Chapter 2 - The Wedding Stops Here
Graham tore the intake form from the folder and turned toward Sloane.
"Where is the key?"
"Graham—"
"The key to the chain."
Her mouth opened, but no answer came.
Ava Grant, Graham's older sister, rushed into the foyer with two bridesmaids behind her.
She stopped when she saw Maisie.
"What the hell is this?"
Graham pointed at Sloane. "Find venue security. Now."
Sloane's voice sharpened. "You are overreacting because you don't understand her condition."
"Her condition? She is five."
"She needs structure. Professional structure."
Ava crouched beside Maisie. "Sweetheart, did she hurt you?"
Maisie looked at Sloane before answering.
That tiny glance told Graham more than any speech could have.
"She pulled me when I cried."
Graham's jaw tightened.
Sloane reached for his arm. "Listen to me. Once we're married, we can finally make decisions as a family."
He stepped away from her.
"There is no wedding."
The color disappeared from her face.
"Don't be ridiculous. There are two hundred people in that ballroom."
"Then two hundred people are about to go home."
Security arrived with bolt cutters. As the chain fell away, Maisie threw both arms around Graham's neck.
Outside, tires rolled across the circular drive.
A white passenger van stopped beneath the awning.
HAWTHORNE RIDGE was printed in small gray letters on the door.
Two attendants stepped out carrying clipboards.
One looked at Sloane through the glass and gave a small nod.
Graham walked outside before they could enter.
"Who called you?"
The taller attendant checked his paperwork.
"We're here for Maisie Grant. Authorized family transfer."
"By whom?"
The man turned the page.
"Mrs. Sloane Grant."
Graham stared at him.
"There is no Mrs. Sloane Grant."
The attendant's expression changed.
"Sir, our file includes a temporary guardianship order."
He held it out.
May you like
At the bottom was another perfect copy of Graham's signature.
This one had been notarized three days earlier.
