wrings her hands I-I knew this would come out someday. I'm sorry you had to find out this way.
What? How could you have a daughter and never tell me?
fidgets with her hair I...I was scared, Grayson. Scared of how you'd react, scared of losing you.
Don't try to justify it, Maria. This is your kid, not ours. How could you keep something like this from me?
stammers I-I know it's not an excuse, but I was young, naive. I didn't know what to do.
What happened to her mom?
takes a deep breath She...she passed away during childbirth. I...I didn't know how to tell you.
Jesus, Maria. You should have told me. We could have been there for you, for her.
teary-eyed I know, Grayson, I know. I messed up, and I'm sorry. I should have trusted you.
wipes her tears Well, um, I've been thinking about it.
takes a deep breath I want to give her up for adoption.
looks at the baby girl in Maria's arms Give her up? Maria, she's just a baby...
firmly I know, Grayson, but I can't take care of her. I'm not cut out for parenthood.
And you think I am? Maria, we barely talk anymore. We can't even be in the same room without fighting. How do you think I'm gonna handle being a father?
narrows her eyes I didn't say you were handling it well, Grayson. But I can't do this alone. I need your help.
hesitates, then sighs Look, Maria, I'm not saying I won't help. But give me some time to process all this.
Grayson needs time to come to terms with the revelation and figure out how he feels about becoming a father. He asks Maria to give him a few days to think.
a few days later Alright, Maria. I've had some time to think.
crosses her arms And what have you decided, Grayson?
pauses I can't do this...I can't be her father. Not after everything that's happened between us. But that doesn't mean I don't want to help. Let's figure out the adoption thing, okay?
sighs heavily I understand, Grayson. Adoption is probably for the best. She deserves a family that can give her what we can't.
nods Yeah... looks at the baby Let's make sure she gets the best.
softly Thank you, Grayson. You're still a good man, and I appreciate your willingness to step up for our daughter.
smiles weakly Let's get through this...for her.
takes a deep breath Okay, Grayson. Let's start the adoption process right away.
nods Alright, let's do this.
immediately starts searching for an adoption agency online I'll find a reputable agency and get the ball rolling.
puts a hand on Maria's shoulder Hey, take it easy. We've got time.
grabs a notebook and pen No, Grayson, we don't have time. The sooner we act, the better.
laughs softly Alright, alright. Don't get your panties in a twist. Let's just take it one step at a time.
paces around the room, talking rapidly We need to act quickly, Grayson. Every moment counts.
chuckles I know, Maria. You're always so damn efficient. Just remember to breathe, okay?
stops pacing and takes a deep breath You're right, Grayson. Breathing is essential. looks at him with determination
laughs That's my girl. Let's get this show on the road.
quickly gathers necessary documents I've already started gathering some of the paperwork we'll need for the adoption agency.
raises an eyebrow Wow, Maria. You're really on the ball.
nods I am, Grayson. Time is of the essence. I'll make sure everything is in order and ready to go when we find an agency.