MASON BROUGHT THE AXover his head with a heavy yet satisfying thud. The log in front of him split, sending a small spark of splinters into the air just as Layla’s laughter rang through the trees.
He paused before picking up the next piece and looked over in time to see Crew pretending to nibble on Layla’s stomach, which was the cause of her merriment. The laughter brought a smile to his lips, but the weight on his shoulders never shifted. What was he going to do? Crew was positive that Mom’s new lawyer was a shark and would do anything to make a buck.
How in the world was someone like him going to prove to a judge that life with a single lumberjack was better for Layla than the larger, more experienced home of his mother?
You might not always be single...
An ache began deep in Mason’s chest. Harper was working today. Mason was supposed to meet with a lawyer in a bit and she needed time to work on a painting for some kind of competition she was entering, and so they’d agreed not to see each other today. It was amazing how such a short amount of time could be so painful. He wanted her here. He wanted to talk about a plan for Layla. He wanted Harper’s optimistic attitude. He wanted to hold her and feel like it would all be okay.
Instead he was chopping wood to work off his nervous energy and Uncle Crew was getting to know his niece. Both things were fine, but they weren’t what Mason wanted deep down.
“She doesn’t talk much, does she?” Crew asked, studying the little girl.
Mason shook his head. “Not yet. Harper said I should think about taking her in to a doctor soon. She thinks Layla might have some trauma issues that are keeping her from speaking.”
Crew nodded thoughtfully. “You like this Harper a lot, don’t you?”
Mason shrugged, though he knew it had to be written all over his face.
“Mase, you idiot,” Crew teased. “You’ve mentioned her like fifty times since I got here last night. What’s going on?”
Mason took in a deep breath and pushed a hand through his hair. “I think I’m falling for her.”
“But...”
Mason raised an eyebrow. “Why do you think there’s a but?”
“Because you don’t sound excited to have finally found a woman who doesn’t run from your giant size.”
If Layla hadn’t been in Crew’s lap, Mason probably would have chucked a piece of wood at his brother’s head, but he held back. “But I’m worried she doesn’t feel the same.”
“Why wouldn’t she?”
Mason rolled his eyes. “Is this really what we’re going to talk about? I thought we needed to discuss Layla and Mom?”
Crew put Layla on the ground and she began to run around, checking out all the dandelions growing in Mason’s yard. “We’ll get to that when the lawyer arrives. Why don’t you think Harper feels the same?”
When Layla came his way, Mason set the ax down and picked the little one up. “Hey, Tiny.”
“Quit avoiding the question, Mase,” Crew shouted.
“Because I can’t give her enough of my time,” Mason shouted back.
Crew’s eyebrows shot up. “What do you mean?”
“I mean...that Layla will always come first,” Mason said, his voice back to normal. “Harper deserves to be wined and dined like a princess and all I’ve got are sippy cups and cracker crumbs. She deserves one on one attention and I can only offer a few minutes while Layla’s napping.” He shook his head. “It just isn’t fair to her.”
Crew snorted. “Don’t you think that’s for her to decide?”
Before Mason could respond to his brother’s ludicrous question, Mr. Thomas came marching around the corner.
“Mason!” the older man shouted, holding up a hand. “Good to see you.” He walked up with his hand outstretched.
“Hey, Mr. Thomas,” Mason said. “Thanks so much for coming. I know working with family law isn’t your specialty, but...”
Mr. Thomas waved him off. “I actually studied it before I went into corporations, so it’s fine. Makes me brush up on other aspects of the law.” He smiled and tickled Layla’s side. “This must be the little lady.”
Mason nodded. “Layla, this is Mr. Thomas. He’s going to be helping us in court.”
Mr. Thomas turned. “And you must be Crew.”
Crew stood and shook the man’s hand. “That’s right. I’m Mason’s younger brother.”
Mr. Thomas nodded. “It’s good you’re here. Having family support is always positive in the courtroom.” He took a deep breath. “Let’s get this nightmare started, huh?”
Mason made a face. “I hate that that’s an accurate term.”
“Me too,” Mr. Thomas agreed. He moved to the wooden picnic table and set down his briefcase, pulling out a large folder. “I’ve gotten the papers from your mother’s lawyer, Mr. Thornbull.” Mr. Thomas tilted his chin down and gave Mason a look. “It appears he’s pushing for the fact that you’re single and inexperienced. He’ll be trying to convince the judge you’re incompetent and incapable of taking care of Layla.” One eyebrow shot up. “Don’t give him any reasons to be right, okay?”
“Is that your way of saying stay out of trouble?” Mason asked with a chuckle.
“More or less.”
“Don’t worry. I never go looking for trouble.”
“That’s what we lawyers like to hear. Now...” He flipped through his papers. “I read your sister’s will and I can’t find any loopholes, so Mr. Thornbull is going to have his work cut out for him. You have a good record of employment, your boss had only good things to say, you own a home and have the means to take care of the child.” He paused. “The biggest cons are that you’re not married and that your mother has more money than sense at her disposal.”
Crew snorted a laugh, then tried to cover it. “Sorry.” He shrugged at Mason. “But he nailed it.”
“There isn’t anything you can do about the single issue?” Mr. Thomas pressed.
Mason hesitated but shook his head. “I’m...dating a woman, but it’s brand new. We’re not even close to getting married.”
“Would she testify on your behalf in the courtroom? You know, talk about what a great guy you are?” Mr. Thomas asked, grabbing for a pen.
“Maybe,” Mason said. “As long as she has the time, I don’t see why not.” He offered Harper’s name and number. “I’ll ask her, so she’s not caught off guard with everything.”
“Wonderful.” Mr. Thomas finished making a few notes. “Let’s go over their case and then we can build our defense, alright?”
Mason glanced at Crew. Crew was just as serious as Mason was, but he slapped Mason’s shoulder. “We can do this,” he said. “Mom has no right to take Layla from you. Every single one of us knows why Aimee left Layla to you over Mom. This is for her.”
Mason nodded curtly. “For Aimee and Layla.” And myself. I’m far from a perfect father, but I love the squirt and am not ready to give her up.