Page 71 of Holding On

“I think I know a couple that would be a really great candidate for you to consider adopting Fiona’s babies.” Jack’s voice is gentle, but Dahlia’s gasp is audible.

“Who?” Dahlia and I both ask in unison.

“Let me first tell you why I think this couple would be a good fit, if that’s alright?” Jack asks and Dahlia nods for him to continue. “First of all, they are not assholes, so that’s a good start to not raise little assholes.”

Dahlia laughs at that. “Fair, and a good point to start off with, I suppose.”

Jack nods in agreement. I try to read his mind—and fail miserably. I have no idea where he’s going with this—maybe one of his siblings?

“The couple has been married long enough to be established in their life together, and they know they want to start a family, but have not yet had success in trying different routes to have children on their own.” Dahlia’s face falls at that.

“Did they try IVF?” I ask before Dahlia can.

“They have, multiple times,” Jack admits, and I really have no idea who he’s talking about.

“I feel like there’s something else about this couple that sets them apart, though. There are plenty of couples that would meet your first two descriptors, but you seem quite sure that you have the solution to this unicorn situation.” Dahlia is assessing Jack with a clinical eye now.

“Indeed. This couple is also very familiar—and honestly, not impressed—with wealth. The wife is from a family with significant family money, and she grew up with, well, a platinum spoon, but I promise she is not an asshole.” Dahlia laughs at that statement.

“And the husband?” I ask because I’m trying to figure out who he’s talking about.

“The husband is from an upper-middle class family but has had a very successful career as a hedge fund portfolio manager, so he deals with money every day, and honestly, he’s a bit of a nerd but in the best way.”

“How so?” Dahlia tilts her head.

“He likes to play chess, prefers to read historical non-fiction, and has multiple degrees that have nothing to do with his profession—just for fun.”

Dahlia laughs. “So, he is an academic. I like that.”

“I give up. Who are you talking about?” I demand.

“First, I need to know if this is something Dahlia wants to explore.” Jack doesn’t answer me—which is annoying even if he is right. I look to Dahlia, who is rubbing her hand across her obvious baby bump.

“Do you think they would love them for who they are and not the money they will have access to?” Dahlia asks quietly.

“Without a doubt,” Jack immediately answers.

“Do you … would they be open to me being in their lives?”

“I have to be honest, I’m talking to you first, but I know they’re just starting the process of adoption and have said they prefer an open adoption but would do a closed adoption if the birth mother preferred.”

“And do you trust them? Do you think Fiona would approve of them?” A single tear escapes Dahlia’s eyes and slowly slides down her cheek.

Jack hums. “I do trust them, and I do think Fiona would approve of them and can even say that with some authority. But it’s up to you, Dahlia. And you don’t have to decide right now. I just need to know if you want to meet them and we can go from there.”

“We?” Dahlia looks around the table.

“You didn’t get the memo? You have us in your corner now, and after those babies arrive, we will still be there,” Wells chimes in with a grin.

“She was ours, Dahlia. So, now you are too,” Jack adds.

Dahlia nods. “How soon could I meet them?”

“Let me make a call.” Jack gets up, kisses my head, and walks out onto the terrace, dialing someone as soon as the door closes.

“You don’t know who it is?” Dahlia asks me.

I shake my head. “No, but I trust Jack.”