Aside from a few open dresser drawers with clothes hanging out, the bed was made with a floral spread and all tabletops were decorated with collectables and framed photos of Lark and a couple Laredo assumed was Robin’s grandparents. Pale pink walls held bucolic landscape paintings and more family mementoes.
“You should let your grandma and grandpa know you made it back safe.”
“I will first thing in the morning. Unlike Mrs. Jerome, they’re asleep every night by nine.”
He yawned. “I envy them.”
“Want a quick shower before bed?”
“Are you saying I need one?” He winked.
“That T-shirt of yours has seen better days. Although...” A shy smile tugged the corners of her lips. “I have to say you looked pretty amazing with it off.”
“That’s not fair. When do I get to see you without a shirt?”
“Laredo...” Hands pressed to his chest, she bowed her head, but not before he caught her pretty blush. “You shouldn’t say things like that.”
“Why not? Have you forgotten that you were the one who first kissed me?”
“Come on then...” Slipping away from him, she entered the attached bath to turn on the lights before removing her clothes.
Chapter 15
“I’m excited to see you, Grandma.” Robin watched through her apartment’s living room window while Laredo hauled another load of trash to the dumpster. First thing that morning, he’d gone out for heavy-duty bags—and of course, doughnuts and coffee. Lord did that man love doughnuts.
And Lord, did she love—Robin had been on the verge of thinking she may have fallen hard enough for Laredo to love him, but it was too soon. Look how fast she’d married Chuck. What she and Laredo shared was undeniably special, but for herself and most especially for Lark, she had to take their relationship slow. With her mind focused where it needed to be, she asked, “Are you sure you and Grandpa are feeling good enough to travel?”
“Absolutely. We want our day in court. No one’s going to take your daughter from you without us putting up a fight—especially not after all you’ve been through.”
“But my lawyer hasn’t even told me when we’ll see a judge or a mediator. I don’t see her till later this afternoon.”
“When are you visiting Lark?” her grandmother asked.
“Hopefully soon. I’m waiting till nine to call Charlotte.”
“Sounds good. I’ll let you know when we have our flight times.”
After a few more minutes’ small talk, Robin ended the call. The thought of seeing her grandparents made her happy. The thought of introducing them to Laredo filled her with dread. It wasn’t that she was ashamed of her feelings for him. Or maybe she was?
From her viewpoint, her soul felt as if she’d known him forever. But what would her family think of her jumping into another relationship so soon?
The door opened and in walked the object of her thoughts.
“How was your call? Everything good with your grandparents?”
“Perfect. They’re flying out. They want to be here for the initial custody hearing.” After averting her gaze, she added, “They also want to meet you.”
“Uh oh.” He closed the door. “Is that good or bad?”
“Not sure.” She drew her lower lip into her mouth. “I don’t want them to judge me. But how can they not when I’m judging me? This thing between us... It’s been a whirlwind.”
“True.” He joined her on the comfy tan sofa that didn’t look half bad after they’d shoved the stuffing back in before flipping over the cushions. “And you’re worried that because you and Chuck married too fast, that you could also be making a mistake with me?”
How had he read her mind?
“Look...” He took her hands. “I’m not asking you to marry me—at least not yet. My own marriage was a train wreck. Nothing like yours, but it still left a plenty sour taste in my mouth. Believe me, I get where you’re coming from.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. “Seems like I’m always thanking you.”
“That’s because I’m awesome. And in case you needed reminding, you have a couple of flight attendants down by the pool who weren’t shy about welcoming me to their neighborhood.”
“Don’t even think about straying, mister.” She pulled him within kissing distance by hooking her fingers over the collar of the LA Dodgers T-shirt she’d loaned him. It was an extra-large she used for a nightshirt.
“Mmm...” The feel of his lips pressed to hers filled her with hope for their future. Even better, hopefully within the hour, she’d finally be reunited with her daughter—at least for a little while. Even a short visit was better than nothing. “Not that I wouldn’t love sitting here making out all day, but now that it’s nine, don’t you have another call to make?”
“Yes, I do.” She didn’t bother trying to downplay her supersized grin. “I can’t wait to see my baby girl. I would have called earlier but didn’t want to risk waking Charlotte. I know she sleeps late.” She leaned forward, taking her cell from the oak coffee table that Laredo had reassembled with wood glue and carpentry braces. She’d wiped her dried blood from it before he’d seen. “Eek. I’m so excited my hands are shaking.”
“I don’t blame you. I’ll bet she’ll be super excited to see you.”
She placed the call to her mother-in-law, putting it on speaker.
“Robin?” Charlotte took five rings to answer. “Are you still in Colorado?”
“No. I’m at my apartment. How is Lark?”
“Good. We’ve started her on solids and she adores peaches. She makes the cutest little face with every bite. You really should—”
There was a muffling sound in the background, then, “Robin, this is William. My wife says the two of you made arrangements regarding the baby’s feeding, but that’s not going to work.”
“What do you mean? I’m still breastfeeding. Her pediatrician said—”
“Interesting how you care about her doctor now, yet when you stole our granddaughter like a thief in the night, you failed to consult him then.”
“I want to see my baby.”
“You should have thought about that before taking her across state lines and violating your custody agreement.”
“Chuck is gone. I’d assumed shared custody went away, too.”
“Gone? He’s not on an extended vacation, but dead. Because of you.” The call ended.
“Ohmygod.” A slow tremble worked through Robin until her entire body shivered. “Charlotte said I could visit Lark whenever I wanted. What changed?”
“Try to take deep breaths.” Laredo slipped his arm around her, drawing her close. “Everything’s going to be okay.”
“How?”
“What time do you see your lawyer?”
“Two this afternoon.”
“Until then, let’s get this place shipshape, all ready for Lark’s return. You need to stay positive. Promise—everything’s going to work out fine.”
* * *
“What do you mean they’re within their rights? Lark is my child.” Laredo winced when Robin’s tone took on a ring of desperation. They’d been at her lawyer’s for over an hour and the news wasn’t good. In fact, it was alarming enough to make him regret that morning’s speech about keeping a positive attitude when he should have been prepping the single mom for battle. “I don’t see how any of this is even legal.”
“I assure you it is—although, barely.” Marjorie leaned forward in her ergonomic desk chair. Tall and lean, with minimal makeup and her hair styled in a no-nonsense bob, she struck Laredo as being as streamlined as her office. A black desk and bookshelves were void of any decor but what he could only guess was essential case research material. The lines of the third-floor room’s smooth gray walls were only interrupted by her diplomas and a panoramic ocean view. With black desk cha
irs and dark-stained hardwood floors, the only spot of color was a canister on her desk filled with yellow M & M’s. “As an entertainment attorney, like your ex, William has friends in high places. Working in our favor is the fact that he also has enemies. I’ve got an emergency mediation meeting scheduled for Thursday at 8:00 a.m. My secretary will call with location details and arrange transportation for Mrs. Jerome. Bring the photo evidence we used at your divorce hearing.”
“About your fee.” Robin’s sober expression pained him. He missed her smile. “I’m afraid I don’t have—”
“No worries.” Marjorie held up her hands. “I’m considering this an extension of your divorce. The fact that Chuck got off paying such a pittance when he was worth millions still chaps my hide. I didn’t mention it earlier, but I’m countersuing on Lark’s behalf for the entirety of her father’s estate. You’d receive a monthly stipend till she turns eighteen, at which point the funds will transfer to her in time to pay for the best education a mother could hope for.”
Tears filled Robin’s eyes.
“No more of that.” Marjorie rose, rounding her desk to wrap Robin in a hug. “We’ll get your daughter back. That’s a promise.”
“Thank you.”
Laredo helped Robin to her feet, then shook the lawyer’s hand. “We appreciate your help.”
“About that...” She winced, gesturing between him and Robin. “Until after the hearing, Laredo, it would be best if you lay low. Opposing council is grasping at any straw to prove Robin an unfit mother. The fact that you two have become an item in such a short time doesn’t speak highly of Robin’s character—not that I disapprove. But you both need to know your relationship could become a negative pivot point. Laredo, I don’t want you anywhere near the hearing. Also, avoid any PDA. Robin, it wouldn’t surprise me if William hired a PI to tail you—just waiting for an opportunity to besmirch your character.”
Once they’d left the lawyer’s Malibu office and had sat through three red lights, Laredo glanced at Robin to find her staring into the traffic, her big brown eyes pooled with pending tears.
“I need to go,” he said.
“What do you mean? Like you need a restroom?”
“I wish it was that simple.” He laughed and shook his head. “I mean, I have no business being here. If what Marjorie said was right, my presence is only hurting you.”
“Don’t say that.”
“You know it’s true.”
“I can’t do this without you.”
“Looks like you might have to.”
She shook her head. But then with her eyes tearing, nodded. “I hate this, but I’m afraid you’re right.”
“I am. We’re not talking forever. Just until you get Lark.” He reached out to cup the crown of her head. Silent tears falling, she leaned into his touch.
The light again turned green and they finally passed through the crowded intersection. Sun sparked off the Pacific, glistening, teasing with the promise of picnics on the beach and wave surfing and sandcastles. What the endless expanse of blue didn’t say was what lurked beneath. Pressure that could crush a man’s skull like a melon. Impenetrable darkness. Sharks.
How did he get Robin to understand that no matter how untenable the thought may be, now was the time to swim deep. To face the darkness head-on and fight on its terms. Rules of engagement had to be followed. Strict safety protocol. How could the SEAL in him not have seen it before? The fact that for William and his legal crew, having him around must be the equivalent of chum in the water.
He’d unwittingly become the perfect bait for discrediting Robin’s honor.
Whether she liked it or not, he needed to go.
* * *
“I can’t believe you’re here.” Robin said the next day as she reached across the seaside café’s table to clasp her grandmother’s weathered hand. After all these years, her beauty still shone through her twinkling blue eyes. She had her hair done every Tuesday with her blond curls brushed into an upswept chignon that Robin used to tease held enough hairspray to serve as a helmet. “Thank you. You, too, Grandpa.”
“Where else would we be?” her grandmother asked. “I’m just sorry to hear your lawyer doesn’t feel better about your case.”
“It’s not that she thinks we won’t win per se, just that it’s not the slam dunk she’d hoped for. Chuck’s parents had me arrested for kidnapping. They’d arranged for an emergency custody hearing without even letting me know. Then, when I failed to show up in court, that gave their judge friend the ammunition he needed to issue a warrant. I was lucky they dropped the charges. Pretty sure I have Charlotte to thank for that.”
“I always liked her.” Her grandmother sipped her iced tea, staring out at the crashing surf. “I believe she has a good heart. Her husband on the other hand...” She shook her head. “He was always a little too controlling for my taste. Wish I had seen the same signs in his son.”
“To this day—” her grandfather dredged a fry through ketchup only to drop it back to his plate “—it sickens me to think I gave my blessing to your union. I’m sorry about that. You don’t know how many times I’ve asked myself how I could have missed the signs.”
“Because he didn’t show any.” Beneath the table, Robin pressed her palm to Laredo’s thigh. He’d been zoned out through lunch—come to think of it, he’d been awfully quiet since meeting with Marjorie. “One of the things that Laredo and I bonded over was the fact that his ex-wife wasn’t honest with him, either.”
He cleared his throat. “If you don’t mind, I’d rather not discuss Carrie.”
“Of course. I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s okay.” He squeezed her knee. “Shirley, Earl, tell me about your farm. I’m not sure if Robin mentioned it, but I’ve started a homestead and recently brought in goats. I’d like to make my own cheese—maybe even enough to sell at the Saturday farmers market.”
“Goats can be cantankerous,” Earl said. “You’ve gotta watch ’em like hawks.” He turned to his wife. “Remember when you bought me those good-looking leather gloves for my birthday? That damned billie—think Robin named him Brad Pitt—ate them right off my hands. Was the damnedest thing. They’re fast little buggers, too. Yessir, you’ve gotta watch ’em.” He finished his iced tea and signaled the waitress for another.
Robin was thrilled for the change of topic.
Her grandmother asked, “Do we need anything special to wear to the mediation? I brought my best church dress and your grandfather’s suit.”
“That should be fine.” Robin pushed her mostly uneaten club sandwich away. Just thinking about the custody battle stole not only her appetite, but her joy over being reunited with two of the people she held most dear.
She covered a yawn.
“You look tired,” her grandmother said. “How about we go back to your place and take a nice, long nap?”
“Sounds heavenly, but I doubt I could sleep.”
“Where are you staying?” her grandfather asked Laredo.
Awaiting Laredo’s answer, Robin froze. Her grandparents had always been progressive. Why now were they being prudes?
“I’ve, ah, got a room at a motel not far from Robin’s place.”
“Good man. I appreciate you not taking advantage of our granddaughter.”
Eye roll. Really, Grandpa?
“Laredo,” she said, “as much as I appreciate you trying to protect my honor, I’m not going to lie when you’ve helped me through all of this. Grandma and Grandpa, Laredo is staying with me. We’re both consenting adults and doing nothing wrong.”
Her grandfather crossed his arms.
Her grandmother shook her head.
“Looks like we’d better get a room,” her grandfather said. “If things are that hot and heavy, we don’t want to intrude.”
“Please, guys. Not that our relationship is like that
, but I’m closing in on thirty. Can we keep this discussion relevant to what’s really important—getting back my daughter.”
* * *
With her grandparents asleep on the pullout couch in Lark’s nursery, Laredo finally got a moment alone with Robin.
“That was some lunch...” He joined her on the sofa where she’d been reading the same page of a book for the past ten minutes. Not that he’d fared much better with his LA Times crossword.
“Tell me about it.” She set her open book on her lap. “I thought once I’d passed eighteen, I no longer needed permission to see my boyfriend.”
“Is that what I am? Your boyfriend?”
She lowered her gaze. “Do you want to be?”
“I think you already know the answer to that. The real question is do I need to be?”
Sighing, she said, “Let’s not get into this again. I already told you—”
“Your lawyer made a helluva valid point. At lunch, your grandparents basically echoed the same thing. Don’t you see? That means something. If I truly care for you, the best way for me to show it is by letting you go.”
When she started to voice her latest protest, he held up his hands.
“Let me finish. I’m not talking forever. See this as a goodwill gesture. A sign to your ex’s parents that you take their concerns seriously.”
“But their concerns are ridiculous—nothing more than a manufactured reason for them to keep me from my daughter.”
“That may well be, but until Lark is back in your arms, do you really want to give them one more reason? I don’t.”
She held her hands to suddenly aching breasts.
“Need to nurse?”
Nodding, she said, “I’m behind on my schedule.”
“Want me to get your pump?”
“Thanks, but I’d better do it in the bedroom. God forbid my uptight grandparents see me using such high-tech equipment on my boobs.”
“Don’t be hard on them. They want the best for you. Same as me. Which is why I called an Uber.”
Home on the Ranch: Colorado Cowboy SEAL Page 15
