“And mine. And her mother chose me to raise her.” Luke leaned back in his chair. “You are an old man, and I am young and will hopefully have other children who can be siblings to Sally. She can grow up with the love of a mother and father, as well as brothers and sisters. Surely even you can see the blessing of that. What life would it be for a child to be raised in a museum-like house with an old man who has nothing to do with her but to show her off on Sundays?”

“She would have everything. You cannot give her the life I can.”

“Nor can you give her the life I can,” Luke countered. “My life is better, because she will have family and love. Your money and possessions cannot fill the emptiness that will be hers should she be ripped away from those who love her.”

“I won’t allow for this. I’ll take you to court.”

“You may do as you feel necessary, but the adoption is complete and quite legal. The witnesses gave testimony, and Sally is thriving and happy. I do not wish to be threatening, but I will guard and protect that baby as if she were my own. Scott would never want her raised by you in Philadelphia.”

His father’s face grew red. “She is my granddaughter. Her father and mother are dead. I have a right to raise her and will not allow you to rob me of that opportunity.”

Luke drew a deep breath. “I have no wish to keep you from knowing Sally. In fact, I will take you to meet her—if I have your word that you’ll do nothing to interfere with her staying here, with us.”

“I will not give you my word on that. I am her grandfather!” He pounded the arms of the chair. “She is mine by right of survivorship.”

“You’ll have to take that up with Judge Prescott. He finalized the adoption, and I believe the matter has satisfied all the laws of this state.” Luke paused and then leaned forward, arms on his desk. “Father, I don’t want to argue with you. I know this news is not what you expected, but it will be what it is. It would be far better for everyone involved if you would admit defeat and accept the role we offer you.”

“Which is what? An occasional visit? I want an active role in my granddaughter’s life. She should have the privilege to which she’s been born.”

“She wasn’t born to privilege. She was born by the lake to a fisherman and a kitchen maid. Did you forget that you cut her father off from privilege?”

“It didn’t have to be that way. I made offers.”