by Shyla Colt
“I KNOW YOU’RE NOT UP for a lot of walking outside of work, but I found something you’d enjoy that we could do sitting down.”
I smile at James over the console of his car. Today’s my day off, and we’re actually venturing out into the world for a date. Lately, we’d spent the snowy days bundled up in front of a fire, but with my pregnancy nearing its end, these would be the last few times we had alone.
“Why are you so good to me?”
“Because you deserve it.” He lifts my hand up and kisses it.
It’s been two weeks since the papers were dropped off at my home. We’ve poured over lawyers, calculating fees, and researching reputations. He doesn’t need to tell me it’ll destroy my nest egg. But the other choice is the last resort. My stomach sours at the thought of ending things with the man helping me mend my heart and relearn how to trust the opposite sex.
“Is this a surprise, or are you going to give me details?”
“It’s The Clay Bakers. I thought we could paint something for Flora.”
“I’d love that.” Sitting up straight, I place my hands on the small of my back and rub. It won’t be too long before I start maternity leave. Nursing could be a sport with all the steps, and heavy lifting required. Doing it off balance and carrying weight is even more difficult.
“You feeling okay?”
“Yep, just the usual back pain.”
“I’ll rub you down when we’re done.” His hands have been a magical pain reliever. Sitting on the couch while he worked the kinks out of my back and massaged my feet has become a new form of foreplay.
“You keep spoiling me like this, and I won’t let you leave the house.”
“I’d be okay with that.” His voice deepens, and I lean across the car to squeeze his thigh.
“I bet you would.”
“Don’t tease, or we won’t make it to the shop.”
“Promises.” I remove my hand, knowing he means every word. I never thought I’d enjoy sex this far along in my pregnancy. Things with Preston were never so sensual. James took his time and made sure I got mine first. I understood now what it meant to be cherished.
“It’s so cute.” The white brick building has two large display buildings and a green sign with a ceramic cup full of art tools. Brightly colored plates line the windows. I fight the urge to press my face to the glass as I climb down and walk forward. The light coral colored paint around the window is highlighted by white trim that reminds me of the beach. Black wrought iron tables and chairs sit outside.
“This would be a perfect place to sit during warm weather.”
“I’ll have to bring both of my girls back then.”
His girls. I’d always resisted any sort of claim with Preston. I wanted to make things even down the board. James didn’t wake that desire in me. It was the man, not the money, that made the difference. Owning his office, he made more than I could ever hope to, even with overtime. But there was no sense of inequality or being lorded over. Preston was my first serious relationship. There were a lot of things I hadn’t known to look out for.
We step inside and find ourselves a table. A petite redhead with freckles greets us.
“Hi, I’m Poppy, and I’ll be helping you. We usually have everyone start off by picking their piece to paint and the colors. Just write down your numbers, and I’ll check back to get you started.”
“Thanks, Poppy,” James says. Her cheeks pinken.
I duck my head to hide my smile. Girl, I get it.
“Look at that flower bank. It’ll go good with our theme.” We decorated the walls in Flora’s room with a garden theme. The walls were vinyl stickered with vines, flowers, and cute animals. James said it reminded him of an English garden. We’d left a space for her first and middle name. Once I chose it.
“That’d be really cute.”
“If you’re making something for the baby, you might consider decorating a platter you can add their foot and handprint to later.”
“That’s such a sweet idea.”
“Plate it is,” James says with a chuckle.
“No, you can do what you want to.”
“I’d rather work on one piece with you for Flora.” His voice grows soft, and he gets the gentle expression I’ve come to adore.
Could he come to love her like she was his own? Would we be given that chance to find out?
“Let’s do it.”
Choosing shades of yellows, greens, and a bit of pink, we use stencils to wind vines around the plate’s edges before going back in to add flowers for pops of color.
“Should we do her name in sage green?” James asks.
“Yes. I’ll let you choose the lettering stencil.”
The painting is therapeutic, and my back thanks me for sitting. Flora lounges on my bladder once more. “You handle the name. I need to visit the little lady’s room.”
“At least she waited until after we were done.”
“You always take her side.” I pout, and he chuckles.
“I’m Switzerland. I don’t take sides.”
After making my way to the restroom in the back of the building, I do my business and wash my hands. My purse vibrates. Drying my hands, I lift the phone, expecting it to be Warren.
Preston: Tick tock. I see you haven’t taken me seriously. I’m in town and willing to talk ... for now.
He’s not going to let this go. Ignoring him has done nothing.
Preston: Maybe you need a little motivation.
The phone chimes. A document link flashes on the screen. I double-tap, and the blood drains from my face at the list of cons his lawyer has made about me. My stomach cramps with each line. My home situation, the daycare I’d be forced to use, and my inability to properly split custody from Maryland. The suggestion that I relocate jars me. Can he get away with this? Past experience says yes. The best I can do now is damage control.
Faye: When and where?
The words are a betrayal to the man who deserves so much more. I return to the table.
“What happened?” James asked, instantly picking up on my new mood.
“Can we go home?”
“Of course. I’m all done here. Let me check out.”
I nod, glancing down at the hands in my lap. How can I do this? The ride home is quiet as I try to absorb every second I have left with him.
“Are you ready to tell me what happened back there?” he asks as we walk up to my front door.
I unlock the door and step inside, turning to face him.
“James.” I study the face of the man who’s become my best friend and brace myself for the pain. I turn to him.
“Don’t.” He shakes his head.
“I have no other choice.”
“There is always a choice, Faye.” He cups my cheek with his right hand. “I know how much you love Flora. You made it clear from the start that she comes first. All I’m asking from you is time.”
“I’ve run out of that. He texted me a portion of his lawyer’s argument for full custody, and it doesn’t look good.”
“Then, we fight.”
“He said he’d negotiate. It’s a better option.”
His jaw tenses and he let his hand drop. “I promised you I wouldn’t leave you to do this alone, and I meant it. Don’t make me a liar.”
My eyes well, and I choke on a sob. “James.”
“He can’t win what isn’t his.” He balls his hands into fists. “You and Flora are my girls.”
“It’s not that simple.” I cover his hands with my mine.
“Let him think we’re giving him what he wants if you must, but don’t give up hope just yet. I’ll go for now. But only for now.” He kisses me softly and steps away.
I watch him leave, holding it together until the door click shuts. Shoving my fist into my mouth, I rock back and forth. With one phone call, he’s wrecked my support system and shredded my heart anew. How can I allow this to continue? What can I do to win when he’s set to win? James sounded like he ha
d a plan. I dash away my tears. Being upset isn’t good for Flora, and I have a shift later tonight. Work has always been my savior. A safe haven to escape in and help others. Even when I feel like I can’t do the same for myself.
JAMES
“Is Faye okay?” Warren’s worried voice comes on the line.
“Yes and no. Faye and Flora are doing okay, but I just left her condo. Preston is up to something. She tried to break up with me over one of his threats.”
“Jesus Christ. Do you know what?”
“I didn’t see the text, but she mentioned him saying he’d negotiate about full custody.”
“Provided she leaves you?” Warren says.
“Yeah. I’m done playing games with him. I’ve been thinking about this since he first served her papers. I have a plan.”
“Let’s hear it, Bailey.”
“I’m not sure how it’ll affect everyone.”
“As long as he leaves my sister alone, I don’t care.”
“Be sure. ’Cause it involves your parents.”
Warren sighs. “I meant what I said earlier.”
“Okay. Can we meet up somewhere?”
“Yeah. I was just leaving my office. I can head over to your place.”
“I never told you where I live.”
“You’re dating my pregnant little sister.” He hangs up as if his words were an explanation.
I need to make sure I stay on his good side. Even if she hates me after everything is said and done, she’ll be free of Preston. It’ll be worth it. Set on my course, I make it home and gather my evidence.
I let Warren in.
“I hope what you have is good.”
“Once your parents see this, I think they’ll change their tune.” I hold up a CD.
“What is it?” Warren asks.
“A tape of the incident at the drugstore where I first met Preston and Faye.”
He frowns. “What do you mean? You said you found her dog.”
“I did. But this happened before then. Faye never told you because she was embarrassed.”
Warren’s eyes darken. “I’m not going to like this, am I?”
“No,” I answer, honestly. “But I want to show you all together. Can you arrange that?”
“I’m on it.” Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he walks away. “Hey, Mom. Can I come to your house? We need to talk. It’s about Faye. ... No. She’s not okay. The baby is fine. This is about her and Preston. ... Yes, I know how you feel about the situation, but there are some things you need to see. ... Okay, I’ll be bringing a friend.” He glances over at me. “Yeah, twenty minutes.”
I swallow as my palm sweats. I wipe my hands on my pants. No time to second guess myself. This wasn’t the way I wanted to meet her parents for the first time but it can’t be helped. This is for my girl’s future happiness.
Twenty minutes later, we’re pulling up in front of a ranch home with garden beds in front of it. A tire swing hangs from a branch of a thick tree. I smile, imagining a young Faye in it, her dark hair flying behind her as she pumps her legs. Seeing this side of her helps fill in some gaps. Humbling beginnings gave her parents a very definitive opinion on what being taken care of meant for their daughter. I can see the wear and love poured into the house. The roof has been patched multiple times. Cracks line the sidewalk leading up to the house, and the driveway’s blacktop is past due for a repave.
Warren parks his car. “I know this makes my parents look bad, but they were great growing up. They worked multiple jobs to provide us with everything we needed and stayed engaged in our school and personal interests. After growing up poor themselves, they drilled the importance of school and saving. Preston was every dream they had for Faye come true.” Warren shakes his head.
“You don’t have to explain it to me. Preston looks good from the outside. And he’s careful not to let that façade slip.” I tap the DVD case on my dashboard. “This will change that.”
“I’m going to want to put his head through a wall, aren’t I?” Warren mumbles.
“I already do. So, you’ll have to get in line.”
Warren nods his head. “I wasn’t sure about you at first. It seemed questionable a man that attracted to a woman pregnant with someone else’s baby. But you stepped up and made her happy. You take care of her without stifling her spirit or independence. I respect that.”
“Thanks?”
“Don’t let her push you away. She’s running scared.”
“Look, I know this is soon, but I love her and Flora. I’m not giving them up without one hell of a fight.”
“Good. I’d like to see my niece have the kind of father she deserves.”
I blink as my throat threatens to close. Unable to speak around the lump, I nod. Clearing my throat, I follow him up the walk into the house.
“Mom, Dad,” Warren calls out as we enter the living room.
“Warren. Who’s your friend?”
The petite woman with streaks of gray hair woven into her dark bob steps toward us from the hallway.
“This is Faye’s new boyfriend, James.”
“What?” Her father walks in, a mountain of a man at six-foot-three with a fade just starting to gray around the edges.
“They’ve been seeing each other for a few months now. Which you’d know if you weren’t too busy being stubborn.”
“I don’t understand.” Their mother glances from me to Warren.
“I’m sorry that we’re meeting under these circumstances, Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson, but I love your daughter and her baby. I want nothing but the best for them, and Preston is anything but that. I have proof here of why. If you’d allow me ten minutes of your time, I’ll show you.”
Her father frowns.
“Dad, I trust him,” Warren says.
“You knew about this the entire time? Her and this man?”
“His name is James Bailey, and yes. He’s been here helping her through her pregnancy while Preston jet sets in California and causes her unnecessary stress.”
“He just wants his family together,” his mother whispers.
“No, he wants to control Faye,” I answer.
Her father eyes me distrustfully. “Those are powerful accusations.”
“Just sit down and let him present his case,” Warren says.
“Better be worth it.” Her father sinks down onto the worn, beige couch, and his mother follows suit. My hands tremble slightly as I place the DVD into the system, and Warren cues the TV up.
“This won’t be easy to watch.” I turn away as the surveillance begins to play.
Preston steps into her personal space and raises his voice, and her mother gasps. He grabs her wrist, jerking her around, and her father swears. “I should go get my pistol. That boy is crazy, putting his hands on my daughter.” The words are music to my ears because it means I have an ally.
“Thank you for stepping in. I can’t believe he’d do that.”
“If he’s that bold in public, I can’t imagine what he’s like in private,” her father mumbles. His nostrils flare.
“What he’s trying to do now is take Faye to court for full custody,” I tell them.
“Unless she leaves James.”
“His sticking point is the fact that he makes more money and can afford to have a nanny instead of daycare.”
“I’ll be more than happy to watch the baby,” her mother says.
“Mrs. Ferguson, I was hoping you’d say that.”
Mr. Ferguson bows his head. “I’m ashamed of the way we acted. We just didn’t want her to go through what we did.”
“You need to tell her that yourself, sir,” I say.
“I will.” He nods.
“Tell us what you want us to do, son. You seem like you’ve already got this figured out, and we owe our daughter.”
I smile and begin to lay everything out.
“DR. BAILEY.”
I glance up from the paperwork on my desk.
“There’s someone out th
ere who insists on seeing you.”
“Is something wrong?”
“No, they had their dog in for a regular check-up, and when we were done, they requested you.”
“Don’t worry about it Carole. Sometimes people just like to see the man who they’re familiar with. Dr. Parsons didn’t have any issues with him, did she?”
“No, she said it was textbook perfect.”
I smile. “I’ll be out to speak with them shortly.”
“Thank you.”
Lowering my head, I inhale and release the breath slowly. I don’t have my usual enthusiasm for work lately. I haven’t seen or talked to Faye in over a week, and the wait for Warren to set things up has been torture. I start to drive to her home and turn away at the last minute at least once a day. I want to know if her back is hurting, what she’s craving now, and how much Flora has grown. Sleep eludes me until exhaustion takes me out. Rolling my shoulders, I put on my business face and walk up the hall to the entrance.
I freeze at the sight of Preston holding Monty in his arms.
“Well, hello, Dr. Bailey.” Preston smiles so wide I’m shocked his jaw doesn’t break.
I grit my teeth. He has some fucking nerve showing up here.
“Did you know he found my Monty when he ran away during Christmas?” Preston purrs, playing the part of grateful owner.
“You never told us about this,” Jen says.
I shrug. “I was just helping out a four-legged friend.”
“You’re a hero.”
“So modest, Doc. Take some credit.”
“I’m glad to see Monty is doing well.
“The whole family is.”
The fake smile freezes on my face as I fight the urge to pull him across the front desk and beat him senseless. Monty yips and struggles to get free.
“It looks like he remembers his rescuer.” Jen laughs.
Preston smiles thinly. “Looks so.”
