Back off.
A satisfied smile curls on my lips when the phone starts ringing less than a minute later, and I tap ignore.
“Let her stew on that.”
“What did you do?”
“I found a Justice of the Peace in Kentucky and sent her the link.”
He returns my smile, shaking his head. “Just say the word, and I’ll get us there tonight.”
Chapter 30
Pierce
“This is it!” Darby announces, spinning with her arms wide around her new industrial kitchen.
The area is massive, easily three times the size of what she was working with at home. Recognizable faces of her new team filter in from the adjoining kitchen and swarm her, throwing out questions.
News of her arrival spread, and for the two days we’ve been here, we’ve been inundated with visitors at her new place. I can’t count the number of invitations we’ve turned down to go out and introduce Darby to her new city. These people have encompassed her, welcoming us both and working to make her a member of their crew. A part of me is glad she has this support system. Another part of me wants to steal her back, lock us in her apartment, and continue to fuck her on every possible surface. Unfortunately, that’s going to have to wait because I’m leaving for the airport soon.
While Darby fields questions, I take the opportunity to walk the space, taking inventory of everything and snapping pictures. With what she’s shared with me, and seeing this for myself, ideas for my design begin to come together. Mr. Baldwin sold me the whole building, not only the space she was using, so my plans include expansion.
“Are you almost ready?” She presses into my back, linking her arms around my waist.
“Do we need to unpack those?” The boxes she shipped are stacked in a corner.
“I have all next week to get that stuff arranged.”
“Let’s go then.”
She gives a quick wave to those still lingering, and we head out. The drive to the airport is quiet, and the closer we get, the lead grows heavier in my stomach. I just got her back, and all too soon, I’m losing her again. The circumstances may be different, but the reality of her being far away is sitting heavy on my mind.
“I’m going to be fine. There’s no need to worry about me.” She clutches my hand.
“I didn’t say anything different.”
“No, but the grinding of your teeth and strain in your neck are dead giveaways.”
“This isn’t how I pictured our life together starting, me hopping on a red-eye back to South Carolina and leaving you in Colorado.”
“You almost sound angry.”
“I’m pissed at myself. If I would have handled things differently back in May, we could be in a very different position right now.”
She stays quiet, and when I glance over, she’s staring forward, working through something in her head. An uneasy silence fills the space, and when she turns, her face is filled with sadness. “I would have probably turned them down. If the timing was different, and we’d have reconciled even a few days earlier, confessing all that we know now, there’s no way I would have left you. I’d have given up the largest opportunity of my career to have our life together.”
Her admission cuts me even deeper. “Baby, that’s not what I meant.”
“I know it sucks. My heart is breaking with each mile we get closer to the airport. This is a huge risk for me. I’ve left everyone I know and love to chase a dream. When you get on that plane, it’s my dog and me. No friends, no family, not even an emergency contact that doesn’t require a cross-country trek. I’m scared to death, my confidence is on shaky ground, and the man I’ve spent most of my life loving will be thousands of miles away. Not to mention, my place in your new life is causing a war with the mother of your children, which I knew was going to happen.”
I swerve at the impact of her words. “Jesus, Darby. Why didn’t you tell me any of this?”
“Because I don’t get to play a victim. It’s hard to garner sympathy when it’s my decisions that led me here.”
“You’re not a victim, nor do you need sympathy. You need the fact that you’re amazing drilled into your head until you believe it.”
“What I need is the assurance you can handle this because my biggest fear is you realizing you made a mistake and can’t deal with the distance. You’ve convinced yourself that Brasher is going to automatically relocate me home, which is most likely true according to the terms of my agreement, but what about in the meantime? The six months or longer I’m out here?”
Fuck no.
I notice the exit in time to veer off, driving to the back of the first parking lot in view. She starts to protest, but I’m quicker, releasing her seatbelt, hauling her over into my lap, and trapping her to me. “There will never be a time I consider this a mistake. It was a dick move to bring it up.”
“I’m being dramatic because I’m emotional about you leaving.”
“That could be part of it, but the bigger issue here is if I’ve given you any reason to doubt where I stand when it comes to you.”
“No, but your uphill battle is only beginning.”
“I’m strong enough to handle what’s waiting for me at home. You have a job to do out here. Kick ass, stay strong, and when the time comes, get home to me. You can’t keep me away for long. I’ll be back in a few weeks. I’ll be making this commute for as long as it takes.”
She frames my face with her hands and brings her quivering lips to mine. “I love you.”
My chest constricts, and I sift my hands through her hair, twirling the smooth strands around my fingers. “If there was any way to reschedule my flight, we’d be headed back to your place.”
“I know. It gives us something to look forward to.”
•—•—•—•—•
“Is this shit ever going to stop?” Miller’s clipped question ratchets up my own frustration.
“Not soon enough.”
“I’ll have a bottle waiting at your house when you get home. Don’t worry about the kids. We’ll be fine.”
“Thanks, man. I owe you. Don’t forget to grab Maya’s phone, especially tonight. Connie’s going to be unpredictable.”
“Got it.” He disconnects as a text chimes.
Darby: Good luck. I’ll be here when you’re ready to talk.
Me: I got this. Call you tonight.
I try to keep things light because the last thing I want is Darby worried. After her revelation last weekend, it’s important for her to focus on what’s in front of her, not what’s happening here.
I spot my lawyer exiting his car and go to meet him. “Pierce.” He offers his hand.
“John, thanks for all your work on this.”
“My line of work is rarely known as a ball of fun, but I don’t envy you today.”
“Yeah, that’s why I called in the big guns. Dealing with Connie has become an issue best dealt with professionals.” He dips his chin in understanding and leads the way into the law office.
The receptionist gestures to a large conference room, where Connie is seated with her lawyer. Her eyes are trained on me, glowing with immense anger. I ignore her, taking a seat across the table.
Her lawyer begins immediately. “Mr. Kendrick, we understand you have an urgent matter involving the children that couldn’t wait.”
“It better be urgent. I had to take the afternoon off work,” Connie snips.
John opens a folder and passes around the documents I forwarded to him earlier this week. “These are copies of what Mr. Kendrick has requested this meeting for.”
“Oh, for God’s sake, can we cut to the chase so we’re not paying these lawyers for every word?” Connie rips the papers from the table. “What the hell is this?”
John motions with his fingers for me to go on. “The first is a three-thousand-dollar veterinary bill on the dog that was hit. The next invoice is for the thousand dollars it’s going to take to replace my neighbor’s mailbox. If you flip again
, there is a notice from the driver of the car that had the collision. His father thinks we should pay half of the damages to his son’s car.”
“Why the hell are you bringing all this to me?”
“It was your demand and instructions that led to the accident. You are partially responsible.”
“The hell I am. This happened on your watch. It’s your responsibility.”
“I was in the shower, in my home, with the kids locked in. There was no danger. Then you called, lost your temper, and directed our daughter to do something, threatening her if she didn’t.”
“That’s such crap. I’m not stupid enough to believe you’re going to have to pay for any of this. That boy was texting and driving. He’s at fault no matter what his father wants to believe. His insurance is supposed to pay for all damages, including the mailbox. I’m not paying shit toward your girlfriend’s dog nor the accident.”
John hands me another sheet. “Just to be clear, you are refusing to help cover any of these costs?”
“Yes,” she snarls.
“Well, here is the breakdown from our custody agreement the judge signed off on. Over the years, we deviated away from this with a loose arrangement where the kids could float, but that is no longer a possibility. We’ve already reverted to the split living arrangement recommended. Starting this month, I will no longer be paying extra to cover your mortgage even after these bills are paid in full.”
Her face flames red, and she snatches the paper, scanning it. “Is he really able to pull the support he’s been paying? How am I supposed to survive?” She looks to her lawyer with an edge of panic in her voice.
“I went back and logged all of the extra money I’ve been giving you. Outside of all the financial extras, I’ve covered their insurance, their extra-curricular activities, their clothing, school supplies, and countless other things. You rarely have to open your wallet. In addition to child support, your supplemental income has been generous. That’s ready for the judge if necessary.”
“Don’t you dare talk to me like I’m a freeloader. These are our children you’re referring to. You live in a swanky mini-mansion in an exclusive part of town and own a portion of a very profitable business. Yet, you shoved me in a mediocre townhome, and I work paycheck to paycheck. No judge is going to take your side.”
“Keep telling yourself that if you want. Your townhome is anything but mediocre; you chose that community based on the zip code and prestige. Don’t forget, I lived next door for many years. And, last I knew from court papers, you make a generous salary.”
“You brought me here today to discuss money?”
“No, there are a few other things. Maya’s pediatrician gave me a referral to a child psychologist.”
“You want her to see a shrink?”
“I’m concerned about Maya. It’s evident in the last few months that your influence over Maya is dangerous and, in my opinion, borderline harassment. She’s at an age where guidance is important.”
“Harassment? How did you come up with that one?”
“You’re using her to get back at me, and she’s not equipped to handle the pressure and confusion.”
“You are a piece of work. I’ve gone through hell for years, been humiliated by you, and tried to raise our two kids while you lived your bachelor lifestyle. All I ever wanted was what was best for us as a family, and you refused to try. The instant that woman breezed back into town, you’re suddenly a family man that has high morals and standards. Two months back, and she’s sporting a diamond that could fund a small country. How dare you do this to me?”
John’s hand lands on my arm, and he gives me a weary warning. He’s well aware of my temper and animosity toward Connie. I suck in a deep breath and give him the signal I’m under control.
“Connie, I gave up my bachelor lifestyle long before you entered the picture, and you know that. Darby was my life, and then things changed. I’ve never made you any promises, nor did I do anything to lead you on. At the risk of sounding like a bastard, you knew the stakes back then. My love for Darby has nothing to do with me being a good father. I want what’s best for the kids, and your recent actions prove you have a different agenda.”
“I’m not going to go under scrutiny for being a single mom who wanted to make things work with my children’s father!”
“You knew there was no chance of that.”
“Connie, I think we should stop now,” her lawyer advises.
“I can’t believe we’re even here right now, all because of your damn girlfriend and her mangy dog.” She ignores him.
“My fiancée,” I correct her.
“It’s not my fault the dog ran off and caused a damn accident.”
“Connie, your actions almost killed Runner and could have seriously hurt that young man. You’ve gone to great lengths to manipulate our kids. Your anger could have killed someone, and you spread that shit through our little girl. I’m taking that seriously. This goes much deeper. I’ve been warning you for a while that you need to reel in your attitude, and that we need to focus on raising Maya and Cole. You continued to fill their heads with falsehoods, and now, you’ve put them in a position to where they don’t know right from wrong.”
“Bullshit. This is all about that bitch.”
“That right there is a single example of the reason we’re here. You place the fault anywhere but on yourself. I take full responsibility for being blind all these years to what is happening under your roof. That’s not the case anymore. Darby doesn’t factor into this unless you count your hatred for the woman in my life. A part of me wonders if you’d be acting this way if I was marrying someone besides Darby. Would you despise them, too?”
The fire in her eyes is my answer. It’s time to wrap this up.
“The bricks for the mailbox had to be specially ordered, and they arrived this week. Maya and I will be rebuilding the mailbox this weekend. I probably know the answer, but I’ll throw it out there anyway. You are welcome to stop by and help. It will be a good step toward proving to the kids we can be civilized.”
“Are you kidding me? You own a construction company and can easily have one of your crews do that job. Why is she doing manual labor?”
“Because she’s learning there are consequences to her actions.”
“You’re punishing her.”
“No, I’m teaching her a lesson.”
She rolls her eyes. “Fucking ridiculous.”
“Suit yourself. One last thing. I’d like to take the kids out of town during their Christmas break.”
“Let me guess? Aspen?”
“Yes.”
“The answer is hell no. Their first time on a plane is not going to be to fly across the country to see her.”
“I think we’re done for today,” John speaks up. “We’ll discuss any plans for travel at a future date.”
He and I stand, him shaking the other lawyer’s hand before going. John waits until we are at my truck before speaking.
“I hope your generosity over the years doesn’t come back to bite you in the ass.”
“Me too.”
“It’s none of my business, but humor me. Why did you decide to give her all that extra money?”
“Out of guilt and obligation to Maya and Cole. I guess it was my way of compensating for not loving their mom.”
“You know that you aren’t going to have to pay for the damages to that kid’s car. He was at fault.”
“I know, but Connie needed to see how serious this is. You heard her. She can’t see past my relationship with Darby and understand I’m focused on the wellbeing of our kids. She’s always been cunning and conniving; hell, she even made a play to move into my house. It can’t go on.”
“I’m going to piss you off here, but it’s my job to be objective. You’ve been dormant in parenting with Connie for a long time, so the boundary lines were blurred. Now, you’re speeding at full throttle to establish what should have been happening all along. Darby reentering your li
fe lit a fire under your ass. It’s important to keep your attention on the welfare of Maya and Cole and steer clear of any references to your personal life when it comes to Connie—no matter how hard it is—because that woman sitting across from you today is the epitome of a woman scorned. She’s pissed, and she’s likely to keep lashing out. You’re going to need to get a grip on that Kendrick temper you’re known for. Stay on the straight and narrow and find an outlet for your anger. If this goes back to a judge, we need everything solid.”
I nod, hearing him loud and clear. Lose the attitude.
“Call me if you need me, which will probably be soon.” He slaps me on the shoulder and leaves.
I hope he’s wrong and that I won’t need him soon. But it’s highly unlikely.
Chapter 31
Darby
“Let’s head home. I’m beat.” Runner sits dutifully at my feet while I strap his leash to his collar. He trots his way through the park while I wave to a few familiar faces and call out my greetings.
This has become our routine. Several afternoons a week, we come here so he can release some energy. He’s used to having space. My place only has a small yard, but he’s adapted well.
In the five weeks we’ve been here, my world has shifted on its axis. Being a part of Brasher is nothing short of spectacular. Everyone from management to my team has made me feel welcome. I thought it would be hard, working with a large crew and managing the demands, but it isn’t. There was a small period of adjustment, not handling all the financials, but since I’m included in all managerial meetings, the reports are given to me weekly. And that suits me because I can concentrate on running my kitchen.
Three days after Pierce left, I couldn’t stand the boredom and threw myself into work. They were happy to have me start earlier than expected. They already have a full-time baker, and everyone knew I was brought in for my specialties. So far, it’s been a hit. Technically, it’s not tourist season in Aspen. Between the festivals and outdoor enthusiasts, Brasher keeps a packed resort, which has been great because I’ve been able to stay busy.
Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers Book 1) Page 31