by Mary Smith
~~~
Family and Jackson Enterprise are all that you need in your life.
I have no family left and I don’t even want to go to JE right now. Mrs. Stones has done her best to keep me busy today, but it soon comes to a halt when Mr. Nickerson appears with the divorce papers. He says nothing as he hands it to me.
“Please leave.” I tell them both as I slam the package onto my desk. They both leave me alone.
With shaking hands, I begin to flip through our divorce papers. All through the night, I did my best to mentally and emotionally prepare myself for this moment. It’s not working as the tears return.
This is my first true heartbreak. This is my first true love pushing me away from him. I thought about fighting for him. I was going to go last night, but I stopped myself. What’s the point? He lied to me again. He never loved me. He used me for whatever reason he needed to.
I remember Aven saying he always has a plan. I’m guessing now that is all I was to him. A plan. More like a pawn in the sick games he plays. So, what’s the need to fight? My baby and I will survive and thrive just fine without him. I’m not going to lie to myself that I’m not heartbroken, but I have to move on because I don’t have a choice: he doesn’t want me.
I read each page carefully and I’m not surprised by anything. He’s giving me everything, all of JE shares, protection with the Butler Corp security, and pretty much anything else I want.
It’s not until the last page that I gasp. Gable is giving me fifty million dollars. It’s my compensation package.
There it is…
As if a brick fell from the sky and hit me on the head, an idea pinged into my brain.
Family and Jackson Enterprise are all that you need in your life.
No. I don’t need either of those. I need my baby and me and I have my way out. I push the intercom button and ask Mrs. Stones to come in.
“Yes?” She asks as she shuts the door.
“Didn’t you talk to Dad about retiring a couple years ago?” I stand up and walk over to her.
“Yes. My siblings live near the coast and I wanted to move there to be closer to them.” She looks perplexed.
“Perfect. Send Mr. Nickerson in.” I turn back to the paperwork and wait for him to come in.
“Dream.”
“I have two changes to these papers.” I rush out before I change my mind.
“Okay.”
“I want the fifty million dollars by the end of the week, and I want Gable to purchase JE from me.”
Mrs. Stones gasps and Mr. Nickerson’s face drops.
“I’m not joking; I’m serious. I’m done with JE and I need to find myself and I can’t do it here. You tell Gable that’s what I want and I’ll sign the papers.”
They both study me to see if I’m going to change my mind, but I know I’m not going to. This is the best plan for me and I need it to happen now. I first relied on my dad and then when he was gone, it was Gable, but no more. I’m going to take this money and find Dream. The real Dream. I want to make sure my baby has a secure future and no one will dictate to him or her what to do or how to live their life.
I know Gable is a good businessman. He’ll take care of JE and run it right. It won’t be as profitable as his other adventures, but I know it will make him money.
“I will contact Gable immediately.” Mr. Nickerson says and leaves the office.
There’s a small sigh of relief as my plan continues to form in my head.
I can do this.
I will do this.
~~~
The wheels are in motion as the week ends. I haven’t heard back from Mr. Nickerson, but after talking to my accountant, I can still do a lot with the money I have now. I gave Mrs. Stones a large bonus, cupcakes, and long hug for all she’s done for JE, Dad, and me. She told me she was sad to leave, but happy to see the woman I’d become.
I packed up bits and pieces of the office. I took all the pictures, but left the files, furniture, and wall hangings. They may have been Dad’s but I didn’t want them. The memories I will hang onto are those of our time together.
I called for movers to come and pack up my items at Butler Mansion. Gable gave them no grief and they took only my items. I contacted an antique dealer to price and sell the items in Jackson Manor. It’s a fresh start for me and I want everything new.
Selling the house will be the hardest. This is my home. All my memories are stored up here, but I need to focus on me and my baby. Bruce and Trent have helped me out a lot and I’m thankful for them.
Gable still doesn’t know I’m pregnant and I’m going to keep it that way, as long as I can. I will deal with the consequences of not telling him later. Right now, I’m going to be selfish. He didn’t want me; he let me go with barely a word. For now, this is about me and finding out who I am and what I am made of before my baby is born.
When Bruce drives me home, I’m not as shocked as I should be to see Gable and Mr. Nickerson in my driveway. It’s the end of the week, and I didn’t think Gable would protest my changes. Not after his last visit.
Bruce opens the door for me, and I approach them both. “May I help you?”
“I have all the papers drawn up and all you both need to do is sign them.” Mr. Nickerson looks between us.
I don’t even look at Gable as I nod and we all head into the house. Personally, I didn’t want to do it here, but it needs to be done.
“Where are all your things?” Gable asks as we walk through the bare living room and dining room, into the kitchen.
I don’t answer him.
“Dream.” He growls at me.
“None of your business.” I answer him. “Where are the papers and my check?”
“Here.” Mr. Nickerson pulls out the paperwork. “Sign here.” He points and I grab a pen from my purse.
I scribble Dream Butler across the page. He points for Gable to sign and there’s a second of hesitation, but then signs his.
“Congratulations, you’re both divorced. Gable you now own JE and here’s your check, Dream.” Mr. Nickerson hands me an envelope. I check inside where there’s a certified check with my name on it.
“Great.” I say with no emotions. In truth, my heart is beating out of my chest and breaking into a million pieces, my hands are shaking, and I’m trying to hold back the tears.
Change sucks, but I need to do it.
“Could you leave us for a moment?” Gable requests of Mr. Nickerson.
I don’t want to be alone with Gable right now, but maybe we need closure. Or maybe I should punch him for dragging me through all of this?
“Why are you giving me JE?”
“I didn’t give it to you. You bought it.” I correct him.
“Don’t piss around right now, Dream. What do you have planned?” His face reddens.
“Oh, are you mad because you’re not running this show anymore?” I quip back at him. “Why don’t you just leave?”
Gable’s face falls into his hands for a beat, and then pushes it through his hair. “You don’t understand, Dream.”
“I know. Do you why I know that? It’s because you won’t let me in. Instead you lie, keep secrets, get people killed, and never once trusted me.”
Gable closes his eyes. “Out of everyone in my life, you are the only one I trust.”
“Now, it’s in the past. I’m sure you can find another pawn to play in your twisted game.”
“Dream.” My name leaving his mouth is filled with hurt and pain, but I don’t waver.
“Goodbye, Gable.” I feel the lump in my throat growing, but I swallow it away.
His blue eyes are wet, but the tears don’t fall.
“Goodbye, Dream.”
Epilogue
“Sshh.” I hush my baby boy as he whimpers in my arms. “It’s okay. Mama’s here.” I bounce him gently up and down. I smooth his fine blond baby hair down. What baby is born with a full head of hair? Only mine. He pushes out his bottom lip. I softly swipe away the lone t
ear on his cheek.
“There’s no reason to cry.” I coo over him. After a few moments, he falls back into a restful sleep and I place him back in his crib.
I make sure the baby monitor is on and head back down to the kitchen to finish cleaning. I have a decent size townhouse. There are three bedrooms and two baths. I had combined the place next door to this one for Trent and Bruce. They’ve not left my side since the day Gable and I divorced. I know they were there because of Gable’s orders, but I enjoyed having them.
I moved out of the city that next week and live in the suburbs. I thought about moving far away, but I changed my mind at the last moment. I don’t know why I did it, but I did.
I finish the dishes and put the few leftovers I had left into the fridge. I study the pictures I have taped to it. Gable James Butler II was almost ten pounds when he was born. Thankfully, the doctor did a c-section, and my bundle of joy, who gave me heartburn the last two months of my pregnancy, popped out. The nurse took the few pictures of Gabe and me in the hospital, since I didn’t have anyone else. Bruce and Trent stood outside my door, but Gable never showed up.
Gabe is two weeks old and today I received a dozen long stem roses. I know Gable knows where I am and I know he knew I was pregnant. Bruce let it slip after we moved into the townhouse. Occasionally, I would see a white Mercedes and no one had to tell me it was him, because I knew it was.
“Dream.” I turn to see Bruce in the doorway. “You have a visitor. Do you want me to show him in?”
My heart skips a beat. It’s Gable. He’s come to see his son. I can feel it in my bones. “Yes.” I choke. “He can come in.” I’m mad at how he treated me, but this is his son and I won’t deny him that.
I dry my hands as I head out of the kitchen toward the living room. I stop when I see him. He’s the same. Black pants, black shirt, red tie, and shaped beard. His hair is a little shorter, but his blue eyes are still bright.
“I’ll leave you two for the night.” Bruce nods toward Gable and walks out of the room.
Gable stands still. His hand deep in his pockets and he looks nervous, almost scared.
“Gable, is there a reason you came by?” I’m going to make him say it.
“May I see him?” His voice shakes.
“Yes.” I nod toward the stairs and we both head up.
Right outside Gabe’s door, Gable stops dead. His hands are shaking and for some reason, I think he might pass out.
“Hey.” I lightly touch his bicep. “It’s okay.”
I open Gabe’s door and touch on the tiny lamp on the dresser next to the door. Gable’s shoulder slump and I hear him sign in deep relief.
“If you ever came over, I wanted you to be able to come into the room.” I tell him.
Gabe’s room is stark white. The crib, rocking chair, dresser, changing table, and even his mobile are all white. I did it for Gable. I shouldn’t have, but I did.
“He is in the crib.” I point over to it. Gable walks over to him and peers over the side. “You can pick him up. He might whine a little bit, but he’s out for the next few hours.” I instruct him.
“I...I’ve never held a baby.” Gable confesses.
“Here.” I walk up next to him. The Miller Harris cologne is faint, but it still sends tingles. I pick up Gabe and place him in his arms. “You can sit there with him.” I point to the rocking chair.
Gable eases into the chair, not taking his eyes off Gabe. “I was in Japan.” He starts. “I would have forced my way into that hospital to be with you. I didn’t realize you were that close to delivering.”
Gabe jerks in his arms and whimpers a little bit. I touch his cheek and he simmers down.
“I’m sorry, Dream. I ruined everything.”
I remove my hand from my son’s cheek. “What do you mean?”
“I...I miss you.” Gable flicks his eyes to me. “I’m a fucking idiot. I never stopped loving you. I sure as hell didn’t want that divorce. I thought it was…” He stops and Gabe opens his eyes. “Oh my God.” Gable breathes out.
“He’s yours.” Gabe’s are the exact shade as Gable. I sniffle. Gable’s declarations are still bouncing in my head.
“I’m such a fuck-up.” The tears fall from his eyes.
I reach for Gabe and place him back in his crib and go back to Gable. “Talk to me. I want the truth.”
“I thought...I thought since all the threats were gone, that you would leave me. I was trying to save myself the heartache of you leaving.”
My blood boils. I jerk on Gable’s red tie and almost toss him out of Gabe’s room. I shut the door to help keep the noise levels down as I slap Gable across the face.
“You fucking prick.” I yell at him and he keeps his head down. “I didn’t leave your side at the hospital when you were unconscious. Do you think I was doing it for fun? I loved you. You were my first true love and you fucking broke my heart. I begged you to talk to me, but you shut me out like you always did. I knew you were hurting because of Gideon and I wanted to be there for you. But, like always, you did it your way.” I cover my mouth to try and regulate my breathing because I feel like I could blow fire from my mouth at that moment.
Gable lifts his head.
“Do you know how badly I wanted to tell you I was pregnant? Didn’t you realize how much I needed you as you needed me? I loved you, Gable. I fell in love with you and this is how you treated me. Spout off a bunch of lies and then throw some money my way to send me away.”
Gable says nothing.
“I told you if you lied to me again, I was leaving you. I didn’t want to, especially when I found about the baby. But, you did this.” I push on his chest, but he doesn’t move. “I’ve cried so hard for you. I’ve missed you so much. Every appointment, every ache and pain, everything that happened I wanted you there with me.”
There it is. My true feeling are spilling out like water over the side of a bucket. I’ve hid my feelings all this time, but in truth, all I want is for him to hold me again.
“Let me fix this.” Gable pleads. “I beg you, Dream. Let me fix this between us. Let’s be a family. Please.” He cups my face.
His gorgeous face is blotchy with tears and heartache. I know I don’t look much better as I taste the saltiness on my lips.
“Please. Please, Dream.” He lays his forehead on mine.
“Why are you begging now? Shouldn’t you have come when you first heard I was pregnant?” I challenge him.
“I didn’t think you wanted me. You didn’t even put up a fight with the divorce. I thought you wanted it, too.”
I step back from his grasp. “Maybe you should have talked to me. How long have you known I was pregnant?”
“About five months ago.”
“And you didn’t come?”
He slowly shook his head. “I’m sorry.”
“I already gave you a second chance. I told you there would be no more.”
Gable closes his mouth tight and nods. I cross my arms, protecting myself from him.
“Will keep him from me?” Gable sniffs.
“No.” I answer without hesitation. “I would never do that. I tried to figure out a way to tell you.”
“What’s his name?” He wipes his cheeks.
“Gable James Butler the second. You’re on the birth certificate, too.”
“Thank you,” he whispers. “I know you didn’t have to do that.”
I push my hands through my hair. “No, I didn’t have to, but I want to make sure that Gabe knows his father. I’m mad at you for what you did to me, but I know you’ll be a good father.”
Gable hangs his head. I’m almost sure he’s thinking about his dad. He was close to him and he was part of the reason why Gable had his breakdown.
“I should probably go.” Gable looks me up and down. On cue, Gabe begins to cry. “Is he okay?” Gable panics.
“Yes.” I turn and open the door to attend to Gabe. “Hey, Mr. Fuzzy what’s the deal?” I ask as I pick him up and lay him on
my shoulder. I pat his back and he let’s out a huge burp. “Feel better?”
Gable laughs. “You’re good with him.”
“He’s like you in so many ways. It’s hard to believe since he’s only two weeks old, but he is very bossy and wants to do everything on his time.”
Gable takes a deep breath and looks around the room. “May I hold him again, before I leave? I’m not sure when I’ll see him again.”
“Why do you say that?” I hand Gabe to Gable. “You’re his dad. You more than welcome to come here and see him.”
Gable sits in the rocking chair and begins to rock with Gabe. ‘Thank you, Dream.” I nod and head out of the room. I leave them alone to have a father-son bonding time.
In the kitchen, I grab a bottle of water. I want a glass of wine so damn bad, but I’m breastfeeding and can’t drink right now. What is Gable’s game? Does he really want me back? Can I really trust him this time?
“Oh, son, what am I going to do?”
I gasp as I see the baby monitor sitting on the kitchen counter.
“Your mother isn’t going to believe me no matter what I do. Did you know I fell in love with her the moment I saw her? Oh, there’s no one in the world more beautiful than her. She turned my world upside down and for the good, too. But, I messed it up.”
I pick up the monitor and look at it. Should I turn it off? Does he know it’s on and is playing me?
“I lied because I thought I was helping her. I lied because I was trying to save her. I lied because I didn’t want her to break my heart, but you know what? She didn’t break it. I did. I did it because I was a selfish fool. Gideon told me she would break me and she did.
“Since the moment I left her, I’ve been walking in a haze. All I do is work and eat. I’ve barely slept. When I found out she was pregnant, I almost busted down the door to get to her. I wanted to show her how much I loved her. Hell, I still love her. I wake up thinking of her and go to bed alone, still thinking about her. Now, we have you.
