Heartsong (Singing to the Heart Book 2) by Sara Walter Ellwood Read Free Book Online Page A

himself more than he was at her, he glanced at the postmark. “It just came in this morning.” Thank God he hadn’t had it for longer.He ripped open the envelope and read the letter inside. “It’s from Judge Bentley Anderson and basically informs me and you of the rescinding of our guardianship of Jesse. That he will be put into the care of his maternal grandfather until a hearing on October eighth to determine temporary custody of Jesse. The official adoption proceedings are scheduled for early next year.”
    “It’s the same letter I got served this morning.”
    He heard the disappointment. Had she hoped he’d gotten a different letter?
    “Gabe, what are we going to do?” Micki sniffed and let out a shuttering breath that tugged uncomfortably at his heart. “I don’t want to lose him.”
    Moving back into the living room, he dropped into the supple leather of his couch and let out a deep breath. “I don’t know, but I’ll think of something. I’ve got to fly out in the morning for Cheyenne, but I’ll try to swing by Bluebonnet Creek before I’m due in Dallas. I’ll call Tom and set up an appointment for us. I also know a lawyer who might help, too. The more legal muscle we have, the better.”
    “Good. Rumor is Lemont put a bid in on the ranch.” The fear and worry ripped at his heart. He hated that she was caught up in the middle of all this.
    Closing his eyes, he leaned his head against the back of the couch. The thought of Lemont getting his hands on the Lazy M bothered him as much as the man gaining custody of Jesse. He gripped his phone until his hand hurt. “Damn. I won’t let you go homeless, Micki.”
    “And I told you I don’t want or need your help. We’re working together for Jesse and that’s all. I’ll take care of him and Momma.”
    Sighing, he agreed only because he was too tired to argue with her. “Okay.”
    Before he had a chance to say more, she said a quick “Goodbye” and hung up.
    He dialed Tom Fleming’s number. After finding out nothing more than what Micki had told him, he called his good friend and the best family law lawyer in Tennessee. Lucky for Gabe, he also had an office in Dallas. Maybe Reese could help them get Jesse back.
    * * * *
    Two hours later, Gabe entered the office of his friend and shook the man’s hand. Reese Goodwin smiled and led Gabe to the tan suede couches facing each other next to a refreshment bar. Everything about Goodwin oozed success, from the large executive office to his charcoal Armani suit and red and gray silk power tie. Gabe sat on the couch facing the bright midday skyline of Nashville while Reese went to the bar.
    “Coffee? Or would you like something stronger?” Reese lifted a carafe into the air.
    “Coffee’s fine. Black. Thanks.”
    Reese poured two mugs full, then added cream and sugar to his own. He handed Gabe a mug and sat on the couch facing him. They’d met six years ago when he’d hired Reese as his divorce lawyer. He’d managed to save Gabe from owing Andrea more than a year and a half of his life, which he’d paid in spades while married to the witch.
    The lawyer studied him for a moment over his cup as he sipped. “Okay, tell me what’s on your mind.”
    Gabe looked into his mug contemplating where to start. He pulled the letter from the judge in Texas out of the back pocket of his Levis and handed it to his friend.
    Reese read it, then refolded it and handed it back. “That’s tough. I’ve heard of Lemont Finn. But I don’t know him.”
    Gabe glanced at the letter in his hand. “He’s a hard man. My father wasn’t a saint. Far from it, but Lemont is the devil. His family made a fortune in cattle and oil, and he’s expanded it at the expense of anyone who stands in his way. His first wife was killed in a car accident, which has always been suspected of being a suicide. He divorced his second wife after she discovered she had MS. Then he disowned his daughters when they decided to stay with Loretta