is working on the adoption of Easton.”
A megawatt grin broke out on his face. “Congratulations to you both, and that will positively work in our favor. Not that that’s why you did it, but it certainly helps the cause. One question for the two of you. When I address the throng out there, should I refer to you as English Bridges or English Baines?”
That was not for me to decide, so my questioning glance turned to my wife. Oddly enough, it did not seem strange to think of her as that.
Her back was ramrod straight as she answered, “My name is English Baines, so that’s what you should call me.” There wasn’t a flicker of hesitation in her response and I’d never been more proud of anyone.
“My wife has spoken, Ryan. You have your answer.”
“Excellent. That will also set their gossip networks on fire. I have an idea that when the McLures hear of this, they may reconsider everything they want to do.”
“No, they won’t,” English said. “They’re crazy like that. If Bill punched my grandfather, I wouldn’t put anything past them.”
“True, but with the world against them, I’m not so sure.”
Ryan phoned one of his clerks and they modified the statement with English’s new surname. He read it to us and we were in agreement with everything.
“Okay, I’m ready to face the hungry mob.”
He opened the door as we stood behind it and walked onto the porch. We listened with our ears up against the door. English giggled. “I feel like a spy.”
“Or a child listening in on their parents.”
“Yeah! I remember doing that when I was little. BB2 and I wanted pancakes and we’d wait outside Mom and Dad’s bedroom for them to get up.” She chuckled at the memory.
I put a finger to my lips. “Shh, he’s talking now.”
“Mrs. English Baines was attacked in her home by Stuart McLure, the son of William McLure, several weeks ago. Had it not been for the intervention of her husband, she very well might not be alive today. Mr. McLure was arrested and an order of protection was served on him, which he later violated. He was arrested again and is awaiting trial for forcible entry, assault and aggravated battery with intent to kill.
“A few days ago, William McLure was arrested at the home of Mrs. Baines’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. Beckley Bridges. He was charged with forcible entry and assault with aggravated battery against Mr. Mark Bridges, who was hospitalized for his injuries. A trial date for Mr. McLure has not yet been set. Thank you.”
A barrage of questions from the reporters erupted, but Ryan ignored them and came back inside.
“That should get the gossipy press onto the McLures and away from you two. The police will not be happy with me, but that’s not my problem.” Then a laugh broke out of him. “I wonder what the governor’s office will think when they hear this.”
“Who cares?” I asked.
“Not me,” he answered. “You two need anything else from me?”
“No, but you can’t leave until the vultures do,” English said as she looked out the peephole. “Hey, they’re scattering.”
“I expected they would. They’re probably rushing to the police department to find out the details of the information I gave them.”
“I hope the cops don’t hate me. I need them on my side.” English bit her lip.
“This is part of their job and now all they’ll do is make a statement like I did.”
Ryan checked the front yard. “Looks like the coast is clear. Call me if anything else pops up.”
He went outside and let the police officer go since he didn’t need him anymore. Then he drove off.
“Hey, I was very proud of you.” I took my wife in my arms.
“Me? Why?”
“Because you didn’t shrink away from anything, and I have to tell you, I’m proud to be your husband.” I kissed the tip of her nose.
“I never knew you had such a gentle side to you.”
“I have lots of things you don’t know about.”
“Yeah?”
“Um-hum. Wanna see?”
“I thought you showed me all your magical gifts.” She quirked a brow.
“I have plenty more tricks up my sleeve that you can’t begin to imagine. Just wait.”
“Up your sleeve or in your pants?”
“I’ll let you decide the answer to that.”
I was kissing my wife, preparing to take her to bed, when the front door swung open and we heard, “Mommy! Mimi said you’re home and I wanted to kiss you and Daddy.”
The joys of being a new father. No one had warned me