by Liv Morris
“It’s best that we stick to the plan no matter what happens with this crazy paper his council produces. When you walk in seven months pregnant, the game totally changes.”
“Thanks, Jensen. It’s hard to believe Joe has kept his lawyers in the dark about the baby. It’s a game changer for sure.” Bradley was pleased with what he heard.
I was still struggling, on the other hand. Maybe it was all those years living with a tyrant. Those kinds of memories fade slowly if at all. I knew what this man was capable of. I hadn’t followed his orders to get rid of the baby. And when I’d left him… Well, no one leaves a man like Joe. He would be out for revenge and it was likely to get ugly.
Finally, the car pulled up to the hotel in the downtown area. I scooted out of the backseat and Jensen’s hand reached to help me out of the car. Once on my feet, I knew Bradley was right behind me, felt his hand placed on the small of my back and then he found my hand. Our fingers once again intertwined. His touch gave me support. Reassured me.
“I’ll have the bellhop take the bags to our rooms. We need to discuss what’s going to happen again over a quick lunch. You all go ahead. Get Kelly out of the sun.” Jensen seemed concerned about me. “They have a nice restaurant and it’s usually quiet. I stay here when I’m visiting our Atlanta firm.”
“Sounds good, but make sure they place Kelly’s bags in my room. She’ll be staying with me. That’s protected information under the attorney client privilege, okay?” Bradley smirked.
“Got it.” Jensen winked back at us.
Oh, great. Nothing like broadcasting that we’re going to be sleeping together later. But I really couldn’t think about that now. I needed to focus on the matter at hand. Getting out from under Joe’s control once and for all, not about having sex with Bradley. God, could my day be anymore mixed up?
Bradley led me into the hotel. It had a beautiful lobby with shining marble and sparkling crystal light fixtures everywhere. There was a restaurant off to the side and we made our way toward it, walking together side by side. It felt like we were one and the same. A united front. I looked up at his face to find him gazing at me lovingly. His love was really all I needed today when it came down to it.
There was definitely something about this moment. It shook me. Woke me up and made me realize what was important. Bradley. My future and the baby. Until now, I’d lived my life on “what if’s.” Afraid to leave Joe. Paralyzed by fear. I was sick of being weak, so it was time to change, starting now. Somewhere I had the strength to fight this cruel man and I wasn’t alone this time. I had the love of a beautiful man standing beside. As beautiful inside as out.
“You know what, Bradley?” I had his attention now. “I can do this, we can. No matter what happens, at the end of the day I have you. I can’t ask for anything more.”
Suddenly, I found myself pulled to the side in a corner next to some big tropical plant. With Bradley in front of me, I was likely hidden from view, which was good because the next thing I knew his lips were all over me. Kissing my face, behind my ear, and up and down my neck. Oh good God, his lips on my neck. I hadn’t felt them there in years. It was so intense. He had just a touch of scruff that tickled my skin. I was getting so worked up and felt hot all over. My knees wobbled as he made his way back up to my mouth. His arms were the only things supporting me. I can’t believe how just a few kisses made me go mad. I’d probably combust later tonight.
His lips left mine and I moaned in protest. He cupped my face with his hands, holding me tenderly, preciously. Our eyes gazed into one another’s. Words of love didn’t need to be spoken because they were felt somewhere deep down inside. God, how I loved this man.
“I’m tempted to tell Jensen we’re skipping lunch. Dammit, having you in my arms, kissing you, it’s maddening.” Bradley’s hands left my face and moved to my waist, what little waist I had at seven months pregnant.
“I know, but we have so much riding on today. We need to keep our heads on straight and not get swept away. It’s like we’re teenagers again.” I giggled and leaned into him, laying my head on his chest.
“You’re right but it’s tempting knowing we have a bed somewhere upstairs just waiting for us to ruffle it up.”
Bradley hugged me quickly then led me into the restaurant. We entered just as Jensen arrived too. His eyebrows rose when he saw us. My face felt flushed and I’m sure I looked a bit dazed too. He was a smart man so I’m sure he figured out what we’d just been doing.
“You two need to get a room.” Jensen joked. Who knew he had such a sense of humor? He’d been Mr. Play Hardball for weeks.
“Got one for later thanks,” Bradley quipped back.
All I could do was roll my eyes as we followed the hostess to our table. Jensen had asked for something private, which seemed silly, as there were about ten people there. The place was practically empty. Jensen went over the plan again detail by detail. Nothing had changed really. His office said the prenuptial contained a clause about what I’d receive in a divorce if I committed adultery. I choked on those words. So did Bradley, especially knowing that Joe was the one that admitted to being a cheater.
Either way, Jensen said the settlement he’d put together would blow away anything Joe’s attorneys would offer. Jensen had played this game before and I had to have faith in him. He’d done Bradley right and I had to believe he would do the same for me.
Chapter 7: Bradley’s Turn
It was just before two and our scheduled showdown with Kelly’s hopefully soon-to-be ex-husband. He was a royal ass for playing the pre-nup card at the last minute, which I guessed wasn’t all that surprising considering whom we were dealing with. I’m sure he’d tricked her into signing all kinds of crazy things before they were married. Fucking jerk. I didn’t use that word often as my father taught me it was best used when doing two things, moving furniture and the actual act. But Joe would be the exception to that rule and I’m sure my father would agree if he were still alive.
Jensen, Kelly and I rode up the elevator to Joe’s attorney’s office. We were quiet as we mentally prepared for what was ahead. Kelly had my hand in a death grip, but I loved her getting strength from me. However, I was more worried about her poor bottom lip as her teeth were constantly chewing on it.
“Hey, sweetie. Your lip,” I whispered leaning toward her. “It needs a break.” Her eyes went wide and she just smiled. I bent over and kissed her freed captive. Her lips were soft like silk. I pulled away quickly and eyed Jensen. He just rolled his eyes. I thought we were paying him to keep his thoughts to himself…
Once off the elevator, Jensen directed us to the attorney’s office and opened the door. The place felt like a library with its dark wood-paneled walls. It reeked of wealth and made it rather obvious that Joe had invested in the best. Even though he was a paid public servant as a deputy district attorney, his family had deep pockets. Deep Old South money from what Jensen said.
We checked in at the reception desk where a young woman was seated. She informed us we were joining the other parties in a conference room and rose from her seat. We followed her down a long hallway with wooden floors. The clicks of our collective heels echoed off the surrounding walls. The sound was eerie as it broke the silence among us. I exchanged a glance with Kelly, trying to encourage her, as she appeared rattled. Holding her hand now was out of the question, Jensen warned us. No public displays of affection. Not even a simple touch. That one might prove to be hard especially if Kelly was floundering and needed my support.
After stopping in front of an expansive set of wood doors, the receptionist tapped on them. From inside the room, a man’s voice spoke the words, “Please, come in.” She opened both doors for us, and I watched them swing open wide practically hitting the wall behind them as our way was cleared.
A grand presentation appeared before us as we stood there staring into the conference room, one meant to intimidate and give them the upper hand, I’m sure.
The long side of the rectangle table
was facing us and on the other side of it was Joe, sitting tall, sporting a dominating air and surrounded by his legal team. They looked us over impassively with papers placed purposefully in front of them their hands on the desk folded just waiting to make a move. They put up a good front, appearing ready and prepared, but then again so were we.
Kelly was protected from their full view as she stood behind Jensen and me, but when she walked around to a chair, I heard a couple gasps from the boys across the aisle. Yes, they saw Kelly and the time bomb she was carrying. I raised my head just in time to see them whispering angrily at Joe.
Just as we thought, he’d not said a word about the baby. What a bastard. Jensen was smart to keep the baby’s existence a secret. But I still didn’t get it. How could Joe deny his own child? It was unfathomable to me. Evil, actually.
I pulled a chair out for Kelly then Jensen sat between us, likely a good idea. I already wanted to give her a hug, hold her for a second, and let her know that I was here for her and that everything would be okay. I had to say it silently instead. She glanced over at me after we were all seated. I mouthed the words, “I love you” and she smiled weakly but seemed resolved. I think seeing all the feathers getting ruffled when she walked in signaled to her that we did indeed have Joe by the balls today.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” Jensen started. “I’m Vince Jensen with Thomas and Martin law offices, the representative council for Kelly Parker Jefferies who is seated beside me. Also joining us is Bradley Dawson, a lifelong friend of Kelly’s. Lastly, I’d like to mention another person here on our side of the table today, Joe Jeffries’ and Kelly’s unborn child.”
I closely watched Joe as Jensen spoke each word. When my name came up, Joe fumed and moved in his seat. His lawyers had to hold him back as he tried to get up. I heard them tell Joe to calm down, pull himself together. He was creating quite a scene and then when the baby was mentioned, the baby he failed to tell his legal team about, his attorney once again spoke quietly to him. I could tell they were pissed. Likely felt deceived, as they should. Their well-laid plans now tumbled on the ground all around them. I quickly glanced at Kelly and winked. I felt victory in the air.
“What the hell is he doing here, Kelly?” Joe screamed as soon as Jensen finished his introduction. “Are you sleeping with him? I knew it. Leave me and run back to Dallas and him. Does he know what a whore you are?”
I was out of my chair instantly ready to fly across the table and pounce on Joe. Who did he think he was to call Kelly that? I wanted to pummel his face in, make him take back and regret every damn word he said. Jensen restrained me and told me to sit down or leave the room. I knew he was right but it took all my strength to control my anger. How dare he speak of Kelly like that? This time when I turned to her she was the one doing the encouraging.
“Bradley, please. Do what Jensen says.” Her voice was shaky. I knew she was upset no matter what she was trying to tell me. “Please, it’s all right.”
“It’s not all right,” I answered back a little too loud. “But I’ll keep my shit together for now. If there’s anymore name calling though, all bets are off.”
One of Joe’s attorneys stood up and cleared his throat. “Would you mind if we had a few minutes with our client? A quick five. We have a comfortable lounge I can have Mindy escort you to.”
“Certainly,” Jensen replied.
The attorney who spoke came around to our side and shook Jensen’s hand. “Matt Byers. I believe we spoke on the phone yesterday. As you can imagine we didn’t know about the child. I’d like to speak to my client if you don’t mind.”
“No problems,” Jensen again agreed. I was surprised to see such a change in the attorney’s demeanor. He appeared so assured and ready for battle at first glance, but now he seemed ready to retreat.
Byers leaned over the table, and pushed a couple buttons on the phone in front of him. He spoke to Mindy, who I assume was the receptionist who’d escorted us to the conference room. I guessed correctly when the room’s doors opened and Mindy appeared. Once again we followed her to a swanky lounge with a couple of couches and a desk. After she left, Jensen was the first to speak.
“We need to keep our voices down in here. No strategy talk at all. I don’t trust them. Who knows if the room has hidden mics?” Jensen scanned around the room. His eyes stopped on a large contraption sitting on the wet bar’s counter.
“I’m going to make some coffee. You behave,” Jensen said to us before heading toward the coffee machine.
“How are you doing?” I searched Kelly’s face, looking for any signs to tell me how she was holding up. Under the circumstances she appeared all right.
“It’s funny. You’d think I’d be frazzled and upset after Joe called me a whore. For Pete’s sake, I never was anything but faithful. His outburst showed me how awful a human being he is. Convinced me that I’m, or we’re, doing the right thing. I hope this is the last time I see him or have to deal with him ever again.”
“I pray so too, Kelly.” I stuffed my hands in my pockets because they didn’t want to behave at all. They itched to touch her but I had to play it cool.
As Jensen walked toward us, Mindy entered the lounge area and announced that we were wanted back in the conference room. The break was super quick and I wondered if they were able to calm Joe down and get him to be halfway reasonable. I’m sure his attorneys were shocked as hell when Kelly walked in. It was our trump card and I think we played it well. Now off for round two.
When we arrived back at the conference room the mood was different and somber. Joe looked like his legal team had taken him to the woodshed. The proud peacock that’d confronted us with his feathers puffed out was nowhere to be found. Instead, he held his head low avoiding eye contact as we sat down, once again, across from him.
“Thanks for allowing the break. We understand that both of the parties were aware of the child before their separation so there isn’t a failure of disclosure on your client’s part.” Byers, Joe’s main attorney went right to the point. His client hadn’t told him about the baby and it wasn’t Kelly’s responsibility to disclose it. The blame lay right at Joe’s feet. Actually, the whole damn mess did.
“That is correct,” Jensen replied. “We came prepared today to offer a settlement. We have laid out the terms and conditions. I’ll pass around the papers.”
Jensen stood up, took out a folder from his briefcase and shuffled through some papers. He passed out the settlement agreement he hoped Joe would agree on. My hands started to perspire as my eyes found Kelly’s. She gave me a halfhearted smile and I returned it as best I could. So much was at stake here, her future, the baby’s, and ours together.
Once everyone had the papers in front of them, the seconds turned into minutes as Joe’s legal team absorbed the offer in front them. It was straightforward and to the point. A set dollar amount. No maintenance or alimony for Kelly. No long term pay-offs from Joe.
All he had to do was sign the documents and write a check, but I knew nothing would ever be that simple when dealing with this man and his ego. I’d known plenty of jerks like him in my life. They liked to make people pay when they felt wronged. Then add all the zeros behind the number one… I was certain Joe would make Kelly sweat before he signed
“Before we discuss the financial part of this settlement, I’d like clarification on Mr. Jeffries giving up any parental rights to his unborn child. In the State of Georgia, the juvenile court will not allow this type of separation if the mother is planning on raising the child by herself.” Byers’ eyes shifted to me. “Another man would have to be seeking to adopt the child with the mother. The State doesn’t want to be burdened down the road for the child in the event the mother can’t provide financially for the child.”
“An understandable concern,” Jensen replied. “We have legal documents prepared by my offices here in Atlanta that petition the court for Bradley Dawson’s adoption of the unborn child. He intends to raise the child as his own in part
nership with Kelly Parker Jeffries.”
The room went quiet again. Joe’s hands clenched into fists. His knuckles were white and jaunting out toward the ceiling. He looked ready to come undone and I prepared myself for the announcement of another break being needed to calm him down. And I was right.
“We will need some time to with our client to discuss this. Perhaps we can meet again in a few days?”
“Unfortunately, this offer is for today only. The financial settlement outlined in the offer will double if there isn’t an agreement today.” Smartly, Jensen foresaw the potential delay and had a document ready to prove his point if needed.
“Fair enough. It says the juvenile proceedings for Mr. Jeffries’ revocation of parental rights will be sealed. Is this correct?”
“That is correct. All the proceedings and documents supporting our legal actions will be sealed where the child is involved. We will also petition the court to seal the records of the divorce settlement since they make reference of the unborn child.”
“If you all wouldn’t mind waiting in the lounge again?” Byers asked. “You might want to make yourself comfortable as this discussion may take some time.”
“No problem,” Jensen replied.
And off we went to the lounge again. Kelly and I followed behind Jensen and this time my hands reached for her as we walked down the hall. At this point, the cat was out of the bag. They all knew my intentions. I wanted the baby as my own, and even though it wasn’t discussed, they had to know that I felt the same way about Kelly.
“What do you think Bradley?” Kelly asked me, her eyes looking up into mine. “Joe seemed fit to be tied?”
“He doesn’t want the baby. We know that for a fact. But he probably doesn’t like the thought of another man, especially me, taking his place. It’s crazy and doesn’t make any sense. But his pride and reputation as a man has been called on the carpet.”
