1022 Evergreen Place - Debbie Macomber [62]
“I suppose being in Seattle gives him greater access—and makes him more of a threat,” he went on to say.
“In these situations, the state virtually always keeps the infant with the mother,” Olivia assured them.
“My son has no intention of raising that child. He has another daughter from his marriage that he rarely sees. He has no interest in being a father to either of his children, painful as that is for me to admit.”
Charlotte placed her hand over Ben’s, offering him what comfort she could.
“In my opinion, Mary Jo should call his bluff.” Olivia spoke in a no-nonsense voice. “The courts don’t take kindly to these types of threats.”
“According to Mary Jo, David didn’t even look at the baby once,” Ben said. “In Noelle’s whole life, he’s never held her, never touched her, and to claim now that he’ll fight for custody is just plain ludicrous.”
“Especially when he denied even fathering the child,” Charlotte said.
“The judge will ask about his involvement with Noelle to this point,” Olivia told them. “That is, if the case ever comes before the court, which I doubt will happen.”
Jack didn’t look convinced. “You never know. He might get himself some crackerjack lawyer with a bee in his bonnet about father’s rights.”
“True.” Olivia sighed. “My guess is that David’s using intimidation, hoping Mary Jo won’t ask for money from him, especially now that he’s unemployed.”
“Well, if she does, I’m afraid David will refuse to pay,” Ben murmured. “Even if he finds another job.”
“Since paternity is verified, the state will garnishee David’s unemployment check, presuming that he’s receiving one. He won’t have any choice but to pay child support.”
Charlotte knew he wouldn’t like that, and his current girlfriend wouldn’t, either.
“What’s the situation between Mack and Mary Jo?” Olivia asked thoughtfully.
“You’ve probably heard that they’re sharing a duplex,” Ben answered. “Each living in one half.”
“He loves that little baby. Why, Mack’s far more of a father to her than David,” Charlotte put in.
“That’s what I figured,” Olivia said. “I saw the three of them at the market on Saturday and they looked just like any young family on an outing.”
“I’m sure Mack’s sweet on Mary Jo,” Ben told them.
Sweet was such a lovely word, Charlotte mused. Old-fashioned and charming. Anyone could see that Mack and Mary Jo were falling in love.
“If I was a betting man, I’d say they’ll end up married.” Jack reached for his third slice of bread.
Charlotte passed him the butter, which he took gratefully until Olivia placed a hand on his forearm. Without saying a word, Jack pushed the butter aside and patted his wife’s hand.
This exchange took only a few seconds and it made Charlotte smile despite the seriousness of their conversation. A couple of years ago, Jack had suffered a heart attack, and ever since, Olivia had stood guard over his diet. The way she and Jack looked after each other was inspiring.
“Has Mary Jo given you any indication that she’ll eventually marry Mack?” Olivia asked her mother and Ben.
“Well, no, but like Ben said earlier,” Charlotte replied, “it’s obvious that they’re close.”
“If they were to marry, do you believe Mack would want to legally adopt Noelle?”
Charlotte didn’t need to think about her response. “I believe he would. He’s crazy about that baby. Noelle and Mary Jo are all he talks about.” To be fair, she hadn’t had a lot of conversations with Mack, but whenever she did, he was full of stories about them. And his mother said the same thing.
Ben raised a cautious hand. “I suspect—” He hesitated, then started again. “I suspect that Mack and Mary Jo had some sort of disagreement after seeing David.”
“Now, Ben…”
He raised his hand again, stopping her. “I know Mary Jo was flustered and upset when she came to see us, but I’m sure it was over more than what happened with David.”
Thinking about it, Charlotte had to agree. Mary Jo had been in a real state. She’d needed to get away, she said. She needed to talk