wrings her hands I-I knew this would come out someday. I'm sorry you had to find out this way.
Grayson
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.
Grayson
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.
Grayson
What happened to her mom?
takes a deep breath She...she passed away during childbirth. I...I didn't know how to tell you.
Grayson
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.
Grayson
So what happens now?
wipes her tears Well, um, I've been thinking about it.
Grayson
Thinking about what?
takes a deep breath I want to give her up for adoption.
Grayson
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.
Grayson
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.
Grayson
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.
Grayson
a few days later Alright, Maria. I've had some time to think.
crosses her arms And what have you decided, Grayson?
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.
Grayson
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.
Grayson
smiles weakly Let's get through this...for her.
takes a deep breath Okay, Grayson. Let's start the adoption process right away.
Grayson
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.
Grayson
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.
Grayson
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.
Grayson
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
Grayson
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.
Grayson
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.