Chapter 3 - The Protective Order
Sarah Miller adjusted her glasses, looking unfazed by Nathan’s imposing presence. She was used to dealing with angry relatives in hospital corridors.
“Mr. Cole, I understand your feelings, but I have a legal duty to follow state regulations,” she said firmly. “Without a legal document establishing you as their parent, I cannot simply hand three five-year-olds over to a man who wasn't listed on their birth records.”
“Then we will get the legal documents,” Nathan snapped. He pulled his personal smartphone from his jacket pocket, tapped a quick-dial number, and placed the phone to his ear.
“Arthur,” Nathan said the moment the call was answered. “I need you at St. Catherine Medical Center immediately. Bring two senior family law litigators from the firm.”
Arthur Vance, Nathan’s chief legal counsel and long-time confidant, paused on the other end. “Nathan? What’s happened? The board meeting for the pediatric wing—”
“Cancel the meeting,” Nathan interrupted coldly. “Cancel everything on my calendar for the next month. I have three daughters currently sitting in the ICU hallway, and a state social worker is trying to take them into protective custody because my name isn't on their birth certificates.”
A long silence hung over the line before Arthur replied softly. “I will be there in fifteen minutes with an emergency court injunction.”
Nathan ended the call and slipped his phone back into his pocket. He turned to Sarah Miller. “My legal counsel is on his way with an emergency custody motion for a superior court judge. In the meantime, I am taking my daughters down to the hospital’s private family lounge. If you or your security officer attempt to remove them from this building before my lawyers arrive, I will sue King County Child Protective Services and this medical center for unlawful seizure.”
The security officer shifted his weight uncomfortably, looking at the hospital badge on Nathan’s lapel that read Board Member & Major Donor.
Sarah Miller recognized when a legal battle was beyond her pay grade. She raised her hands slightly. “We will wait in the lounge until your counsel arrives, Mr. Cole. But the children do not leave the facility premises.”
“Agreed,” Nathan said cleanly.
He walked back out into the hallway. The three little girls were still huddled under the yellow blanket. Ellie looked up at him, her pale blue eyes filled with mistrust and fear.
Nathan knelt on the hard floor, bringing himself down to their eye level. He smoothed his tie, forcing his expression into a gentle, non-threatening calm he rarely had to use in his corporate life.
“Ellie, Hannah, Sophie,” he said softly. “Your mommy is sick right now, but the doctors are giving her medicine to help her rest and get better.”
Sophie clutched Mr. Buttons tighter against her chest. “Is she sleeping?”
“Yes, sweetie,” Nathan said, his heart aching at the small word. “She’s sleeping so her body can heal. But while she’s sleeping, I’m going to stay with you. We’re going to go to a comfortable room down the hall with couches and hot chocolate. How does that sound?”
Ellie studied his face carefully, her sharp little mind processing his tone. “Are you a doctor?”
“No,” Nathan said honestly. “I’m... I’m a friend of your mother’s. From a long time ago.”
Hannah looked at her older sister. “Can we have hot chocolate, Ellie? My tummy is making noises.”
Ellie looked back at Nathan, her stubborn chin held high. “Did Mommy tell you to come here?”
Nathan felt a sharp pang of guilt pierce his chest. “No, Ellie. But I’m here now, and I’m never going to leave you alone again. I promise.”
Ellie hesitated for a long moment, looking at his dark eyes, searching for any sign of deceit. Finally, she gave a tiny, dignified nod. “Okay. But Sophie gets to keep Mr. Buttons.”
“Mr. Buttons can stay right where he is,” Nathan said softly.
He stood up, reached down, and held out his hands. Hannah took his right hand instantly, her tiny fingers wrapping around two of his. Sophie reached up, wanting to be carried. Nathan didn't hesitate; he scooped the small five-year-old up into his arms, resting her against his shoulder. Her small body was impossibly light, smelling faintly of baby shampoo and hospital soap.
May you like
Ellie walked close beside him, her small hand lightly touching his coat sleeve as they walked down the wide corridor toward the private lounge.
For the first time in his life, Nathan Cole didn't think about real estate markets, profit margins, or corporate acquisitions. He only thought about the incredible, terrifying weight of the small girl sleeping against his shoulder, and the blue box hidden beneath a bed in an apartment he had never seen.
