“You are not going to lose him,” I promise my reflection, bolstered by the steadiness in my voice. “You are going to quit crying like a big baby, get a good night’s sleep, and get up tomorrow morning prepared to make this work.”
Pep talk complete, I change into my pajamas and head for bed, where I sleep and dream of a little boy with Nash’s hair and my eyes. The dream is so real that I wake up even more determined.
Maybe I’m crazy, but it feels like there are more souls on the line than just mine and Felicity’s. There’s that baby boy, too, and any other children who might be waiting to join our family.
Because we are a family.
Newly formed, yes, but every bit as important and real as our families of origin. We are worth fighting for, and I, for one, am ready to do battle.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Aria
A few hours before the corporate meeting we’re catering on Tuesday evening, I stop by Dad’s office in the back of the new Bob and Sue’s Smokehouse location.
Betty, my lawyer, called this morning with the news that Liam has dropped his suit and agreed to sign papers granting me full, legal and physical custody of Felicity—provided he be allowed supervised visitation when (or if) he chooses to be part of his daughter’s life.
Thanks to the private investigator Dad hired, my ex had no choice but to capitulate and do what’s best for Felicity.
I’m so grateful.
I want to tell Dad thank you again in person, but I also have another important discussion to get out of the way.
“So, you know there’s another reason I stopped by,” I say when I’ve finished giving him the good news.
“I do.” Leaning back in his desk chair, he lets out a long sigh. “I’m sorry for what I said to your husband. I shouldn’t have let my anger do the talking or confused the present with the past. I didn’t like the way you looked standing next to him when you were kids, but…you’re not kids anymore.”
“No, we’re not. And that’s really good to hear, Daddy.”
“I don’t want to lose you,” he says in a softer voice. “And after talking with your mother last night… Well, it’s obvious that what you have with Geary is special. And important to you and Felicity.”
“It is, I really love him.” Glancing at the clock above his desk, I rise from my chair. “I should go. Set up is going to take at least thirty minutes tonight.”
Dad runs a hand through what’s left of his graying blond hair and stands to walk me to the door. “All right, just know that your mom and I love you and all we want is for you to have a good life. I trust you to know what’s best. If Nash makes you happy and he continues to treat you and Felicity well, you won’t hear another peep from me. And I’ll apologize to him, too. I promise.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I say. “That means a lot to me.”
It does, and not just because he’s willing to apologize to Nash. It’s nice to hear that he trusts my judgement on this. I spent a lot of time playing the fool, fighting to make things with Liam work long after it was clear we were a match made in hell, but I’m not fooling myself now.
I’m seeing things more clearly than I have in a long time, and I don’t see any good that will come from Nash and I going our separate ways.
I just have to hope he feels the same way.
I head to the venue, trying not to dwell on the possibility that I might still lose my husband, no matter how sincerely my dad apologizes, but it’s never far from my thoughts. I’ve put off talking to Lark and Melody about what happened yesterday—I prefer to keep my troubles to myself whenever possible—but it doesn’t take them long to sense that something isn’t right.
No matter how hard I’m trying to stay upbeat on the job, my sisters know me too well.
“You’re not sparkling,” Melody observes sadly as we lay out the spread for the dinner buffet. “Did I kill your giddy love glow? I didn’t mean to. I was just in a terrible mood the other day.”
“No, it’s not you,” I say, forcing a smile.
“Then what is it?” Melody presses. “You seem super down all of a sudden. Is Felicity okay?”
“She’s fine.” I hesitate, but decide I might as well tell them the truth. If Nash and I end up breaking up, they’ll find out soon enough anyway. “Nash and I are going through something, but hopefully it will be okay.”
“But you two are perfect for each other,” Lark says, her brow furrowing. “What could possibly have happened?”
“Daddy happened,” I say, triggering a moan of sympathetic understanding from my sisters. “And Nash’s mom hasn’t been on her best behavior, either. But like I said, I’m hoping we can work things out.”