“I think you actually believe that.” I shake my head, disgusted.
“It’s the truth.”
“Why? Because you have money? You think your bank account is going to make you Father of the Year?” Preston blinks dumbly. I press on. “How are you going to help her grow up and be the best version of herself? Emotionally, how will you provide? You’re bullying your way into getting what you want with Faye. Is that how you plan to control Flora? Because kids tend to rebel against that sort of thing.”
“Don’t try to twist the situation.” He sneers, hitting the alarm on his black luxury rental.
“The picture isn’t so pretty when you look in the mirror and see what’s really there, hmm?”
“And you’d know all about parenting why? Is there an ex-wife and children in the wings? Is that why you’re trying so hard to play Daddy to mine? To make up for past mistakes?”
My temper flares. I hold Monty out. “You should go.”
“Ahhh. I struck a chord.” He smirks. “I wonder if she’d see you as her hero once she knew that.”
“Good-bye, Preston.”
“I came here to tell you to stay away from Faye. She’s not yours to take.”
“The way I remember it, she’s not yours either. “
“Yettt.” Preston draws out the t.
“Keep telling yourself that.” He takes Monty, and I step back. “Bullies always meet their match eventually and find themselves alone. Because fear only gets you so far.”
“Are you threatening me?” he barks.
“I’m making you aware of how the world works. Free of charge.”
“Faye is mine. You can’t have her or my child. I’ll make her life a living hell before I let that happen.”
I spin on my heels and walk away, ignoring his shouted insults. His time is coming. I won’t jeopardize everything we’ve worked so hard to set up to make myself feel good.
Chapter Five
Faye
This must be hell. I sit on the couch beside my mother and father as Preston charms them with talk about California. How lovely the weather is, and how much he thinks I’ll enjoy it. He canceled the lawsuit, but I know he’ll push for more. I need to figure out a way to get back from under his thumb. But first, I have to give birth. Sadness sweeps over me. My coach is gone, and I’m alone again most days. Except for the one person I don’t want to see. He’s here nearly every other week, asserting some misplaced dominance, like an overgrown dog pissing on things. The sound of the lock in the door is a relief. Warren is here. He walks in, and a second later, James follows. My jaw drops.
“What is he doing here?” Preston jumps up.
“Boy, sit your ass down,” my father booms.
Preston flinches.
“Now,” Warren growls.
“We have something we want to show you,” James says with a smile.
I drink in the sight of him. My heart speeds up, and Flora goes crazy. I’m not the only one who missed him.
“What is this? Why is he here, Jason?” he asks my father.
“That’ll be Mr. Ferguson from now on.” Dad turns on the television and presses play.
“Oh, God.” I immediately recognize the drug store.
Preston pales and sinks down onto the couch heavily.