Her eyes filled with tears of anger and frustration. As Daniel wiped up the spilled sauce, she turned back to the stove and swallowed a sob.
*
DANIEL REMEMBERED THE last time he’d seen that look in Paige’s eyes, when they’d argued. It had been over his arranging home care for her father. He’d been lucky to get out of that altercation with barely a singe. He didn’t want to chance it again. He knew this was a much more important matter and understood why she would be sensitive. But angry? What was it about her that she could be so sweet and gentle but then without warning go off like a rocket? No, he didn’t want a repeat performance.
He kept his voice low and what he considered reasonable, a tone he frequently used with agitated clients or moody kids on his softball team. “Can we take this down a notch?”
Paige spun around. “What?”
“Can you not yell, please?”
Her eyebrows shot up. “Why shouldn’t I yell? I’m upset!”
He thought about that for a moment. “I don’t know. I’m just not comfortable with it.”
“Didn’t you fight in your family? Raise your voices?”
Her anger seemed to have dissipated, and he was grateful for it. “No, not that I recall. You fought with your parents?” Having witnessed firsthand how close they were, it didn’t seem plausible to him.
Paige let out a fleeting laugh. “Ask my mother about my years in high school. She calls them my ‘rebellious years.’ She’d say there wasn’t anything we didn’t fight about.”
“I still can’t imagine it. You seem to get along so well. Weren’t you close back then?”
“Of course.” She angled her head. “Just because we fight doesn’t mean we don’t love each other. Just the opposite. Mom and Dad have always been my...my safe place. I could tell them anything. They wouldn’t judge. They wouldn’t placate. They’d tell me exactly what they thought. We didn’t always agree, so at times we fought.” She chuckled again. “Oh, you should’ve heard Mom and me go at it sometimes! I think the neighbors could hear us.”
Daniel remembered his own quiet, polite upbringing. As far back as he could recall, he’d considered his parents’ possible reaction before he said anything. Even as a kid, if he didn’t think they’d approve, he’d hold back whatever he’d intended to say. “And it didn’t bother you? Or them?”
“I suppose it did at the time. But I knew they loved me. Deep down, even when I argued with them, I knew they had my best interests at heart.” She sipped her wine, the confrontation evidently behind them. “You didn’t argue with your parents? Not even as a teenager?”
He thought about never having seen his parents show any signs of outward affection. At the other extreme, he truly couldn’t remember having seen them angry. Certainly they’d never yelled, at him or at each other. “No,” he said slowly. “I don’t think I’ve heard them raise their voices, ever.” He took a drink of his wine. “You know, I heard somewhere that the opposite of love isn’t hate. It’s indifference. Not caring one way or another.” He leaned back against the counter, crossed his legs at the ankles and stuck his free hand in his pocket. “I don’t think they cared enough to yell.” That was disconcerting. Feeling restless, he put his glass down and started to gather what he needed to set the table.
Paige shut off the burners and turned to Daniel, resting a hand on his arm. “I’m sorry I lost my temper. There’s so much going on in my mind, and like I said, I’m terrified of making the wrong decision for Jason.”
“Apology accepted.” He drew her into his arms. “You know, you don’t have to do this all on your own.”
He could tell she was conflicted. She needed his help, and he was sure she realized it. But it also meant sharing the burden. Letting go a little—letting him in.
Over dinner they discussed the surgery for Jason again. Daniel listened as Paige weighed the pros and cons, at the end coming back to where they’d started—knowing that, under the circumstances, the surgery was the only thing that made sense.
“You’re making the right decision,” Daniel assured her. “It’s his best chance.”
Paige had hardly touched her spaghetti. She pushed her plate away, folded her napkin and placed it on the table. “I know,” she said with a slight trembling in her voice. “Now I need to figure out how I can pay for it.”
“I’ll—”
She stopped him before he could finish. “I appreciate what you’re going to say. Please let me deal with one major decision at a time, okay? Let me think about it first.”
Daniel nodded slowly. “Just know that the money doesn’t mean that much to me. Jason does.”
*
PAIGE TALKED THE whole thing over with her mother on Friday. Charlotte had left Stephen with his home care nurse and taken the train to see Paige. The subject wasn’t one they wanted to discuss over the phone.
Although Charlotte shared the same doubts and fears, it was a huge relief for Paige to know her mother came to the same conclusion she had. “It’s his best chance.”
“Thanks, Mom. That’s what Daniel said, too.”
“Smart man. Speaking of Daniel, how is he, honey?”
“Mom, I...” Paige pressed a hand to her belly.
Charlotte reached forward, stroked her hand along Paige’s arm. “What, honey?”
“Oh, Mom.” She rubbed her stomach to calm the million butterflies fluttering around, then slid her hand up to cover her heart, to still the pounding. “I think I’m in love with him.”
Charlotte smiled, her eyes bright. “That’s wonderful! Daniel seems to be a delightful, strong, principled man.” The sparkle in her eyes dimmed. “But you don’t look happy. Why?”
Paige took her mother’s hand and they linked fingers. “Oh, he is all that and more.” She cast her eyes down. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m so unsure about so many things these days. I’ve never been like this before.”
Charlotte gave her hand a squeeze. “You’re carrying a huge burden, and you’ve been through a great deal.” Her eyes were warm and brimming with concern. “You and Mark split years ago, but this is the first true relationship you’ve had in all that time. You’re a strong, positive person, but you’re not without your limits. Mark left you with a lot of scars and some understandable insecurities. Just remember that Daniel is not Mark, and you’re a wonderful person, well worth loving.”
“Oh, Mom.” Paige rested her head on her mother’s shoulder. “I’m also worried about what’s going to happen with Jason and Daniel.”
“I thought he was crazy about Daniel?”
“Yes, he is. That’s the trouble. How will he feel if Daniel stops being part of our lives?”
Charlotte nudged Paige’s knee. “See? There you go again. You’re worrying that Daniel will leave you like Mark did. Think, Paige. You’re smarter than that.”
This was where Paige’s head and her heart parted company. She chewed on her lower lip.
“Give him a chance, honey. Judge him on his own merits.”
And wasn’t that almost the same thing Mrs. Bennett had told her?
*
“WHAT’S BOTHERING YOU?” Selena had worked as Daniel’s executive assistant for a decade now. He shouldn’t have been surprised that she’d know something was troubling him.
“Did you see who just left my office?”
She smiled. “Not only did I see, I made the appointment for him, remember? Aaron Hudson, entrepreneur extraordinaire, pillar of our society, devout family man, yada yada...”
“Right. Well, do you know what he wanted?”
Selena slid into the chair opposite his desk and crossed her legs. Her smile widened. “If you’re going to play Twenty Questions, I might as well make myself comfortable.” When he stared at her with a raised brow, she added, “Fine. I’ll play. Seeing as how you’re a divorce lawyer, I expect it’s going to be another messy divorce. Now do you want to tell me what’s really on your mind?”
Daniel spun his chair around
and gazed out his window. The picture-perfect family from Christmas had long been replaced by an ad for a Caribbean resort. He gestured toward it. “See that?”
She leaned forward. “What are we looking at?”
He gestured again. “The billboard. See that couple walking arm in arm along the shoreline? Or the inset. The couple holding wineglasses and laughing as if they don’t have a care in the world? Who lives like that?”
Selena leaned back again. “Ah, I see. The Hudson divorce is going to be a particularly unpleasant one, huh?”
Daniel turned to face her again and dragged his fingers through his hair. Her eyes followed his hand. “Am I that transparent?”
“Sometimes. Why don’t you take off now and go get your hair cut?”
“What?”
“Go get your hair cut,” she repeated. “It’s a little long. Have a massage. Go smoke a cigar.”
“You know I don’t smoke.”
“Don’t be so literal. Do something that’ll get you out of the office and put you in a better mood.”
He tapped his fingers on the desk. “Not a bad idea. I don’t think it’ll help, though.”
Selena tilted her head. “Why?”
“Because it won’t change anything. Every day is the same. Just once, I wish I could see a happily married couple.”
“Well, you can. Five o’clock today.”
He reached for his iPhone. “I have a five o’clock appointment?”
Selena laughed. “Oh, yeah. You’re having a bad day, all right. You don’t have an appointment. I do. Tony’s picking me up after work. And—back to your question.” She waved a hand toward the billboard. “Tony and I live like that.”
“It’s early yet,” he mumbled, and was immediately apologetic. “Sorry. I really am out of it today, huh?”
Selena leaned forward and patted Daniel on the cheek. “Yes, you are,” she said fondly.
He dragged his fingers through his hair again, testing the length. “Since I don’t smoke and I’m not too keen on massages, maybe I will go get my hair cut.”
Selena pushed out of her chair. “Good. I might leave a little early, too.”
As Daniel was packing up his briefcase, Selena called him. “I’m sorry to mess up your plans, but you have someone here. No appointment, but I thought you might want to see her.”
“Who is it?”
“Laura Andrews from the Wish I May Foundation.”
“Okay, please send her in.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“WHAT CAN I do for you, Laura?” Daniel asked after she was seated in his office.
“I’m sorry to stop by unannounced, but the most impressive family came to see me today. They have two kids, Henry and Lexa. The little boy, Henry, is just six years old, and has muscular dystrophy. He already needs a wheelchair to get around. Lexa is only two. Although she’s not showing any symptoms yet, MD is hereditary, and there’s a chance she may develop it, as well.
“Dad is working two jobs to make ends meet. He’s an engineer, but he works at a factory at night. Mom, who used to be the manager of a clothing store, can no longer work. She needs to be with the kids 24/7. But their spirit, Daniel! You wouldn’t believe how positive they are, and how committed to their family. They’ve been getting by, but they’ve run into a problem and need help.”
“You’re looking for sponsorship?” It occurred to him that maybe he should get together with his partners, make a lump sum annual contribution to the Foundation and let Laura decide how to disburse it to the families who needed it the most. Hearing these stories broke his heart but also reinforced his belief in the human spirit.
“No,” Laura said.
“Sorry?” He must’ve been wrapped up in his own thoughts. He could’ve sworn he just heard Laura say no.
“No, I’m not looking for money today, Daniel. I’m looking for your time. The family is struggling, of course, but they’re getting by. I already have a sponsor for them to help with extras. What they need—and can’t afford—is some legal advice.”
“What kind of advice?”
“They purchased a higher level of insurance to supplement the father’s employer’s plan, but the company has denied their claim. From what I understand, the family is legally entitled, but the insurance company is refusing to pay Henry’s medical expenses. Based on something an adjuster inadvertently let slip during a conversation with the father, it’s because they recognize that Henry will never be cured. Just the opposite, in that the disease is progressing and will cause further deterioration in his mobility. His illness can lead to other chronic conditions, too, such as lung failure, scoliosis and cardiac fibrosis. And, as I said, there’s a chance that Lexa will develop MD, as well. So, the insurance company obviously sees a high level of ongoing expenditures for the rest of Henry’s life, and possibly Lexa’s.” She took a deep breath.
“So here is the favor I need,” she went on. “Could you look at the insurance policy? It would really help them out.”
“It’s not my area of law, but sure, I can have a look.”
Laura pulled a file folder out of her briefcase and handed it to Daniel. He promised her he’d review the policy as soon as possible.
When he did, he was outraged. The family had been paying substantial premiums for the higher level of coverage well before Henry was diagnosed with MD. Under the terms of the policy, they were clearly entitled to the benefits, and they needed them badly. As Laura had surmised, the insurance company had apparently balked once they realized Henry would need medical care for life, and there was a chance his sister would, too. The costs would be enormous.
But there was no question the policy applied. Daniel understood what the company was doing. They thought if they made it challenging—and costly—enough for the family to pursue the matter, they might just give up.
But the company hadn’t bargained on Daniel representing them. He got the ball rolling immediately.
It was almost disappointing how quickly the insurance company capitulated once a lawyer was involved. They knew they had no legal basis for denying the claim, but Daniel wished there’d have been a bit more of a fight, since he was raring to go.
When he shared the outcome with the father, the man broke down in tears of gratitude and relief on the phone.
Daniel couldn’t remember feeling more satisfied with the outcome of one of his cases in...well, ever.
And that was a sobering realization, one that got him thinking.
Over the next few days, an idea formed in his mind.
By the end of the week, it had gelled sufficiently that he decided to get Paige’s perspective on it.
As Paige preferred to cook for them rather than go out to dinner, since it was easier on Jason, Daniel was equally adamant that he’d supply the groceries. He had never dated anyone who actually liked cooking for him, and he enjoyed the simple but delicious comfort foods she prepared. They were having an exceptional meatloaf with mashed potatoes, gravy and mixed vegetables.
Daniel wiped his mouth with his napkin. “I’ve been thinking about making a change in my career.”
Jason was still spooning mashed potatoes soaked in gravy into his mouth, but Paige’s fork halted in midair. “I had a case earlier this week.” He outlined the situation with the family and their insurance company. “It was one of the most straightforward cases I’ve ever handled, but being able to tell this family that they would get the payments they were entitled to gave me more satisfaction than I can remember experiencing in my career.
“I think about how much the two of you have brought to my life, and then I go to work each day and deal with nastiness. I’m tired of it.”
Jason stared at Daniel. “You’re going to quit being a lawyer?”
Daniel chuckled. “Nope. Just practice a different type of law. I wanted your opinion.”
Still wide-eyed, Jason pointed at his chest. “Mine?”
Daniel nodded. “Yours. And your mom’s. I’m thinking of starting my
own practice. I’ll continue working with families, but instead of doing divorce and custody cases, I’d help families in need of assistance with hospitals or insurance companies. A kind of legal aid for families with sick children.” He looked expectantly from Paige to Daniel. “So, what do you think?”
“That would be a wonderful thing to do...” Paige began.
“I hear a ‘but’ coming. Go ahead,” he told Paige. “I want your opinion.”
“I don’t mean to sound mercenary, but could you make money at it? I mean, wouldn’t these families be much like Jason and me? Their finances would be pretty tight?”
“Yes. But there are options. Government agencies that provide funding, for example. The services could also be funded through charitable organizations, such as the Wish I May Foundation. I discussed it with Laura, and she thought it was a great idea. And in the most dire cases, I can work pro bono.”
Paige nodded, but uncertainty showed in her eyes.
“Sure, my billable rates will be lower, and I won’t make the same amount of money I do now, but so what? I had a bit of an inheritance from my grandfather. I’ve invested wisely. I’ll still make a good income, and I’ll see if I can maintain an interest in my current firm and do some work for them when I have the time. Just not divorce or custody cases. Maybe contract law.”
Jason had been following the discussion between his mother and Daniel, and chimed in. “So, you’ll be working for kids like me, and helping them?”
Daniel nodded.
“And you’ll take away some of the worry from their moms?”
“I hope so.”
“That’s so cool!”
Jason’s simple statements tipped the scales for Daniel.
*
DANIEL WAS EXCITED about his new business and dove into the preparatory work immediately. He signed an agreement with his partners that allowed him to branch off and start his own practice. To Daniel’s delight, they didn’t want to lose him; they valued his business acumen and marketing savvy as much as his legal expertise. They drew up a contract that would let Daniel keep his shares in the firm in exchange for ongoing managerial responsibilities. In reciprocity, his partners—believing in what Daniel wanted to do and, admittedly, seeing a tax benefit—took a part interest in his new firm.