'Tis The Season

“Oh?”

Warren frowns as I help her up and follow her back to the front door. She signs for the envelope, and he walks away. Opening it, she lets out a wail.

“He can’t do this.” Her eyes tear up as she sways.

I grab her to keep her on her feet as Warren kneels to pick up the discarded papers. “Preston is taking her to court for full custody.”

Of course the son of a bitch waited to have it delivered on her birthday.

Chapter Four

Faye

“I assume you got my paperwork?”

I exhale. He was probably waiting by the phone for the fallout he knew he caused. Sitting on the side of my bed, I rest my head against the headboard. James sits beside me, holding my hand as I fight to keep my voice neutral. He gets off on reactions. The best thing I can do for negotiations is to not give him a response.

“Why are you doing this, Preston? I was willing to work out a fair, partial custody agreement. We could split things between us equally.”

“Why? So, you and the dog doctor can raise my daughter? No.”

“This has nothing to do with him.”

“Doesn’t it? You’ve changed since you got together.”

I grip the phone harder. Lashing out will only make this worse. “Do you really want to go to court?”

“No. Which is why I’m giving you a choice.”

“What?” My stomach aches. I know where he’s going.

“End things with the pretty boy Brit, and this can all go away.”

“What the hell, Preston?”

“Those are my terms.”

“No.”

“Then, I’ll see you in court. Though I would ask yourself what court would choose you over me when I can hire a slew of nannies, place her in private school, and give her the best of everything? You don’t even have a house. You rent a condo.”

His words feel like nails in a coffin. I don’t even know how I’d scrape together enough to hire a lawyer.

“Think about what’s most important to you.” He disconnects.

And just like that, he’s back in control of everything.

“What did he say?”

I shake my head, unable to repeat it. “I need some time, James.”

“No. Don’t let him place a wedge between us.”

“I have a lot to think about. Please.” Closing my eyes, I massage my temples.

“Okay. Shhh.” He places light kisses all over my face. “Don’t stress.” He massages my scalp, and I lean into him. “We don’t have to talk about it, but I’m not leaving you after getting news like that.”

Why does he have to be so damn perfect? Men like James don’t come around every day. He’s the kind of father I’d want for Flora. The thought of continuing this pregnancy without him literally makes me ill. But none of that matters if I lose Flora. Does the fact that I’m thinking about this make me a shit mother? Children always come first. I grip him tightly. I need one more night to say good-bye to the man who’s become my heart. Pulling away, I nip at his bottom lip.