That boy is a Gray, and Grays take care of their own. I'll be back with the law, and when I am, your ranch hand here won't be able to help you. He spat the words ranch hand like an insult, the implication clear. Elias's jaw tightened, but he didn't rise to the bait. You know where the road is.
Vincent mounted his horse, but before he rode off, he looked directly at Nora. Think about what's best for Thomas, Nora. Think about what James would have wanted. I'll give you 1 week to come to your senses. After that, I'm filing papers with the territorial court.
He wheeled his horse and rode off at a gallop, leaving dust and dread in his wake. Nora's legs gave out. She caught herself on the porch railing, but Elias was there, his hand steady under her elbow, holding her up. Easy now, he's gone. For now.
Nora whispered. But he'll be back. He meant it, Elias. He'll take Tommy. He'll use the law, use my reputation, use everything against me, and I can't I don't have the money for a lawyer.
I don't have any way to fight him, and he's right, isn't he? A judge will look at me, a widow, working as a housekeeper, living here with you, and they'll give Tommy to Vincent because he has money and respectability, and I have nothing. Stop. Elias's voice was firm. Breathe.
You're spiraling. Nora tried, but panic had its claws in her. You don't understand. Vincent isn't a good man. He doesn't want Tommy out of love or duty.
He wants him because James inherited some money from their parents, and Tommy is James's heir. Vincent thinks if he has custody of Tommy, he can control that inheritance until Tommy comes of age. He'll put my son in some boarding school and drain every penny James left behind, and Tommy will grow up thinking his mother abandoned him. Then we won't let that happen. How?
Nora's voice broke. How do we stop him? You heard him. He has lawyers, connections, the law on his side, and what do I have? A job that barely pays enough to save for rent somewhere else, let alone court fees.
A reputation that's been dragged through the mud by town gossip. No husband, no family willing to help. What defense do I possibly have? Elias was quiet for a long moment, his dark eyes fixed on the horizon where Vincent had disappeared. When he spoke, his voice was carefully controlled, as if he were testing each word before releasing it.
You could have a husband. Nora's head snapped up. What? A husband changes everything. Judge looks at a married couple running a successful ranch versus a bachelor uncle who's never shown interest in the boy until now, custody goes to the parents.
Simple as that. But I'm not married. James is dead, and I'm not Realization hit her like cold water. Wait. Are you suggesting Practical solution.