"Yes, and I heard you." I would have loved to savor her expression, but I was too busy digging my tablet out of my tote bag. "So, where do I go?"
She gave me a bewildered look and pointed to a door. "There's an office. They should be able to help you there."
"Great."
I sat on a nearby bench, logged in to my bank account, and transferred enough money to book the plane before rolling my suitcase into the office.
Thirty minutes later, I strolled past the ticket counter, holding a flute of sparkling water escorted by a representative from the charter company and an assistant who insisted on carrying my luggage. I waved to the ticket agent as we passed.
* * *
There were no planes immediately available. I explained how urgent my situation was. I was given the option to wait in the VIP lounge until my plane was ready to board, or there were any cancellations.
I must have fallen asleep because I was awakened at five a.m. to tell me that my plane would be taking off in an hour and I could board in thirty minutes. If everything went according to schedule, I could make it in time for the hearing.
* * *
Two and a half hours later, the taxi pulled up to my brownstone and I was so relieved I wanted to kiss the ground. I ran up the stairs and typed in the code.
It didn’t work.
I typed it in again and was met with another red X. Cole must have changed the code, and of course, he didn't tell me because he didn't know I was coming home early.
I typed in his name backward. Red X.
I typed in his birthday. Red X.
I typed in CJ’s birthday. Red X.
I turned my back to the door, slid down until I was sitting, and tried to think.
Cole made the code to the door his first name because it would be easy to remember, so it had to be a four-digit code he would know just as well as his name. I took a deep breath to clear my mind hoping a simple solution would magically pop into my head. The only thing that popped in my head was Cole's face. I remembered the way his brow furrowed when he worried about me, his adorable lopsided grin whenever I laughed at one of his jokes, and his hooded eyes and the heated gaze that let me know he was about to fuck me silly. Then it hit me.
I stood up and faced the keypad. Tears blurred my vision, and I needed a moment to compose myself before I typed in my last guess.
5-4-7-2. Green checkmark.
He’d changed the code to Lisa.
* * *
As quickly as I could, I put on a tea-length black dress with a white cardigan sweater. I grabbed the specimen cup from the foyer table and tossed it in my bag and called a Lyft to get downtown.
The first thing I did when I got into the car was to open the cup and hold it to my nose. The smell was clean and fresh without a trace of disinfectant. Cole had sent it out to be cleaned but left it in the cup. It was such a Cole thing to do. He'd also had it resized. It was a perfect fit when I slipped it on my finger.
* * *
I made it to the family court floor, but I had no idea where I was going. I wondered if I'd made a huge mistake by coming when I heard a familiar voice.
“Lisa,” Beverly called to me from the far end of the corridor. She waved me over, folded me in her arms and kissed me. “It’s so good to see you. Cole’s gonna be so happy.” She squeezed me again.
“Did I miss it?”
“No, it hasn’t started yet. You look beautiful, sweetie, but a little tired.” She took my chin in her hand and was examining the dark circles under my eyes.
“I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night,” I confessed.
“Well, you’re not the only one.” She put her arm around my shoulders and squeezed. “Speak of the devil…”
Cole stepped out of the men’s bathroom carrying CJ. He set him down and hugged his sister.
"Why he decided to take a giant crap now of all times—what, buddy?" He looked down at CJ, who had spotted me and was tugging him in my direction.
“Lisa?” He let go of CJ, who took off in my direction, and he followed a half a step behind. I scooped my nugget into my arms and held him close to me, inhaling his sweet baby smell. “What are you doing here?” He wrapped his arms around me.
“Is this a bad time?” I smiled up at him. “I could come back—”
Cole pressed our lips together. “Thank you.”
"Well, it's actually a good thing I ran into you because I'm in breach of contract with the show, and I wanted to know if you could recommend a good lawyer," I whispered.
"I love you." He took the hand that wasn't holding CJ and pressed it to his heart. His eyes fell on the ladybug ring, and he smiled.
"You changed the code. It took me a while to figure it out, but I got in eventually."
"Did I ever tell you that I find your ingenuity incredibly sexy?" He gave me a sly lopsided grin and kissed me. "Does this mean you're ready?"
I opened my mouth to answer and was interrupted by Susan’s booming voice.
“Are we ready?” Her face lit up when she spotted me. “Lisa! This is great. Button up this sweater. Your makeup looks perfect.” She grabbed my left hand and glared at Cole. “Are you kidding me with this ring? You told me you took her to Tiffany’s, not Chuck E. Cheese’s.”
"Actually, this ring is from Tiffany's," I said. "CJ picked it, and I love it." I grinned at Cole.
“She’s not testifying, Susan.” He reclaimed my left hand and interlocked our fingers.
“Then what is she doing here?”
“She’s family.” Beverly wrapped her arms around my shoulders and squeezed.
“Fine.” Susan shook her head. “She’s sitting behind you and keep that ring where the judge can see it.”
* * *
We filed into the courtroom, and CJ refused to let go of me, so I sat right behind Cole, in between Beverly and Kimberly, while we waited for the judge. After a few minutes, the bailiff announced the judge's arrival.
We stood, and Cole reached for CJ, but he swatted his hands away and shouted, "No! Mama!" and hugged me again.
We all froze. Cole looked at CJ, then at me and back again. I wasn't sure how to react. I glanced at Kimberly and Beverly, who both had tears in their eyes.
“Well, the boss has spoken,” Susan hissed in an impatient whisper. “Get up here before the judge comes in.”
My legs felt like lead, but Cole helped me to my feet with CJ in my arms and led me out of the gallery. He clasped my hand as I stood next to him, still holding CJ.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked me.
“I’m ready.” I winked at him and smiled. He leaned down and stole a kiss right before the judge walked in.
* * *
Judge Tomlinson wasn't the scary entity I was expecting. He wasn't even wearing robes, just a plain gray suit. Even still, Cole's fingers tightened around mine, and his jaw clenched. I wondered if he was remembering his own adoption hearing.
The bailiff motioned for us to be seated. He made some remarks about all of CJ's paperwork being in order and that he reviewed them thoroughly. He put an unnecessary emphasis on the word thoroughly that I know Cole heard. I felt him taking slow labored breaths beside me.
The judge offered condolences for the loss of his mother, and his fingers tightened on mine even more. Cole was asked questions about CJ's life and how he was adjusting to caring for a child. He answered calmly and clearly. Judge Tomlinson's eyes fell on me and smiled, Cole pulled me against his body as if he were protecting me.
Cole’s parents and the rest of his family were questioned next. Satisfied with their answers, the judge said he had no problem approving CJ’s adoption, but wanted to make a statement before his official decree.
"Presiding over adoptions is not an easy job, and it's not one I take lightly. Children are the foundation on which we build our future. For the last thirty-seven years, ensuring the safety and protection of children has been the reason why I get up in the morning. Fifteen years ago, I very clearly remembered
presiding over your adoption. The decision to deny your adoption was not one I took lightly. I was sure, given the information I had at the time, that I'd made the right choice by sending you to live with your blood relatives in the Midwest. However, as your adoptive father can attest, sometimes judges can make the wrong decisions. In this case, I was wrong. You've grown into a fine young man, and you even managed to get yourself an Ivy League education. Little Lincoln here looks like he has no shortage of love and support. And since times are changing and your family may be unconventional. It would be my honor to officially declare this adoption finalized.”
Cole squeezed my hand so hard during the judge's statement that I was beginning to lose feeling, but when he said the word finalized, he relaxed.
Judge Tomlinson made a giant show of signing the adoption papers. Cole's family and I hugged before we linked arms and prepared to leave the courtroom. The bailiff had just announced adjournment, and Judge Tomlinson was preparing to rise when I felt Cole stop.
"Son," his dad said in a cautious voice. "You won. Let's go."
Cole sucked in a deep breath and turned to Judge Tomlinson.
"Hey," he called. The elderly man turned to face him. "You knew good and goddamn well my relatives in Missouri were abusive. My mother wrote to you three times, begging you not to send me to them. You sat in that courtroom and listened to hours and hours of testimony from people telling you about the family I was a part of, and thriving with for eight years. Then you chose to send me to live with strangers who starved me, beat the shit out of me, and extorted my biological relatives. You made the conscious choice to send me to live with monsters because you couldn't see past your own prejudices. And yes, I turned into a fine young man, and it had nothing to do with you. And yes, I managed to get myself an Ivy league education as a legacy because my father, the man that raised me, made that possible. So don't sit here and pretend you made some grand gesture or righted a wrong. You did your job right for a change. That's it."
The courtroom fell silent, except for CJ’s babbling. I looked at Cole and back at the judge. His face turned a splotchy red color and was threatening to turn purple. A quick scan of everyone else’s face showed the shock that mirrored my internal feelings.
“How dare you talk to me like that. I could have you disbarred or hold you in contempt.”
"I don't think that will be necessary," Susan said quickly, gathering up the documents and ushering us towards the exit of the courtroom. "The session ended, and I don't think anyone would be interested in what sort of things could be unearthed if Mr. Simmons decided to appeal."
“This is…this is…” Judge Tomlinson blustered.
“Unconventional?” Cole supplied, as he put his arm around my shoulder as we exited the small courtroom.
“That’s enough,” Susan snapped. “Get out of here. I’ll talk to Tomlinson. Wait for me outside,” she hissed as we left the courtroom.
* * *
Cole's family, and I supposed my family now, gave us final hugs, kisses, and congratulations before leaving us in the hall to wait for Susan. Beverly had a feast waiting for us at the house. My fiancé led me to a small bench where we collapsed with CJ against my chest, fast asleep.
“How are you feeling?” he asked me.
“Happy. Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Happy.” I giggled. “How are you feeling?”
"Same." He pinned me with his sapphire blue eyes. "I'm so glad you're here. I didn't want to pressure you, but I honestly don't think I could've done this without you standing next to me."
"You definitely could've done this without me, but I'm glad you didn't have to." He pushed his fingers into my hair, around the nape of my neck and pulled me in for a kiss. The pressure of being squeezed between us made CJ stir.
"He called you Mama," Cole whispered when our lips parted. I nodded, and tears filled my eyes. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I'm better than fine. I never thought I would hear anyone call me that. I know CJ's still young, and someday we'll have to explain it to him and choose something more appropriate, but it felt right. Are you okay with that?"
“It definitely caught me off guard, but it makes perfect sense. CJ couldn’t do better than you for a mama right now. He’s a smart kid.”
Susan chose that moment to burst through the doors and stop in front of where Cole and I were sitting. "I hope that felt good. You may not have to worry about practicing law again, but some of us have to work in this building. And by someone, I mean me."
"Sorry. I couldn't help myself." Cole's face spread into a boyish grin.
“It was pretty funny,” Susan conceded. “I’ll never forget the look on his face when you laid into him. At least, you didn’t try to attack him this time.”
“Susan,” I asked, still fixated on the first thing she said. “What did you mean when you said Cole wouldn’t have to worry about practicing law again?”
Susan and Cole exchanged a look.
“What?” I asked, feeling like I was missing something important.
“I should probably tell you something if we’re gonna get married.”
“Okay, I should probably tell you something too.” I’d agonized over how I was going to tell Cole about my settlement, but he was right. We shouldn’t have any secrets.
"You go first," he said. "Last time we did this, I went first, and it didn't work out well for me." He smiled.
"I'm not sure how to start, so I'm just going to say this." I took a deep breath. "I have ten million dollars."
He blinked.
"It's my divorce settlement. I probably should've told you about it sooner, but I had a really unhealthy association with that money, and oddly, you've helped me overcome that, and yeah. I have ten million dollars." I bit down on my bottom lip and waited for a response.
Cole's face split into a giant grin, and he started laughing. Susan was stifling a smile.
“What? What’s so funny?” I asked.
“CJ and I are billionaires.”
“Wait, billionaires with a b?”
“Yeah, for now. So, we can live with your millions if you can live with our billions.”
“I think I can.” I laughed. “So, is that why you’re giving up practicing law?”
“No,” he said, rubbing his hair, “I didn’t say I was quitting law. I’m just not sure if what I’m doing at HC is the right fit for me. I wanna take some time and think about it.”
“Hey, Lisa.” Susan touched my arm. “Can I borrow Cole for a few seconds?”
“I’ll be right back, moneybags.” Cole leaned down and kissed me. CJ heaved a giant sleeping baby sigh and snuggled into my chest as I watched Cole and Susan talk.
32
cole
"So, what's your plan?" my mother asked.
“For the money, my life, Crystal?”
“All of it.” She smiled and leaned back in her chair.
I took a deep breath and pondered my response.
CJ's welcome-home party was well underway. Though it was two days after Christmas, the house was filled with guests. Susan arrived with her wife, Adaeze, and their daughter, Daisy, in tow. Dev and Manjula came, and to my surprise, he got along really well with RJ, who had invited his research partner.
RJ must have said something funny because Claudia laughed and touched his arm. He didn't flinch. I looked to where Kimberly stood with Adam, talking to his brother, Nate, and his wife, Abby. Kimmy was holding Adam's niece, Aviva, who was a few months younger than CJ. I caught my sister's eye to see if she had noticed Claudia's gesture, too. She did, and we grinned at each other.
Lisa was engaged in conversation with Sasha, Micaela, and two other friends of hers, one I recognized from the night she’d had too much to drink. I think his name was Max.
Bryce Cameron and his wife were talking to Dad. He was holding Cameron’s bicep and laughing, which made me wonder if my boss was still trying to convince him to rejoin the firm.
Aunt Patrice and my cousin Erika were dancing wi
th CJ, taking turns picking him up and spinning him. He managed to pull a gold cuff off of one Erika's locs, and Aunt Patrice swiped it out of his hand before he had a chance to put it in his mouth. Lisa saw the entire exchange, caught my eye, and grinned at me, shaking her head.
"Cole?" My mom's voice called to me again, and I realized as I leaned on the doorway of her office watching the party, I hadn't answered her question.
I pushed myself off of the doorframe and turned to face her before taking a seat opposite her.
“Susan offered me a job working with her in family law.” I shrugged.
“And…”
"A month ago, I would've jumped at the chance, but now, with the inheritance, it would feel weird every day to get up and go to work. I could do so much good with that money."
Mom laughed.
“What’s so funny?” I asked. She pulled a notepad out of her desk drawer and scribbled on it before tearing off the page and handing it to me.
It was a dollar sign followed by eight figures. My jaw dropped. Mom snatched the paper from me and shredded it.
“Close your mouth, sweetie.” She smiled slyly. “And you never saw that. Your father would kill me.”
“Is that your net worth?” I asked. Mom shook her head.
“That’s what your father and I made last year.”
“Last year?” I spluttered. Mom nodded her head demurely.
I knew we were wealthy, but holy shit. "Have you and Dad always had this much money?"
“No, not always, you know that. But we’ve been very fortunate. We’ve worked hard over the years and invested wisely.”
"Okay, but when we were kids, I saved my allowance for six months to buy a bike for my birthday. Then my bike got stolen, and you and Dad wouldn't buy me a new one, and I had to save up for another six months to get a new bike."
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