I fuck her quietly on my office desk before we both have to get back to work.
When I see Eva’s name pop up on my phone screen, I stop just outside the door to the apartment and set the bag of Chinese food at my feet. Not wanting Maddi or Courtney to hear what I’m about to say, I move to the second landing of the stairs and keep an eye on the door as I put the phone to my ear.
It’s been a little over three weeks since Maddi’s birthday. That was the last time I heard from Eva. Last weekend she was supposed to take Maddi overnight, and that had been the plan for more than a month. She didn’t show, didn’t call, didn’t answer my calls or return any of my messages when I tried to get ahold of her repeatedly.
I’m done with her bullshit, done setting up Maddi and watching her fall every time Eva lets her down. I talked to my lawyer—along with Abby—and they both agree that since I have full custody of Maddi, I’m within my rights to keep Maddi from Eva until she gets a lawyer. I hate doing this, but I’m at the point where protecting Maddi from further hurt is all that matters.
“Lucas . . . ,” Eva says softly as soon as I answer. My teeth grind together. “I . . . Do you have time to meet me for a drink so we can talk?”
Is she fucking crazy?
“No,” I grit out. “I’m done, Eva. So fucking done with your bullshit. Unless you get a lawyer and file for some type of visitation with the court, you will no longer have access to Maddi. No more broken promises. No more fucked-up stops at the apartment to spread your bullshit. Nothing. Do you understand that?”
“I’m back with Tyler,” she hurries to get out.
Rage fills the pit of my stomach.
I should have fucking known.
“I-I wanted to call to cancel last weekend, but we were out of the country, and I didn’t have service.”
“She was devastated, Eva,” I say, trying to control the fury that is filling my veins. “She was devastated that you didn’t show, that you didn’t call. That you let her down once a-fucking-gain.”
“I’m sorry. I just . . . I had to think about my future. I needed to give Tyler another shot. I needed to focus on him and me.”
“Right.” I rub the bridge of my nose. She’s never going to get it. She will never understand what she’s done to Maddi. She’s too self-centered to understand. “Good luck with everything. I hope you get what you deserve.”
“Will you tell her?” she asks as I start to pull the phone from my ear.
“Tell her what?”
“That . . . that I won’t be around much. That I’m moving back in with Tyler?”
“Yeah, I’ll tell her. But Eva, I’m dead fucking serious about what I said. I’m not doing this anymore. I’m not going to let you continue to hurt her. You want to see her, get a fucking lawyer.”
“I do love her,” she says.
I start to open my mouth to say, “Not enough,” but she hangs up before I can. I’m sure she cares for Maddi in her own way, but she doesn’t love her enough. She sure as fuck doesn’t love her the way a mother should love her child.
If I didn’t have my family and Courtney, I’d be worried about Maddi’s future. But thankfully I don’t have to worry about that. Maddi will grow up knowing she’s loved, and hopefully we can all love her enough to make up for the lack of love from her mother.
After a few deep breaths I head up the steps, pick up the Chinese food, and put the key in the lock. I push open the apartment door. The sight that greets me lets me know things will work out. Maddi, Courtney, and Merida are right where I left them when I went to pick up dinner—cuddled up on the couch, watching a movie together. When they see me come through the door, both my girls smile. I smile back, knowing everything is going to be okay.
Chapter 16
FOUR-HOUR SECRET
LUCAS
I settle into one of the wicker chairs on my parents’ back deck, beer in hand. My dad and brothers—Levi, Cooper, and Cole—take their own seats. I haven’t had much time alone with my dad or my brothers since we arrived yesterday for the Thanksgiving weekend. Courtney insisted we come to my parents’ for the holiday so she could spend some time with my parents, my brothers, and their wives.
“So when are you asking Courtney to marry you?” This isn’t the first time Levi’s asked me that question.
“Soon,” I respond, taking a pull from my beer.
Really soon.
Ever since the day I told Courtney I wanted to marry her, I’ve wanted to ask—but I first had to find the perfect ring. I also need to make sure Maddi’s okay with it. In my gut I know she will be, but I want her to know that her opinion is important to me. She’s blossomed over the last few months from having two people around her showing unwavering love and support. I don’t want to sidetrack that progress.