I sighed and then took a seat. I never could hide anything from Wendy.
“Shane, talk to me. What’s on your mind?”
“You’ve always been straight with me, right?”
“Is that a serious question?”
“Please, Wendy, no jokes right now.”
“Yes, I have always told you the truth, even the ones that may have hurt you.”
“I know. You’re also the keeper of secrets, mine included. I need to know something about Tenley, and I have a feeling you know about it.”
“Go on.”
“I’ve done my best not to question the things I didn’t fully understand and trust that everything happens for a reason. In my case, I put my faith and trust in the hands of someone I knew who could and would make the impossible a reality.”
“Shane, I’m not following.”
“Don’t do that, Wendy, not to me. I need to know the truth, and I know you know what that is, as well as Jagger. It’s time for me to know.”
“Shane, unless you directly say the words, I do not know what you are referring to. As you said, I am the keeper of many secrets.”
Okay, here goes nothing. “What did Tenley do to secure our adoption of Wyatt? What should have taken at least a year or more, only took less than a month for us to adopt him, and I’ve been trying in earnest to convince my wife that the bottom is not going to fall out from under us and we have nothing to fear, especially when it comes to losing our son. Jagger told me to be grateful for the gift I’ve been given and not to question it. He used Jamie’s memory to manipulate me into believing this was some miracle that happened and I was finally a father. I can’t lose Wyatt, and if we do, I don’t think Shelby would survive it.”
“Shane, to use the word ‘manipulate’ is harsh and unwarranted, especially when used in the same sentence as Jagger and Jamie. His memory is locked and sealed and lives on in all of you. Although we lost Jamie, Jagger is still here. He is your best friend and brother. He would never hurt you, nor would Tenley. You three have such a complicated past that goes longer than most should. They love you, and you love them. There is nothing they wouldn’t do for you. The binds of friendship between you three are strong and forever unbreakable. Your fates were sealed a long time ago and I know Shelby has had difficulty understanding what all that means, but it should be as clear as day for you.”
“You’re not answering my question.”
“I don’t have to, because you already know the answer. I’m telling you straight. You don’t have anything to worry about, and I swear to you on Jamie’s memory that is the truth. You need to let this go and help your wife do the same.”
“I’m trying. How can I do that? She’s so incredibly happy, and then there are times where she is so skittish, she’s afraid of her own shadow. I mean, what is it? How can I protect my family if I don’t know what I’m protecting them from?”
“Shane, your family is safe, I promise you. You are a good man and an amazing father to that little boy. You have so many people in your life, including me, who love you and will always have your back. You need to remember this and stop allowing your mind to question things that are just not there, okay?”
“I do trust you, Wendy. I always have. I have to go. Thanks for seeing me today.”
I hugged my friend and decided to take a drive to clear my head. I felt like a walking contradiction. I say one thing and behave totally different. This is not me to be this uncertain. I know I was kind of reckless in my younger years, but not anymore. I have worked incredibly hard to right the wrongs of my past and to live in the now with my wife. She was there for me every step of the way, and even though we went through our tough times, we came out stronger. She is strong. I just have to remind her of that, and then we can be strong together.
Three days later, it was Saturday and the day of Roberta’s home visit. Although Shelby wanted Tenley to be here just in case any legal questions come up, I told her no and that we would be fine. Roberta told me on the phone all was well and she just wanted to stop in and say hello to Wyatt.
She did ask me about Rosie and if we changed our mind about telling Wyatt of her passing. He hadn’t mentioned her since her first visit to the ranch, and I wasn’t going to say or do anything that would make him sad, not when he had made so much progress. He was healthy and happy, and we wanted him to remain that way. I did tell Roberta that if he should ask, then we would decide how to proceed, but it would be our decision on what that might be. She let the subject drop, and she just chatted with our son.
“So, Wyatt, you’ve told me about school, your friends, and your horse, Joker. How about you tell me about you? How do you like living here at the ranch, and with the Rhodes?”
Shelby gripped my hand as we stood in the doorway listening to their conversation. She was too anxious to sit, so we stayed back and gave Wyatt some time with Roberta. He seemed very comfortable answering her questions, and she seemed pleased with what he said to her.
“I love it here. I have a big bedroom with my own bed and lots of toys. I get to help out down in the barn with Luke and Wade, and I even got to see Bonnie have her baby. It was on a Saturday, so I stayed up all night in the barn until the baby arrived. Right, daddy?”
“That’s right, son. We did,” I said.
“Wow! You have a pretty good life here on the ranch. How do you feel about the Rhodes? Do they treat you well?”
Wyatt appeared to be uncomfortable with her question and I was about to put a stop to this, but he surprised us both with his answer.
“Ms. Roberta, why do you keep saying, ‘The Rhodes?’ They’re my mommy and daddy, and I love them a lot, and mommy makes the best pancakes ever.”
At that moment, Shelby released my hand and walked over to sit by Wyatt, taking him in her arms. He returned her hug and asked if he could go visit Joker. Before answering, she looked at me and then back to Roberta.
“Um, are we done here?” I asked point blank, wanting to end this visit so we could return to our son, our family.
“Yes, we are,” she answered and then smiled confidently that she got what she came for. “Wyatt, it was wonderful to spend some time with you.”
“Nice to see you too,” he said, and then with the green light to go see Joker, he practically bounced off Shelby’s lap.
“Go on, son. Luke is outside waiting for you.”
“Alright! Thanks, daddy.”
I joined Shelby on the couch and then waited for whatever Roberta would say. She jotted down some notes and then pulled out another file and stamped the bottom sheet.
“I want to say thank you for allowing me to come out and spend some time with you. I really couldn’t be happier with how your family has evolved. He seems very happy and content with his new life. I hope you understand why I needed confirmation of that.”
“We do, and thank you so much for all you have done for our family,” Shelby said.
“It’s my pleasure. If it wasn’t for Tenley bringing this case to my attention, he may have still been in foster care, but I’m happy to say it all worked out. This is for you.”
“What is it?” I asked.
“It’s a document that I have signed, and when I get back to my office, I will submit my final report, and your file will officially be closed. I have no reason to return here and do another home visit. I am more than satisfied with what I have seen.”
We both got up and thanked her again. I kissed my wife and walked Roberta out to her car.
“Roberta, if I may just ask a question.”
“Sure, Mr. Rhodes, what is it?”
“It’s Shane, please.”
“Okay, Shane, what do you want to know?”
“Back there, you mentioned if it wasn’t for Tenley bringing our case to you. Would you mind enlightening me on that?”
“I’m sorry if that came out ambiguous. I’ve known Tenley for a good number of years, and her record speaks for itself. She’s a damn good lawyer and fights, let’s ju
st say, the injustice of the world, as I do from my little corner of it. Wyatt’s case was unique, and I’m very happy it had a happy ending.”
“Me too.” Listening to my heart and my gut, I accepted her answer and vowed to never question the how and why again.
“You take care of your family, Shane.”
“Well? Is everything okay?” Shelby asked as I came back inside. I lifted my wife into my arms and kissed her passionately on her lips.
“Yes, it’s more than okay, and it will be tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that, and so on. No more doubts, baby, no more. He’s ours! He belongs to us, and we belong to him. We are a family, now and forever.”
“Yes, forever. Shane, I love you so much. You have made all my dreams come true from our very beginning, and now that our family is complete with Wyatt as our son, I’m so over with my doubts.”
“I promise you, baby, you will never know another day of sadness.”
“You always keep your promises, this I know without a doubt. You feel like taking a ride with our son?”
“Sounds perfect, lead the way.”
We took the horses down by the river. Shelby was by my side, and Wyatt was settled in front of me while riding on Yankee. He wanted to ride Joker, but he wasn’t ready for that just yet. I loved that I could share this with him, just as my dad did with me. When we lost Ryder, we believed our hopes and dreams died along with him, but that didn’t happen.
“Daddy, can we skip some stones across the water?”
“Absolutely, I’ll show you how grandpa showed me.”
“Shane, look how happy he is. This is a dream.”
“Yeah, baby, one that has finally come true.”
Wyatt wanted to stay for us to watch the sunset, but it was getting cold and we needed to get back. Sunsets were great, but I showed him something better once we got back home.
“Look at all the stars in the sky, daddy. There must be a million up there.”
“Millions and millions, but what I really want you to see is that big and shiny one right over there. You see it, son?”
“I see the star, daddy. It looks like it’s on top of the mountain.”
“It is. He likes it over there.”
“Who?”
“Someone special who I will tell you about someday. Anytime you look up to the sky and see that big and shiny star, just know, son, a very special angel is loving you and watching you from way up there.”
“Just like you and mommy down here?”
“Yes, exactly like that.”
The End
The entire drive back to my house, I was beyond livid with the assumptions Shelby had so boldly made about me. I swear if this was anyone else, I would have gutted them with a spoon. With my gladiator days long behind me, I thought that same persona was too, but maybe it’s still there under the veneer of my life here in Wyoming.
I wouldn’t say life here is boring; on the contrary, I’ve taken some interesting cases since my return. Like New York, I still have the power to choose what cases utilizes my talents and what will give me the most satisfaction when I annihilate my opposing counsel in court. Yes, Shelby wasn’t wrong when she reminded me of the Bornarelli case, but that was way different from what she demanded of me now.
The syndicate mob family was responsible for literally ruining and ending lives. They preyed on the misfortune of others and made a lot of money in doing so. No, their reign of terror needed to end, and I took much pleasure in bringing them down. What Shelby just asked of me was crossing the line, and I didn’t appreciate her brazen attitude.
I immediately felt better once I walked in to my house and my amazing son walked straight into my arms. His small hands reached for my face and pulled me in for a messy, wet kiss.
“Hmmm, Jamie, I smell bananas. Have you been eating bananas?” I asked my boy as he planted another kiss on my cheek, giggling as he did it.
“Mama, I love nanas.”
“I know you do, but your fingers are sticky. Where’s your daddy?”
He pointed in the direction of the kitchen and then wiggled his way out of my arms. He practically sprinted toward the kitchen, probably warning Jagger that I was home. I braced myself for the disaster I knew would be waiting for me in there, but surprisingly, my pristine kitchen was exactly that. I raised my eyebrow at Jagger and questioned where the pile of dirty dishes was hiding. He laughed and greeted me with a much-needed kiss and then a long hug.
“What’s the matter, baby? You look stressed.”
“I am. It was quite the afternoon and not what I expected.”
“Okay, hold that thought. Let me get Jamie cleaned up and then down for a nap. I’ll be right back, and then we can talk.”
“Sounds good.”
I gave my little boy a kiss and waved him off as Jagger gave him a piggy back ride up the stairs. I knew it was already late for his nap, but if I could get a few minutes with Jagger, I think that would help my mood.
I knew he would be furious if he saw me drinking anything but water, but on the rare occasion, I did indulge in a glass of red wine. For the longest time after our reunion, he detested and forbade all and everything alcohol. He said it reminded him of the time we were apart, and if I could just agree that I wouldn’t drink, it would make him very happy. Over the years, he softened, and once in a while, he would have a beer or two with Shane or one of the ranch hands. I never said anything to him, so I hope he gives me the same respect.
I chose no on the wine and poured myself a finger of bourbon. I enjoyed the smooth velvety feel of my choice, Knob Creek. I kicked off my heels and pulled out my blouse that was neatly tucked under my pencil skirt.
I had just come from my office in town with all the files to deliver to Shelby. I never thought I would be ambushed with her demands once I got there. A few minutes later, Jagger came down with the monitor in hand and a disappointed look on his face when he saw the amber liquid in my hand. I was looking off to our mountain view as I swirled around the bourbon in the glass.
“Please, no judgment, not today.”
“Must have been pretty bad to reduce you to your hidden stash.”
“What?”
“Come on, Tumbleweed, don’t play the innocent card here. Yes, I have always known you drink from time to time, but I haven’t said anything because it’s not excessive and you have given me the same courtesy. I will concede on the one glass you are holding and hope you will not opt for a refill.”
“Yes, this is enough. Thank you for understanding.”
“Right back at you, babe. Now, tell me what’s wrong?”
I sighed and finished off my drink. “As you know, I stopped at Shelby and Shane’s house to go over what to expect for Wyatt’s upcoming custodial hearing. I was yammering on with Shelby about all the legal do’s and don’ts, and then she just stopped me and shocked me with what she said next.”
“Which was?”
“She basically accused me of being this shark of a lawyer that could yield her magic and make the standard waiting period go away, and let’s say, use my power of persuasion tactics for the greater good and move up the hearing date for not just emergency custody of Wyatt, no, also for the final step that usually takes about a year to eighteen months, if you’re lucky.”
“And, how did you respond?”
“How do you think? I told her no.”
“I’m guessing the conversation didn’t end there?”
“You guessed right. She went on to remind me of how I was this big and bad New York City lawyer that bent the rules when I needed something to go in my favor. I adamantly denied that, and then she basically called me a liar and told me that Shane had told her all about how I fucked over the Bornarelli’s and successfully took down a major mob family. It wasn’t pretty, Jagger. I kept myself in check and fired back, but it fell on deaf ears. She said with our family’s money and power, I could definitely sway a court officer or two if I wanted to. There’s something else too.”
“Don’t stop now, babe. You can tell me anything.”
“She brought up our past, as in you, Shane, and me. It hurt. It hurt a great deal to go back there again. I swear, I wanted to scratch her eyes out at that moment.”
“Wow! That sounds so unlike Shelby to behave that way.”
“Jagger, do we know the same person? How she behaved today was exactly the same way she behaved on the very first day we met. She didn’t care how she sounded and who heard her. She was hellbent to drive her point home. She successfully did it then, and she did the same thing today.”
“Okay, baby, settle down. I know you’re upset and have a right to be, but she’s our friend and we are going to help her any way we can.”
“Jagger, what are you saying?”
“I love you, that’s what I’m saying. Shane’s here. Let me go outside and talk to him for a minute. You okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
I watched Jagger talk to Shane, as I poured myself another shot of liquid courage. I already knew how I would proceed with Shelby’s request, and swallowing the warm liquid eased my mind enough to make the call. I quickly picked up my cell phone and dialed the number before I changed my mind.
“Raymond, hi, yes, it’s me. I know it’s been a while, but just in case you forgot, motherhood is a full-time job. Yes, he’s wonderful. I know, I miss Zoey too. I’ll be seeing her over the summer. Yes, I love your plan, but it’s not why I called. I need a favor, and it’s a pretty big one.”
After I concluded my phone call with Raymond Steele, my former boss and mentor from New York, our son woke up, and I focused all my attention on my family. I would handle Shane’s tomorrow.
I was holding Jamie in my arms as I called out to Jagger from our porch. Shane waved to me, and he looked like he might have wanted to talk to me, but I wasn’t ready for that and I called Jagger inside. The two friends said their goodbyes, and then Jagger quickly ran up to me and took Jamie into his arms and waved off Shane. I waved back and leaned against my front door looking at Jagger. He knew what I had done just by the way he was looking back at me. He gave me the “everything is going to be okay look” and then took me into a hug.
Shane Page 17
