She didn’t waste anytime. “Did you call your mother? Or your sister?” she asked, hands on her hips.
The question annoyed him, but he stood his ground, refusing to be bullied by this feisty woman or her mother. “No, and no.”
He saw the way her face fell and her gaze dropped to the floor, and felt a tug of guilt. He took a step closer and lifted her chin.
“I’m sorry, Taylor, but I can’t. I don’t want to hurt or disappoint you, but you’re asking me to do something that I’m uncomfortable with. One day I’ll explain everything. I promise. But for now, just trust me. There are things in my past that I’m not proud of, that I still can’t talk about.”
“Why, Colt? Why?” Her voice was bitter, and there were angry tears in her eyes.
“It doesn’t matter. It was such a long time ago and it has no bearing on the here and now. My family is a closed subject.” He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “Don’t make a big thing out of it. You’re driving a wedge between us for nothing.”
“I don’t think it’s nothing. It’s important to me.” Her eyes beseeched him, but he didn’t flinch. He was making a stand, come hell or high water.
She glared at him for several seconds, then when he didn’t budge she sensed defeat. “Whatever it is, I’ll try to understand. It won’t change my feelings for you. I just want you to be able to talk to me about anything and everything. After what we shared last night…what we did together…I feel as if I have that right.”
“You can expect me to be faithful to you as long as we’re seeing each other, but I don’t owe you my life story.” He didn’t want to argue with Taylor. Not now. The intimacy between them had brought a lot out in the open. Her feelings were raw, but so were his.
“You have one hell of a nerve,” she said, turning away in anger.
His cell phone rang sparing an answer. “I have to take this. It’s Jamie.” He stepped aside. “What’s up, bud?”
“You have to come and get me!” The boy cried. “Now. Please, Dad?”
“Why?” Alarm shot through him. He could hear the panic in his son’s voice. “What’s wrong?” Colt tossed Taylor a look, his jaw clenched. “Is your mother all right?”
Jamie cried harder. “She’s fine, but Daddy, she wants to take me away.”
“Away where?” He paced up and down, trying to make sense of this call. Where did Sharon want to take him? And why would it upset his son so much?
“What did she say to you?” he asked more slowly. He needed to be calm. Jamie was blubbering and not making sense.
“Mom said she’s getting married. At Christmas.” He sobbed and hiccupped. “To Dennis.” Another sob ripped out of him. “He’s going to be working in Chicago, and they are going to live there. I want to stay here.” He cried harder. “With you.”
“You are not going anywhere. Your mother can’t take you out of state. Not without my permission, and I’m not giving it.” He shot another glance at Taylor, and her face was no longer angry, but concerned. She reached out a hand and touched his arm.
“Are you home?” Colt asked. “At your mom’s?”
“Yes. I’m in the bedroom,” he said choking on the words. “Come get me, please?”
“I’ll be right there. Half an hour, maybe forty minutes tops. Hang tight, kiddo. I’m coming, and you’re not going anywhere.” He ended the call and turned to Taylor. “Sharon’s getting married and wants to take Jamie to Chicago.”
“She can’t do that, can she?”
“I hope to hell not. But if she couldn’t, why would she tell Jamie this?” His voice rose. “I can’t believe she told him without discussing it with me. She has to know I won’t allow it.” His hands curled into fists. “She can be a real bitch, but she’s usually fair when it comes to Jamie.”
“Oh, God, Colt. I’m so sorry,” she moved forward to put her arms around him. She pressed her cheek against his chest.
“It’s not going to happen. Our home is here. I don’t care if she wants to marry this guy and move away, but she’s not taking my son with her. Over my dead body will that happen.” He dragged a hand across his face, and sucked in a couple of deep breaths. “I have to go, Tay. I’m going to pick him up, then I’m calling my attorney. I’ll fight this, don’t worry. We’re not losing Jamie.”
Taylor slipped away from him. She nodded, tears in her eyes. “Go get your son, Colt. Do what you have to do. And I’m sorry about today. I should never have doubted you, or made such a frickin’ big deal out of nothing. You’re a good father and a good man, and that’s all I need to know about you.”
He didn’t answer her because he was already on the run. He dialed his attorney’s number as he hit the Overseas Highway and was chatting with Bernie Lewis a few minutes later.
“Look, this is the way it is,” Bernie said. “A Florida court will agree to one parent relocating if both parents sign a written agreement. Since that’s not the case here, your ex-wife would have to prove that the move would be in your son’s best interest.”
“Well, how can she prove that? Being with his father is in his best interest.” His hands shook on the steering wheel, and he could see the whites of his knuckles. “I love him, and we have a good life together.” His voice broke, and he cleared his throat. “I can provide for him. Better than some interloper.”
“Let’s not jump ahead of ourselves, Colt. First—your ex-spouse must serve you a signed petition. That’s step one. The petition needs to include the address, telephone number, and description of the new residence. She’ll have to state a date of the intended move or proposed relocation, and a reason for the move.”
“This is the first I’ve heard of it. She hasn’t given me anything, not even a hint of this.”
“When you pick up your son, she might surprise you with it. So be prepared.”
“Nothing will surprise me anymore.” He swore. “Look, if she marries this big city doctor, how will that affect my chances? I’m guessing the job in Chicago is a step up.” Colt cleared his throat again. Felt like he had a frog stuck half way down his windpipe. He could hardly breathe. “Dennis is his name. And together they can certainly provide Jamie a wealthier upbringing, but that doesn’t make up for a father’s love.”
Tears were rolling down Colt’s cheeks, and he swiped them away. Everything he detested, every single thing he stood against was rising up and threatening to take his only son away. How could this be happening? He’d fought so hard not to let the pursuit of money play an important role in his life.
And now this.
“Don’t give up hope,” Bernie said, trying to be the voice of reason. “This is only the beginning. A child custody order will not be modified unless a parent can show that the move serves the child’s best interests. I don’t see how this does.”
“A bigger home. Better schools. A two-parent family. I can see why a judge would be influenced by this.”
“Whatever you have to do, make sure to prove to the courts that your son’s happiness and wellbeing depends on his living with you. That’s about the best advice I can give you.”
“Thanks, Bernie. I’ll darn well try.”
Thirty minutes later he pulled up in front of the apartment building that his wife lived in, and he paid for. He buzzed her apartment number, and she let him in. She answered on the first knock.
“He’s in his bedroom. Won’t come out.” Her face had paled and tears streamed down her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I was talking to Dennis on the phone and I didn’t know Jamie was listening.”
“Jesus, Sharon. How could you let that happen? And why in hell didn’t you discuss this with me? You know I won’t let him go. You can’t ask me that.”
“Daddy?” Jamie peeked out of the bedroom door then ran down the hallway.
In spite of how heavy the boy was, Colt swung him easily in his arms. Jamie wrapped his legs around his back, making gut wrenching sobs.
“There, there, son. Everything will be all right.” Over the boy’s s
houlder, his eyes connected with his ex-wife’s.
She patted Jamie’s back in an effort to soothe him too. Colt was furious but he could see that Sharon was equally distraught. She loved her son. And she loved Dennis. She wanted both.
“Jamie, honey. I’m so sorry. I love you, and I didn’t want you to find out this way.”
“Go away,” the boy shouted. “I’m staying with my dad.”
Colt felt his heart surge with love and pride. No way in hell would he let Jamie go. The boy was the best of him.
Sharon had a hand to her mouth, and her eyes overflowed with tears. Her shoulders shook and she clutched at her son, who roughly pushed her away. This couldn’t be easy for her either. She had to know that he wouldn’t give up Jamie without a damn good fight.
Colt walked over to the sofa and put his son down. He put a protective arm around his shoulder, and held him tight. His ex stood a few feet away, shivering and crying.
He didn’t give a fuck. She was not taking Jamie from him. Not now. Not ever.
“Sit down,” he told her coldly.
She grabbed some fresh tissues off the counter, then sat as directed. They faced each other from a space of six feet, a square coffee table separating them. “Colt, I know you are both upset right now, but we have to be rational, and try to figure out a happy solution for all of us.” She swiped tears from the corners of her eyes. “I love Jamie as much as you. He’s my son, and a son needs his mother.”
“He’s not going to Chicago.” His voice did not waver. He felt cold inside and out. Like an ice pick had split open his heart. “You can’t take him from me.” He wanted to be reasonable, so he tried to soften his voice and hold back his fury. “Marry Dennis. Be happy. Have a wonderful life. You can see Jamie anytime you want. But he will live with me.”
“He’s my son. I’m his mother. He needs to be with me.” She bit back a sob, and wiped her eyes again. “Dennis cares about him too. He will be good to Jamie. You don’t have to worry about that.”
“I’m not.” He moved away from Jamie, his gut in a knot. “I’m not worried, because it’s damn well not going to happen.” He jumped out of his seat and paced the room. “I’m warning you, Sharon. Don’t pursue this. If you do you’ll regret it.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“I’m not threatening you. You’re threatening me. I’m taking my son and going home.” He reached out a hand. “Come, Jamie. Let’s go.”
The boy’s eyes were wild as he looked from one parent to another. “Stop fighting. Please stop fighting. Why can’t we all get along and be a family? We don’t need Dennis. You and Dad should stay together and we can all live together like we used to.” His eyes swam with tears. “Please marry each other. I don’t want to lose either one of you.”
Colt’s knees went weak as he grabbed for his son. He held Jamie in a tight grip, afraid that if he loosened it, he’d slip away and be gone.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Things happened quickly after that. The front door opened, and Dennis strode through. “What the hell?”
He rushed to Sharon’s side, and put an arm around her shoulder. “You okay?”
“No.” Her mouth trembled and she gasped. “No. Nothing is all right. Jamie doesn’t want to leave his dad, and Colt’s threatening me.”
“I didn’t threaten you,” Colt said in an exasperated voice. “It’s just not going to happen.”
Jamie lifted his head. “I’m not going anywhere, and you…you…you’re not wanted here,” he said to Dennis, tears streaming down his cheeks.
“I’m sorry, Jamie, but your mother has agreed to marry me.” Dennis reached into his pocket and pulled out a couple of tissues. “Wipe your nose, and go to your bedroom. We’ll settle this between us.”
“Stay right where you are, son.” Colt stood up and confronted the man standing next to his ex-wife. “You have some nerve.”
“This doesn’t concern you.” Dismissing him, Dennis turned to Sharon. “It’s okay. Everything will work out fine. The lawyers can handle the details.”
Colt’s shoulders straightened and his chest hurt. “You want to take my son to Chicago, and this doesn’t concern me?” He took two steps and breathed down the shorter man’s face. “Son-of-a-bitch.”
“Tell him, Daddy. I don’t want to go away and live with him. I’m staying here with you.”
Dennis looked at Jamie. “Your dad is leaving now. He will be hearing from my lawyer.”
“You need a lawyer to do your battles? Not man enough to do it yourself?”
“You weren’t man enough to keep your wife,” Dennis said with a smug smile.
“That’s enough!” Sharon cried.
“This is the guy you want to marry?” Colt asked, shaking his head. “Thought you had better sense.”
“Jamie, go to your room,” Dennis said roughly. He reached out a hand and grabbed the boy’s arm.
“Let go of my son,” Colt hissed, pushing himself between them.
“Step back,” Dennis said. “I’m asking you to leave right now.”
“You afraid of me?” Colt asked, getting in his face.
In answer, Dennis drew back and then took a swing at him. Colt ducked, but the shorter man’s knuckles grazed his chin.
That was all the incentive needed. Colt didn’t like bullies. Especially when they thought their money could do the talking.
“That lawyer?” Colt said. “Here’s something else to tell him.” And then Colt let him have it right between the eyes. His nose spurted blood, and Sharon screamed.
Colt grabbed his son. “Let’s get out of here. I can’t stand the sight of blood.”
“Why you…” Dennis lunged for him, spurting blood over the cream-colored carpet.
Colt had an arm at Jamie’s back herding him toward the door. He glanced at his ex-wife who was holding a dish towel under Dennis’s nose. “I’m sorry,” he said, surprised that he actually meant it. “Send me the bill for the cleaning.”
Then he left.
That evening he sat home with his son, eating pizza and popcorn and watching old Rocky movies. Jamie thought his dad was a real live hero breaking Dennis’s nose, and bragged that he could probably outbox Rocky. Colt stopped the movie long enough to explain that getting into a fistfight was not a gentlemanly way to settle an argument. Still, even as he spoke the words, it didn’t take away the satisfaction he got reliving the vivid images of Dennis holding his nose, blood flying everywhere. If that made him a bad father, so be it. He’d fight to keep his son, and anyone who got in his way.
He excused himself long enough to call Taylor to tell her not to expect him at the cafe, and updated her on how things stood.
“You hit him?” she squeaked. “I can’t imagine you getting physical with someone. You’re the mellowest man I know.”
“Don’t let that fool you. When it comes to protecting my own, I can fight as well as any man. I can’t lose Jamie.” His voice cracked. “How can I convince a judge that he’s better off with me when they could provide him with so much more?”
“Oh, Colt. That shouldn’t matter. You have a good job. You’re honest, loving, a wonderful father who gives his son everything he needs to be safe and happy. Jamie doesn’t need a fancy upbringing. Who has the most money can’t possibly influence a judge.”
He hoped that was true, but knew things about the way the world worked, probably better than most people. “Well, we will have to see how it plays out.”
There was a loud knock on his door. “I’ll have to call you back,” he said to Taylor. “Someone’s at the door.”
“Better check before you open it,” Taylor warned. “Could be Dennis coming back for more.”
“You might be right.” The doctor had looked plenty angry when Colt left with Jamie in tow. He hung up. “Hey, Jamie? Go to your room.”
“Why, Dad?” His son’s wide eyes matched the alarm in his tone. “Who’s banging on our door?”
“Don’t know. But I don’t
want anything to happen to you. Go now and lock your door. Might be your mom and Dennis wanting to take you from me.”
“I won’t go,” Jamie said. He stepped inside his bedroom, leaving the door ajar so he could see through.
He put his hand on the knob as another bang sounded.
“Police. Open up.”
Colt had been afraid of this. He opened the door and stepped back.
“You Colt Travis?” the young officer asked.
“That’s me. What can I do for you, Officers?”
“We’re serving you with papers. You’re to appear in court on September 20th. Charged with simple battery.”
“What if I said it was self-defense? The guy wanted to take my kid away from me. He also landed the first punch.”
“Tell that to the judge,” the older guy looked him in the eye. “We can’t help you with that.”
Colt swore under his breath. “He’s marrying my ex and wants to take my kid to Chicago. And he’s charging me with a crime?”
“Misdemeanor.” The cop’s eyes showed a little sympathy. “You might want to get an attorney. The sentence can be as high as a year in jail.”
“Shit.” He ran a hand over his face, and looked at the two cops. “Sorry, but I can’t do time. I’d lose my son.”
“Daddy?” The boy stood there, bedroom door open, his eyes filled with fear.
“You okay, son?” The portly older cop asked.
Jamie came forward, tears running down his cheeks. He ran into his father’s arms. “Yes, but they can’t make me leave. This is my home. With my daddy. And you can’t put him in jail. He didn’t do anything wrong. He was just protecting me.”
“I understand, kid. It’s not our call.” The older cop shook his head. “We’re just doing our job. Good luck to you both.” With that said, the two men left, and closed the door behind them.
“Dad? They can’t make you go to jail, can they? You didn’t do anything!” he shouted. “It wasn’t your fault. Dennis hit you first.”
“I know, and I’m sure the judge will see it that way too. I’m not going away or leaving you. That I promise. Now come on. Stop crying. We have another Rocky to watch, and boy, can that guy pack a punch. Doesn’t whimper when he gets one either.”
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