. “You’re managing partner of this firm and you have all these men under you, men who want your job. I personally don’t know how you do it. And still be so feminine.”
    “Great save.”
    Nina smiled slightly and looked down at her pad. “Your father is on line one. Aaron Canton wants to see you as soon as possible. He’s a little miffed that he didn’t get first chair in the Desmand case. And the Licensed Vocational Nurse is here to go over details for the day care.”
    Business as usual, but she felt like running out the door and leaving it all behind. Her self-image was shattered and she wasn’t sure how to put the pieces back together.
    With a deep sigh, she picked up the receiver. “Hello, Dad.”
    “I’ve been waiting for ten minutes. I don’t have that kind of time to waste.”
    She bit down on her lip. “Sorry. I was attending to something. Did you need anything important?”
    “Of course or I wouldn’t waste my time on a call. What’s going on with you, Grace? Why are you personally handling a custody and adoption case?”
    Her hand gripped the receiver. “Lisa and Keith are my friends and they asked for my help.” She felt as if she were sixteen and still had to answer to her father.
    “What’s wrong with our family lawyers?”
    “Nothing.