by Marlie May
“That would be—”
Roan’s phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket and turned slightly away from us. “Felicia. How are you?”
Felicia. An important woman in his life? Just like that, ice encased my heart, and I welcomed the dead feeling the ice brought with it. It was time to let my heart freeze solid again because it shouldn’t be thawing toward Roan.
“Sure,” Roan said. “I understand.” He cupped his hand over the end and nudged his head toward the stairs. “I’ve got to go.” His soft gaze drifted across my face. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Of course. It was nice seeing you.”
As he strode up the stairs, I closed off my ears, refusing to hear whatever he said to Felicia.
Had he slept with her?
I wanted to pinch myself for having the thought. Acid churned through my belly, but I had no right to be jealous. Or any reason to assume Roan could be mine when he never had been before. Stiffening my limbs, I rekindled my resolve to forget about him. His nearness had flustered me enough, I’d almost forgotten the promise I’d made to Jason while he lay dying.
That I’d focus on raising our child and starting a new business. No romance for me, not for the foreseeable future.
Roan having a woman in his life would make this easier. With him taken and me unavailable, we could only be friends.
Why did that thought make my chest hurt all over again?
Trembling, I faced Chief. “Can you do me a favor and lock the front door on your way out? I’ll come down and latch the deadbolt after you’re gone.”
“No problem.” He turned back to his tools.
At least the kitchen people wouldn’t be here for a few hours. Beyond rattled and overdue for a reset, I gave in to my urge to run. Like I’d done that morning after I slept with Roan.
Darting up the back stairs connecting the two floors from the inside, I retreated into my apartment. I flopped on the couch and propped my slippers up on the coffee table.
A tug at my neck reminded me I still wore Roan’s scarf. I lifted it and sifted my fingers through the soft strands dangling from the end.
My phone rang, and a quick glance told me it was Bethany. Lovely. Since I couldn’t handle speaking with her right now, I dropped my phone onto the coffee table and stared at it until I was confident she’d hung up. But I couldn’t resist checking to see if she’d left a message, which she had. Did I have enough energy to listen to it now?
After taking a bracing deep breath, I pressed the button and stared down at the screen while turning up the volume.
“Cara,” Bethany said loudly enough I flinched. “How dare you let my call go to voicemail.” Said as if leaving ‘voicemail’ was only for the puniest of lifeforms—me, for example.
As someone who considered herself pretty much American royalty, it surprised me that my mother-in-law would lower herself enough to leave a message asking anyone to return her call. If I still lived in her neighborhood, she would’ve stormed over seconds after hanging up and demanded an apology. Far be it for me to have anything more important going on in my life than jumping whenever she beckoned.
She continued. Her voice grated through the line like sandpaper. “The realtor has ordered the inspection on the house next door, which will be done by the end of the week. My team of lawyers is on this, of course, so we’ll be closing on the fifteenth of next month. I paid them to expedite the process.”
Tossing money around was easy when you were wealthier than the Kardashians.
But she had to be kidding me. I’d told her no, and it was past time she learned I meant it when I said it. “Look, Bethany,” I said to the room, almost wishing she was right in front of me, so I could shout it at her. “I’m not going to—”
“Never forget.” Her shrill words cut through my brave front. “When I want something, I get it.”
Spoiled witch.
As if she’d heard my thought, Bethany’s growl shot into the room, and I dropped my phone onto my lap like I’d been burned. Goosebumps sprung up on my neck.
“Call me immediately,” she said. Her pause went on long enough that my heartbeat doubled. “And do not think you can challenge me about Arie.”
* * *
A few days later, I bundled up in my coat, mittens, and Roan’s scarf to walk to the Brew House. I was going there because I wanted to return his scarf. Not because I couldn’t stop thinking about him.
I picked up my mail from the box and sorted through the envelopes as I strolled down the sidewalk. Electric bill. Cell phone bill. A few sales fliers. And a large, brown envelope with a return address in California. More paperwork related to Jason? I thought I’d settled everything before I left, but perhaps not.
It couldn’t be from Bethany. While I would’ve been happier to ignore her demanding message, I’d called her back and did my best to smooth things over.
Best of all, I’d remained assertive, making it clear I was staying in Maine and not moving back out west.
It had felt good to stand up for myself.
Arriving at the Brew House, I went inside.
“Roan’s out of town,” a young woman said from behind the counter. “He went to Farland but should be back soon.” The door between the general seating area and another room had been propped open. “You want to wait for him in the bar? We feature local microbrews on tap, and I can pour you one.”
I hesitated.
Sandy’s eyes lit up. “You know what? Go find a seat, and I’ll pour you a mini sampler. We have some excellent IPA on tap. And the chocolate-cherry stout is pure heaven.”
Although the idea was tempting, it was only one-thirty. “It’s kind of early for beer.”
Sandy laughed. “I guess you’re right. How about something to eat, then? Wings? Nachos? Our jalapeño poppers will set your world on fire.” She swept her hand toward a display on the counter filled with small bottles. “They’re even better when dipped in Roan’s hot sauces.”
Mmm. I loved spicy food. My stomach rumbled, suggesting it was eager for poppers dipped in Gram’s special recipe. But I had a sandwich waiting for me back at my apartment, as well as a ton of things left to do before Arie got home from school.
“Not today, thanks.” I started for the door. “I’ll catch up with Roan later.”
If I was wise, I’d leave his scarf behind. Not keep it coiled around my neck like a good luck charm. But I couldn’t hand it over yet. Maybe tomorrow. Or next Tuesday.
I stepped outside, and the wind stole my breath and cut into my cheeks. Lifting the scarf, I tightened it around my face and took a big whiff. Just to savor its warmth. Not because the scent lingering in the fibers reminded me of Roan.
The brown envelope from the law office slipped from my fingers and fell to the sidewalk. I retrieved it and, while people streamed around me, I ripped it open. No reason not to satisfy my curiosity now.
When I pulled out the papers inside, my jaw dropped and my pulse turned to sludge. “No.” This couldn’t be.
I dropped onto a nearby bench before my legs gave way. I gulped in cold air, chilling my lungs, but my heart had already frozen solid. Tears drizzled down my face and landed on Roan’s scarf.
…termination of parental rights…unfit parent…best interests of the child…
My in-laws were suing for custody of Arie.
Roan
Striding down the sidewalk after a successful meeting in Farland—where the town planning board had approved my proposal for a new restaurant—I came across Cara sitting on the bench outside the Brew House. Waiting for me?
Awesome idea, but doubtful.
A few slips of paper lay on the bench beside her.
I approached and stopped in front of her. When she lifted her teary face my way, my mouth flashed dry.
“Shit. Cara. What’s wrong?” Sitting beside her, I took her hand.
“They’re…” She buried her face in my chest.
I wrapped my arms around her while she shivered. Had someon
e hurt her? A growl rumbled in my throat, and I darted my gaze around. No one else but us here now, but anything could’ve happened before I arrived. “Tell me what happened.”
Cara leaned back and stared up at me, her red-rimmed eyes filled with shock. “John. Bethany. They’re going to take Arie away from me.”
“Wait. Slow down. Jason’s parents, you mean? What are they doing?”
Cara sniffed and pointed to the brown envelope lying on the bench. The stiff breeze lifted a piece of paper off the top and swept it away. Leaning forward, I snatched it from the air and then skimmed the brief letter.
What the hell?
“How can they do this to me?” Cara’s voice rose an octave. “I’ve been…Everything.” Storm clouds churned in her eyes. “I’ve done every single damn thing they ever asked of me.” She smacked the envelope and flipped her hands into the air. “Did I enjoy making chop suey every Tuesday night for dinner? You know how much I hate cooked onions.”
I nodded. Although I wasn’t sure what cooked onions had to do with the current situation.
“And don’t forget the board games. I like Monopoly as much as the next person, but not playing it twice a week.”
Realizing she needed to vent, I patted her back. At least the tears that had wrenched my insides sideways had stopped.
“I spent every single damn vacation with them.” Her face twisted. “And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy making small talk with a woman who’s obsessed with her hemorrhoids.”
“Hemorrhoids?”
“Stool softeners. Correctol. Warm prune juice.” A vein throbbed in her temple. “You try to enjoy your margarita while someone’s talking about their bowel routine.”
Chop suey. Vacations. Let alone bowels. What was she talking about? “I’ll pass.”
“Damn right, you’ll pass. I wish I’d had that option.” Her shoulders slumped, and I gathered her close again. She whispered against my throat, “I did it all because it pleased Jason. And it made my in-laws happy. But this…” Pulling away from me, she crumpled the paper into a ball. “This is taking things too far. They will not steal Arie away from me.”
“We’re not going to let it happen.” I’d scale Mount Katahdin on my knees to make sure Cara kept her child.
Her lips quivered. “We?” Tears filled her eyes again. “You don’t know how much I appreciate you being here right now. I…I’ve leaned on everyone so much in the past. When I moved home, I decided it was time I learned to handle things by myself. But something like this? It’s broadsided me. I can’t figure out what to do.” The break in her voice tore through my chest like a jagged sword. “I can’t let them take my daughter away from me.”
“I have an idea.” I stood and extended my hand, grateful she took it. And I was even more grateful that she trusted me before she knew what I had to offer.
She stood, her mail clutched to her belly. I couldn’t miss my scarf wound around her neck. I liked seeing it there because it suggested she enjoyed wearing it. Even if only because it kept her warm.
“Where to?” she asked, staring up at me.
The hope in her eyes crushed my lungs against my ribs. I’d help her through this in any way I could. Arie wasn’t going anywhere. Her in-laws would have to get past me first.
“We’re going to go see my mother.” The sharpest lawyer in the state of Maine.
Her eyes widened. “That’s right. Your mom might be able to give me some advice.” She looped her clutch strap over her arm and lifted her chin. I was proud of how quickly she turned what seemed like defeat into a cry for battle. Our battle, because I wasn’t going anywhere. “Let’s go.”
I’d parked my car a few blocks away. Leading her over, I unlocked and then opened the passenger door. “Hop in.” I strode around the back and climbed inside beside her. Fortunately, the car hadn’t cooled down yet. While Cara shivered and blew onto her hands, I cranked the engine, blasted the heat, and shifted my car into gear.
Cara stared out the window as we drove through town, gnawing on her fingernail. I could only imagine how scared she felt. How could anyone consider taking a child away from her mother?
After parking, we walked inside, took the elevator to the third floor, and then strode down the hall. Inside the office suite, we approached Larson’s desk.
“Hey, how you doing, Roan?” Larson stood, and we shook hands.
My gaze drifted to Cara, and my smile deepened. “Cara, this is Larson Prentiss, Mom’s assistant.”
Cara nodded. “Nice to meet you.”
I nudged my chin toward my mother’s door. “She with anyone right now?”
“Not for about twenty minutes.” Larson lifted his eyebrows. “Can I let her know you’re here?”
“Nope. We’ll just go in.” I took Cara’s hand. “Let’s see what we can do about your in-laws, shall we?”
Nothing like having a shark lawyer in the family when you needed one.
“Roan,” Mom said when I opened the door.
She stood, and I kissed her cheek.
“How’s Janine?” I asked. Janine was Mom’s wife.
“Great. You need to come out for dinner some night this week.” Looking around me, her eyes widened. “Cara! My gosh. Sweetie! I heard you’d moved home and hoped we’d meet up soon.” Her gaze narrowed on me holding Cara’s hand, but she didn’t comment beyond the upward tilt of her lips.
They hugged, and Mom stepped back, smiling. She smoothed her wavy hair—which I’d inherited from her, the light color from my dad—and then she ran her hands down the front of her peach-colored pantsuit, before sitting. “You two are…” Her smile deepened, and she might as well shout her thoughts out in the room. Unfortunately, she couldn’t be more wrong. While Cara and I were well on our way to reconnecting, we’d never be more than friends.
“Cara’s got a legal problem,” I said. “Can you help her?”
Mom blinked, and her happiness slipped away, along with her smile. Pure lawyer came through in her voice. “Tell me what’s going on.”
Cara handed over the letter. “My in-laws are suing for custody of my daughter, Arie.”
“Your dad is proud of that girl.” Mom’s chestnut eyes darkened when she shot them my way. “If only one of you would give me a grandchild.”
Grimacing, I lifted my palms. “Don’t look at me. I’m not even married.”
Mom’s chest lifted and fell. “I’ll be an old lady before I get to hold a grandbaby.” Her gaze softened again when she directed it at Cara. “Your dad shows me pictures of your daughter all the time. Such a sweet little girl. But let me see what we’re dealing with here.” Frowning, she spread the paperwork out on her dark green desk blotter. “Hmm. Okay.” She tapped a pen on her chin.
Cara perched on the edge of a chair, and I took her hand again, which was so cold, the chill sunk through my palm.
“Well.” Mom looked up, her brow wrinkling. “It’s rare for a grandparent to sue for custody. Usually, they only do something like that if the parents are unfit.” Leaning back in her chair, she tossed the pen onto the papers. “Which I’m sure is not the case with you, Cara.”
“They were upset when I told them I was moving home.” Cara stared down at her lap, and her lower lip trembled. “But I couldn’t stay in California any longer. I needed to be free.” Her gaze darted my way. “You understand, don’t you?”
Not completely, but I had my suspicions. It sounded like her in-laws had controlled much of her life for the past few years. A snarl rose in my throat, but I pinched it back. As her friend, I could only lend support and sympathy. Not slam her in-laws for putting that stark look of fear on her face.
“First,” Mom said. “We need to discuss the formalities. Do you want me to take your case?”
“Of course.” Cara swallowed and straightened her spine. “I need a good lawyer, and I can’t think of anyone I trust more than you.”
I’d bragged about my mom’s court wins all through high school and college. Mom was one smart lad
y, and I could only hope I’d inherited a fraction of her savvy.
“Frankly.” Mom lifted the letter. “I have to wonder how they found a willing judge. Few would take on a case that needs to be settled in another state. Since you now live here, your case will have to be heard in Maine.”
“My in-laws are incredibly wealthy,” Cara said. As if panic rushed through her, her breathing picked up, her agitation reflecting in her tone. “If they want to take Arie from me, they’ll find a way. They have a fleet of lawyers ready to do whatever they ask. They won’t care what it costs.” Slumping back in her chair, her voice weakened. “They’ll wear me out until I do whatever they say.”
“I see.” Mom blinked at Cara for a moment before opening a desk drawer and pulling out a lined pad of paper, which she dropped onto the blotter. Pen in hand, she nodded. “Let me take some notes.” All business, now, her gaze narrowed on Cara. “I assume you and your husband married before your daughter was born?” The shift of her eyes in my direction was telling.
Had she known how I felt about Cara all those years ago? In my senior year of college, something clued me into the fact that the friend I’d laughed with all of my life was more than just a fun sidekick. She’d grown into a thoughtful, smart, kind woman. Someone I ached to treasure as she deserved. But I didn’t poach, and she’d been with Jason. Until just before graduation.
Cara stared straight ahead, focused solely on Mom. “We married a month before Arie was born.”
Why not immediately? After her father announced the news, I’d wondered. Had sleeping with me messed things up for them? When Jason tracked me down the morning after we slept together, he’d practically ripped my head off. Not that I blamed him. If Cara had been mine and another guy took advantage of her, I would’ve gone ballistic. But while angry, Jason had remained remarkably calm. His control could’ve all been on the surface, though. Mine sure as hell would’ve been.
“Then paternity isn’t a question.” Mom’s stare took me in, but my thoughts couldn’t show on my face, could they? I’d told no one other than Dag about that night. Not even Lainie.