Collins called Debbie, and she came for Isaac. I tried to convince Mila to go with them, but she wouldn’t hear of it. I can’t help looking at her with admiration.
“What happened?” My lawyer whispers as we take our place, and I quickly tell him everything.
Brenda’s smug smile at our disheveled appearance is soon wiped off as the case proceeds. The report from the court evaluator is favorable and positive. My chief has taken the time to show up in support. He explains what caused our near lateness. He tells the court everything that transpired this morning.
During the court adjournment, Mila and I go to a private spot behind the courthouse, and we sit on a bench. I hold her in my arms. Her shoulders shake.
“Are you crying?” I say.
“I’m sorry. It’s my fault we almost lost Isaac,” she cries.
My chest squeezes at the despair in her voice.
“Can you forgive me?” she says.
“There’s nothing to forgive. You’re not responsible for your ex’s behavior,” I tell her and kiss her forehead.
We sit quietly until an hour is almost up, and then we return to the courtroom to hear the judge’s decision.
Chapter 40
Mila
My tears are mixed with water as I cry silently in the shower at my rental house where we have all moved so repairs can be made to Brad’s house. I don’t want to drag this on for longer than necessary. I’ve fulfilled my end of the bargain, and it’s time to go.
I don’t want to make it harder for Brad than it already is. No matter how kindhearted he is, I know that no man would want to be in a relationship with a woman who endangered his child. Knowing Brad, he won’t say anything to me, but it would break my heart to see him start to get impatient with me.
I rub shower gel on my belly. My poor baby. He’ll never know his dad or brother. But he’ll have me, and right there and then I vow to myself to do a good job. By the time I turn off the shower, my eyes are swollen and red from crying.
From the bedroom, I hear the sound of the front door opening. Brad and Isaac are back. I smile amidst my tears. Isaac is exactly where he belongs, and I’m glad that everyone agreed that Brad is an awesome dad.
I dress and then begin to pack my clothes into the open suitcase on the floor. Every item I place in it feels like a piece of myself that I’m ripping away. How will I manage without Brad’s love and Isaac’s joy? What will be my source of happiness?
Heavy footsteps sound in the hallway, and then Brad opens the bedroom door.
“I thought—” There’s silence before he continues. “What are you doing?”
I shut my eyes to gather my courage. I bite my lower lip as a sob threatens to burst out of my mouth. My chest swells until I think it will explode.
I finally look up and meet Brad’s gaze. His eyes are wide with an emotion I can’t describe. “We’ve accomplished what we set out to do.” The words sound so hollow. I feel like a coward.
“Tell me why you are really leaving.” Brad’s voice is harsh. “You owe me that much.”
His words pierce my heart. He’s right. I owe him the truth. It doesn’t matter if he rejects me. Or rejects us. I drop my gaze. “I’m pregnant, and before you say anything, I don’t expect anything from you. I’m going to raise my baby—”
“What did you say?” Brad says, his voice edged with steel.
Startled, I look up. “I’m pregnant.”
“How dare you do this to me? How dare you presume to make decisions for me? How dare you deny me the chance to love my wife and my child?”
I’m at a loss for words. I stare at Brad. Hope swells in my chest. “Do you mean it?” I whisper.
He closes the distance between us and cups my cheeks. “Can’t you tell how much I love and adore you?” Brad says and then drops one hand to my belly. “You and our baby?”
Tears fill my eyes. I can’t speak. It’s too much to take in. Brad loves me. He wants me and the baby.
“Just tell me. Are those tears of joy or sadness?” he says.
I laugh through my tears. “Happiness. I love you.”
EPILOGUE
Mila
“I must be the fattest bride that ever walked down the aisle,” I grumble as I hold on to Brad’s arm and waddle toward the reception room.
I still can’t believe that Brad talked me into having another wedding, saying that we needed to have a real wedding. Despite my grumbling, I think it’s terribly romantic of my husband.
Brad stops walking and takes me into his arms. We’re alone in the hallway. All the wedding guests are already in the reception room, and we’re about to make our grand entry as husband and wife.