Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

“Are you ready to tell me what happened back there?” he asks as we walk up to my front door.

I unlock the door and step inside, turning to face him.

“James.” I study the face of the man who’s become my best friend and brace myself for the pain. I turn to him.

“Don’t.” He shakes his head.

“I have no other choice.”

“There is always a choice, Faye.” He cups my cheek with his right hand. “I know how much you love Flora. You made it clear from the start that she comes first. All I’m asking from you is time.”

“I’ve run out of that. He texted me a portion of his lawyer’s argument for full custody, and it doesn’t look good.”

“Then, we fight.”

“He said he’d negotiate. It’s a better option.”

His jaw tenses and he let his hand drop. “I promised you I wouldn’t leave you to do this alone, and I meant it. Don’t make me a liar.”

My eyes well, and I choke on a sob. “James.”

“He can’t win what isn’t his.” He balls his hands into fists. “You and Flora are my girls.”

“It’s not that simple.” I cover his hands with my mine.

“Let him think we’re giving him what he wants if you must, but don’t give up hope just yet. I’ll go for now. But only for now.” He kisses me softly and steps away.

I watch him leave, holding it together until the door click shuts. Shoving my fist into my mouth, I rock back and forth. With one phone call, he’s wrecked my support system and shredded my heart anew. How can I allow this to continue? What can I do to win when he’s set to win? James sounded like he had a plan. I dash away my tears. Being upset isn’t good for Flora, and I have a shift later tonight. Work has always been my savior. A safe haven to escape in and help others. Even when I feel like I can’t do the same for myself.

JAMES

“Is Faye okay?” Warren’s worried voice comes on the line.

“Yes and no. Faye and Flora are doing okay, but I just left her condo. Preston is up to something. She tried to break up with me over one of his threats.”

“Jesus Christ. Do you know what?”

“I didn’t see the text, but she mentioned him saying he’d negotiate about full custody.”

“Provided she leaves you?” Warren says.

“Yeah. I’m done playing games with him. I’ve been thinking about this since he first served her papers. I have a plan.”

“Let’s hear it, Bailey.”

“I’m not sure how it’ll affect everyone.”

“As long as he leaves my sister alone, I don’t care.”

“Be sure. ’Cause it involves your parents.”

Warren sighs. “I meant what I said earlier.”

“Okay. Can we meet up somewhere?”

“Yeah. I was just leaving my office. I can head over to your place.”

“I never told you where I live.”