“Do you want to see my favorite?”
“Absolutely, I do.”
She looked at me and Veronica as if she knew something was up, but then turned back to her room.
“We can’t do this now,” I said to Veronica. “She shouldn’t have to hear this.”
“I’m done talking anyway. We’re going to file for custody, Dylan, so you’ll just have to deal with it. You’ve had her all this time. Now it’s my turn.”
I wanted to fucking throttle her. “I’ve had her all this time because you left. Christ … do you really not see that?”
Her jaw tightened. “Maisie,” she called. “Maisie, I have to go.”
Maisie ran out in her underwear and t-shirt. “Bye, Mommy.”
“Come give me a hug.”
Maisie complied, and then ran to her room calling, “I’ll be back, Daddy.”
I walked Veronica to the door. “All I ask is that on the drive back, you put Maisie first. And if you can’t, think about what it really means to be a full-time parent. If you’re doing this to be with her, then you can’t leave her with nannies and tutors all the time so you can wine and dine and party.”
“You’ll hear from our attorney.”
“Be sure to tell him to let the judge know how little time you’ve actually spent with your daughter.” Yes, I was a dick, but where Maisie was concerned I didn’t care. I’d fight to the death for her.
“Sure, when he comes over for dinner. Leo has lots of judge friends.”
Fuck. I stared at her. “Why are you doing this? Did I do something that made you want to hurt me?”
“As you said, Dylan, this has nothing to do with you. It’s about Maisie and how she’s at an age where she needs a mother.”
I thought of Tessa, who was more of a mother to Maisie in the last year than Veronica had ever been.
“She does need a mother. She needs one who will be there, not treat her like a doll or pawn her off to nannies and tutors.”
“You pawn her off to a babysitter.”
“I don’t. I’ve never missed a school meeting or function. I’ve never missed a soccer game or dance recital. It takes a lot of time. Think about that. There’s no going out every night when you have to check homework. When she’s sick, you have to cancel everything to care for her. Can you put her needs before yours? That’s what she needs.”
“Do you really think so little of me?”
Yes, I did. “I only know that you put your needs first for the last few years.”
“I’ll be in touch.” She stormed down the walk toward the waiting car.
“Daddy?”
I turned and shut the door. “Oh, I like that one.”
“These are my jammies. I was tired of changing.”
“And what pretty jammies they are,” I said picking her up.
“Are you and Mommy mad?”
I sighed. “Mommy and I are having a discussion.”
She wrapped her arms around me. “I’m glad I’m home.”
“Oh? Did you have fun?” I carried her to the kitchen, thinking for once we could indulge in something unhealthy. I’d break out the ice cream I hid in the back of the fridge.
“Yes, but I missed you. Can you come next time?”
“How about some ice cream to celebrate your being home?” I said not wanting to answer her question.
Her eyes lit up. “I love ice cream.”
We had ice cream and then played a game. I read her books in bed, and then tucked her in to sleep. If Veronica took this away from me, I don’t know what I’d do. I couldn’t let that happen. I found it difficult to believe she’d win given her track record, but if her husband had friends in high places, that could be a problem.
The next morning, I woke early, showered, and dressed, skipping the rest of my usual morning routine. I called my lawyer, who wasn’t happy about being woken up at the crack of dawn, but seemed to understand my urgency when I told him my problem with Veronica. He referred me to a lawyer who specialized in family law.
“She says her new husband is connected,” I finished explaining my situation.
“Up here? Because they’ll need to file at the local court.”
“I don’t know. I suspect that someone they know might know someone here.”
“I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Call Stephen. He’ll let you know what to do.”
When I was off the phone, I got Maisie up and made her breakfast. At the knock at the door I’d remembered Friday night and fucking Tessa on the couch. Guilt and regret filled me, but it couldn’t overcome the fear and anger over losing Maisie.
“I’ll get it,” Maisie said jumping down from her chair.
A few minutes later, Tessa followed Maisie into the kitchen. She looked at me with hesitancy. The awkwardness that had been there Friday night hadn’t dissipated. At least for her. Not for me either, but I had to push that away and focus on Maisie.
“Can I talk to you for a minute?” I asked Tessa.
Her brows lifted in surprise. “Yes. Of course.”
“Mais, finish your breakfast and then get dressed, okay?”
“’Kay.”
I motioned for Tessa to follow me to my office. Once there, I shut the door part way to keep our voices from going up the hall.
“Veronica is going to sue for custody.”
Tessa’s breath hitched and her expression was pained. “What?”
“Maisie doesn’t know at this point. I’m going to fight—”
“Well, yeah. What can I do?”
“Keep an eye on her. I don’t think Veronica would do anything crazy, but right now I have sole custody, so if she comes when I’m not here, she’s not to take Maisie. Call the cops and me if that happens, okay.”
“Yes, of course. God, Dylan, I’m so sorry. If you need me to testify or anything I will.”
It was another reminder at how important Tessa was to me, as a friend, not a lover. “Thank you.” I didn’t want to mention the other night, and yet I couldn’t not check on her. “Are you okay?”
She flinched. “Yes.”
I studied her, wishing I hadn’t crossed the line that put this awkwardness between us, and at the same time wishing I could have her all over again. “You looked lovely the other night when you went out.”
She looked down. “Thank you.”
“I hope you had a good time. I suspect that opportunity presented itself … maybe even desire.”
She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I met a nice guy … but so far, just opportunity.”
“Daddy, can I wear one of my new dresses?” Maisie called from outside the door.
“Ask Tessa. I don’t know what fun plans she has for you.”
“I’ll go help her,” Tessa said moving to the door.
Feeling like I dodged a bullet, I finished getting ready for work. On the way, I called the lawyer referred to me.
“She seems to think now that she’s settled in New York and married, she can take custody,” I finished explaining to him.
“From what you say, a judge would have concerns about her lack of involvement,” he said, but there was a hesitancy. “With that said, there is still often a bias where moms are concerned, especially ones who are recommitted, settled, and secure.”
Fuck. “The fact that I’m the only parent that has been a constant in Maisie’s life doesn’t matter?”
“It matters. It matters a lot. I suspect at best she’ll get joint custody if she’s successful because of her history and due to you being the sole parent for so long. But like I said, many judges have a soft spot for moms and want to give them a second chance. Her being married and settled will be in her favor.”
“So, my being single hurts me?”
“Can you meet me at one today, and we can go over everything?”
“I’ll be there.” I hung up the phone and gripped the steering wheel like it was the only thing keeping me from drifting into nothingness. A week ago, I had the perfect little fam
ily. Me and Maisie and yes, Tessa too. Now I was at risk of losing it all.
11
Tessa
When I knocked on Dylan’s door on Monday morning, I was relieved when Maisie answered even though I knew I’d still have to see him. I wanted to act normal like nothing happened, but inside I was an emotional mess, worried that he’d look at me with regret. When he seemed to be indifferent, I felt angry. I knew he didn’t like what had happened, even if he said he enjoyed it. But had he really forgotten it?
Then he told me about Veronica suing for custody and I felt like an idiot. My ego wasn’t important compared to Dylan’s being able to keep Maisie. I could only imagine the worry he felt. Of course, it seemed unlikely Veronica could win considering how little she’d been in Maisie’s life, but I’d been around long enough to know that crazy things could happen. Veronica was famous and that could be used in her favor. Her husband seemed rich, which meant maybe he had connections that could be used in her favor as well.
When Dylan left, I helped Maisie get dressed. She wanted to wear one of the dresses she’d gotten during her visit with her mother. The dress was cute, but I felt like it was betraying Dylan to wear it. Of course, it wasn’t Maisie’s fault. I felt bad for the little girl that was about to become a pawn between her parents.
“What do you want to do today?” I asked her as I finished putting her hair up in a ponytail.
“Can we go swimming?”
“Not in this dress, we can’t.”
“Oh yeah. The park?”
“You might get your dress dirty.” I said, putting the brush and hair accessories away. “How about a movie and lunch?”
“Yay!” She jumped up and down.
I pulled out my phone to see what was playing. Luckily there was a kid’s movie that looked sweet. I ordered tickets on my phone.
“Did you have fun with your mom this weekend?” I toyed over whether or not to ask. It seemed normal to inquire about her weekend, and yet, under the circumstances it could be construed as trying to get information.
“Yes, we went to the zoo. Papa Leo told me about animals.”
“Papa Leo?” Is that really what Veronica told Maisie to call him? That felt like an even bigger betrayal than Maisie wearing a dress.
“That’s her new husband but he’s not my dad. My daddy will always be my daddy.”
“Yes, absolutely. You have the best daddy, Maisie. He loves you so much.”
She grinned. “He gave me ice cream last night.”
I smiled back. “Did he?”
“I wish he could come with me to Mommy’s house. I don’t know why he can’t.”
“He doesn’t want to get in the way of your time with her. You do like being with her, don’t you?” Inwardly I winced as I realized that might not be an appropriate question. Then again, if I was ever asked to testify in court, what Maisie told me could help.
“Yeah, but I like it here better.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to adjust to new things. When you get used to her house, it will be better.”
Maisie shrugged. “I can’t do very much there. Just play in my room unless Mommy takes me to the park.”
“What do you mean?”
“I can’t color or play in the living room because I might mess it up.”
If Veronica was going to be a mom, she’d need to learn to deal with kids’ messes. “Just like you’re not used to being there, your mom and Leo,” no way was I calling him Papa Leo, “need to get used to having you there.”
Maisie tugged on my hand and I squatted down as her face turned serious. In a quiet tone she said, “My daddy and mommy were fighting last night.”
“Oh?”
“I could hear them in my room when I was putting on dresses to show Daddy.”
I rubbed her arms as I tried to figure out what I should ask or say. “How did that make you feel?”
“I didn’t like it.”
“Did you tell your daddy?”
She shook her head. “He was sad too. I think he didn’t like the dresses Mommy bought me.”
“Oh honey, I’m sure that wasn’t it. Sometimes mommies and daddies disagree. But they both love you. And I know your daddy loves you no matter what.”
“What’s a nanny?”
Huh? “A nanny is someone who helps raise kids. Sort of like how I stay with you while your dad works, although nannies often live with the family.”
“Can you come live with me and daddy?”
My heart squeezed. “I live next door.” Wanting to move on to a new subject, I said, “Let me text your daddy to tell him what movie we’re going to see and where we’ll have lunch.”
“Can he come to lunch with us?” Maisie’s eager eyes shone with hope.
“I don’t know. I can ask him.”
Unfortunately, Dylan had an appointment with a lawyer, so he couldn’t make lunch. But Maisie seemed to have fun and that evening she and I made lasagna, Dylan’s favorite. When he arrived home, I saw the tension on his face, but he smiled and acted normal for Maisie.
“I love lasagna,” he said when she rushed to the door to tell him. He scooped her up and held her, making me wonder if he worried that his days of coming home to her were numbered.
“I know.” She pressed her hands to his face. “Are you happy, Daddy?”
“Ecstatic.” He kissed her cheek and put her down.
“Why don’t you set the table, Maisie?” I said.
She rushed off.
“Was she okay?” he asked, as he watched her in the kitchen.
“Yes. She said she heard you and Veronica fighting.”
“Fuck,” he said under his breath.
“Did the lawyer give you any tips?”
“He thinks it will be outrageous if she goes for sole custody given her track record.”
“Well, that’s good.”
He gave a short nod. “But she’s married and settled.” He used air quotes around the word settled. “Apparently, he feels judges still have biases towards moms, especially ones that are doing the right thing and need a second chance.”
That didn’t sound hopeful. “What’s with the settled bit? Is she not settled?”
“Sure she is. Today. But Veronica gets bored easily and likes the limelight. I give her six months tops before she’s off on her next adventure.”
“That would be good for you.”
“If she has custody, she could take Maisie with her. I wouldn’t see her.” Emotion swept over his face and I wanted to hug him.
“Is there something I can do to help?”
He shook his head. “Just be there for her.”
I wanted to be there for him too, but since that had been such a disaster on Friday, I simply smiled. He didn’t ask me to stay for dinner, which hurt but wasn’t surprising.
“Take the lasagna out in ten minutes,” I said as I got my purse.
“Thank you, Tessa, really. I know this … well …”
I held my hand up, because I felt tiny stabs in my heart every time he tried to apologize or make things between us less weird. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
12
Dylan
The first two days after Maisie returned from her mother’s, I felt like she was going to be ripped from me any minute. In fact, on Tuesday, I suggested that Tessa bring Maisie to the gym, where we had a children’s area to provide childcare to members who were working out. I also arranged for our rock-climbing instructor to give Maisie a lesson on the rock wall.
Like usual, Tessa was amazing. She kept Maisie’s life normal, filled with adventure and fun. She was sweet to me even though I didn’t deserve it. And while Maisie consumed my days and even a few nightmares, Tessa showed up in my dreams as well. I felt like a fool and a douche, and yet at the same time, those few minutes of stroking my dick to images of her in the shower and then coming were the only times I wasn’t living in fear.
By mid-week, I began to relax for two reasons; one was that Veronica hadn’t once c
alled Maisie to talk with her. She wanted for Maisie to come live with her, but wouldn’t call to chat with her? She hadn’t even asked about arranging a visit. The second reason was that I hadn’t been served with papers. I wondered if maybe she’d changed her mind.
On Friday, that hope vanished as I received an envelope with a petition for sole custody of Maisie. I immediately called my lawyer, who expressed shock that she’d ask for so much in light of her history. Me? I wasn’t shocked. Veronica was a do-or-die, all-in, type of woman. It had been one of the things that had attracted me to her back when we met in college.
“What can I do?” I asked.
“Fight, of course. It’s a process, and you’ll need to prove you’re the best parent to raise Maisie. There’ll be a home visit and interview, maybe even more than one,” he explained.
“What about Veronica?”
“Her too, with her new husband. That will be in her favor. As I said, judges still lean towards thinking two parents and the biological mom are best, but I do think we have a good case.”
“She hasn’t called Maisie or asked for a visit,” I said.
“Good. Keep track of all that. Fathers do win custody sometimes, so it’s not unheard of.”
But I knew Veronica wasn’t a normal mom. She was a celebrity. A celebrity that people liked. I could out her as not having seen her child in nearly a year, but that seemed harsh. Then again, there wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do to protect Maisie. If this went to court, chances were it would come out, and she had to know that. Did she want Maisie so bad she was willing to risk hurting her reputation?
Then there was the fact that Leo had money. Lots of it, based on my research of him. I had a lot of money too, but he was one-percenter wealthy. Not only could he outdo me financially, but he was old-New York money, which meant he had connections. Odds were good that he knew someone in New York who would know the local judge overseeing this case.
As I drove home, my anger festered until I couldn’t take it. Not wanting to explode in front of Maisie, I pulled over and called Veronica.
“I never, ever, kept her from you and now you do this. You stab me in the back and try to rip us apart.”
So Wrong (Heart 0f Hope Book 3) Page 8
