BRENTON
Iwalked out into the hallway, ensuring Helen I’d be right back.
“Hi Charlie.”
“How are you doing, bud?”
“Fine, considering. What’s up?”
“I’ve got great news for you. Custody is yours, obviously. Amber will be in jail for a long time after this. They’re thinking at least fifteen years. And she won’t be allowed near the kids once she’s out.”
“She deserves more than that.”
“Ain’t that the truth. But listen, this also means, you won’t have to write another child support check in your life.”
I grinned cheek to cheek. My kids were mine, fully mine. Finally. But then my grin fell, remembering the bomb that had just been dropped on me. The last thing Charlie had said wasn’t necessarily true. I didn’t know what the future held with Helen and my child that she was carrying. I knew what I wanted, though. I wanted a family, one that was complete and whole.
I thanked Charlie and hung up. I rushed back into Helen’s room, knowing what I needed to do.
“So?” she asked.
“It’s official. Full custody and I don’t owe Amber another dime.”
She squealed in excitement. “I am so happy for you! And for your kids!”
“Thank you. I couldn’t have done any of this without you, Helen.”
She blushed, her face turning that hue of red that always got me going.
“I’m so sorry for everything I’ve put you through,” I told her.
“Me too,” she said. “I’m sorry about the Dudley mess. I never wanted to hurt you.”
“I know. Thank you. I just want you to be happy. That’s all.”
“You too.”
“And I want this baby to be happy,” I told her, resting my hands on her belly. She covered my hands with hers.
“I think it’s a girl,” she said.
“Yeah?” I smiled. “You know, I have an extra bedroom at the house. I think pink would be a great color for it.”
Helen looked up, shocked speechless.
“I want you to come live with me,” I continued.
“Brenton, I—”
“I love you, Helen. I want us to be a family.”
Her red hue grew even redder, and I lowered my head to kiss the freckles on her cheeks.
“I love you too,” she said.
I continued to kiss her, her words eliciting an excitement within me. I moved my lips to her neck and then down to her shoulders. Finally, I put my lips to hers and melted into her. Helen was mine and I was hers.
“You do know what this means though, don’t you?” I asked, raising my head to look at her.