CHAPTER20
As the weekspassed with no sign of Gillian, Nick hoped she ran off on her own and was hiding from her husband. The alternative, that Paul had her, was unbearable to think about. He could only pray that as soon as she felt safe, she’d be back.Or at least call.
In the meantime, Bailey was thriving. She was amazing, and they’d fallen into a nice routine of feeding, sleeping, diaper changes, and baby cuddling. Each pound she gained and each new skill she mastered was an accomplishment they celebrated—together.
He never got his loan, but luckily, the Joneses paid for the cabinets and granite upfront, and he was able to complete the remodel. Mary was happy, and he was happy he didn’t have to continue going over to their house every day. He needed to stop thinking about Gillian and their night together.
And the bloodstains the sheriff had found on the wall.
There hadn’t been enough blood to prove foul play or that Paul had been there and taken her, but Nick couldn’t get it out of his mind. Even after it had been easily cleaned up, he still saw it. He called Agent Morris every Monday morning for an update, but there was nothing. It was like she vanished.
In his mind, only the rich and powerful could make that happen.
“You ready to go see Grandpa?” he asked Bailey as he got her dressed. She smiled up at him, filling his heart with such joy it eased the constant worry he felt for Gillian.
He grabbed the diaper bag, freshly restocked with diapers, formula, and bottles, picked up Bailey, and carried her out to his truck. Since the Jones’ job was done, he was helping his father with the renovations at the church. Everyone was pitching in and doing what they could.
He wasn’t being paid, but the best part about this job was the exposure he was getting, and there were a lot of people around to help him with Bailey. Bringing his daughter to work with him was the best perk of the job. He drove into town and to the church that was within walking distance from the Main Street Park.
“Hi, Dad,” he greeted as he walked into the offices behind the sanctuary. The work of adding an additional wing was going well.
“There’s my pumpkin.” His dad swooped Bailey out of Nick’s arms and took the diaper bag. “You want to help me write this week’s sermon?” he asked the gurgling baby who just smiled at her grandpa—her favorite person in the world.
His dad felt the same way about her. Any reservations he might once have held went completely out the window the moment she smiled up at him. Nick felt blessed in many ways; he only wished Gillian could be here to see it.
He had just finished framing the outside wall of the new music room when he saw the Reaves pull up. He steeled himself for whatever bad news they were about to launch on him, put down his nail gun, and walked around to the front of the church.
His lawyer had agreed to allow Nick to pay him in installments, which gave him a fighting chance in this custody battle, but he’d rather not have to call him if he didn’t have to. The hearing was still a month away, and the bill was adding up to be quite significant.
The Reaves weren’t out front. He walked into the sanctuary, but they weren’t there either. Where had they gone? He passed through into the hallway outside his father’s office and found them standing in the hall, looking through the window at his dad playing with Bailey.
He stood silent for a moment, watching them, trying to determine what they had planned, but they didn’t do anything; they just stood there watching. Tears streamed down Belinda’s face, and Mike had a pinched look around his eyes.
“Hey,” he greeted stiffly. “Is there something we can do for you?”
Belinda turned to him with pleading wide eyes while Mike looked distinctly uncomfortable. “We just wanted to see the baby. Is there any chance we can…go in?” she asked.
She had to be kidding.
“I was used to seeing her every day at the hospital, and it’s been weeks. I just miss her so much.” Fresh tears filled her eyes.
“My lawyer has advised me against contact…” Nick started, not knowing what to say to her and afraid of making the wrong move.
“Just let us see the baby,” Mike barked.
Nick stiffened. “I can’t.” He had to hold his ground. Otherwise, they’d find some way to use this against him.
“Please,” Belinda said. “I know you’re not a bad person, Nick. Surely we can find a way to make this work.”
“I didn’t start this fight,” he said softly. “I can’t take any chances. I have to follow my lawyer’s advice.”
“What if we dropped the suit?” she asked.
Nick stared at her. Was she being truthful?
“We know we’ve been hard on you.”
“And my dad,” Nick said, thinking of how the entire church community has been coming together to save their church.