Chapter 20

Ameline: Just spoke to my boss. He said to take the next couple of months off—paid. But if needed, they'll be happy to transfer me to the Seattle branch. His brother, my other boss, will be handling the custody, if necessary.

Gabe: We got the information on Izzy.

Ameline: What does that mean?

Gabe: She was in a car accident almost three years ago. The drunk driver was her husband. He's in jail, won't be out for another seventeen months.

Ameline: So, I'm all these little ones have, huh?

Gabe: Pretty much. Do you need me to send you what I found out to you or your boss?

Ameline: We could go to the Seattle offices tomorrow.

Gabe: They're discharging Caleb tomorrow. We could be there either first thing in the morning or right in the evening.

Ameline: Are you sure it'll be okay to bring him home? I mean he's hooked to a heart monitor, an IV, and . . . We don't have that at home.

Gabe: You heard the doctor this morning, he's doing a lot better. They'll wean him out of the morphine slowly and we're going to still be giving him some meds when he's at home. I hired three nurses that know how to treat babies with NAS. I have two doctors who'll visit him twice a day. He'll do better if we have him at home—Cora misses him.

Ameline: Fine. We do have that appointment with the therapist later today, don't forget.

Gabe: I should be there soon. Mom's still with Caleb. Jude's going to be there at two and until we arrive tonight.

Ameline: I really appreciate that your family is helping us.

Gabe: They're not as bad as you think.

Ameline: I never said they were, but . . .

Gabe: They regret what they did. It was my fault.

Ameline: I understand. Still . . . I have to work through all that. One day at a time. You know what I want to do?

Gabe: Go on a date with your husband?

Ameline: Nope. I need to talk to Cedric. He doesn't have the same phone though. I already tried him.

Gabe: I have his number, go on a date with me and I'll give it to you.

Ameline: That's a no, but I'll take the number.

Gabe: Fine, I should be home soon. Do you have any plans?

Ameline: I'm having tea with Cora and her new teddy bear. You should join us.

Gabe: That sounds perfect. After that I'll cook for you. She can have nap time and then after we'll go to the therapist.

Ameline: Cora is setting up another place just for you.

Gabe: Tell our girl I should be there soon.