by Beth Carter
Hannah’s chest heaved from excitement. “Do you remember how fabulous I was on the air when Ozarks5 came to the bank anniversary event last year?” She didn’t wait for Alex to answer. “You know, the time when you froze on camera. Anyway, they remembered me, reached out a month ago”—she put a finger to her lips—“it was all hush hush.” She beamed. “Ozarks5 approached me and asked if I wanted a part-time internship.” Talking at warp speed, Hannah said, “I’ll learn the ropes at the station, from copywriting to handling the camera, to editing. If all goes well, they said I may get a shot at weekend reporting. I’d be on the air. Can you believe it? That’s my dream job.”
“I thought marketing was your dream job,” Alex deadpanned, as she fought to contain her glee at the possibility of seeing less of her intern. She grinned for the first time all week. “Tell me all about it.”
Hannah’s face fell slightly. “I’m a little torn. Daddy doesn’t want me to leave Show-Me Bank. He needs me. You need me.”
Alex needed Hannah around like she needed sour milk. She faked enthusiasm. “I’ll manage.”
Hannah brightened. “I think I can work at both places—unless they put me on the air, of course. Then, that’ll rise to the top. Wouldn’t you love having me in your living room every night?”
Forcing back a gag reflex, Alex said, “That would be something.”
Scooting forward in her chair, Hannah lowered her voice. “If I do get to report, I’m going to ask the station if we can do live interviews with our lenders. It’ll be great exposure for Show-Me Bank. Daddy loves the idea.” Hannah paused. “Of course, we won’t interview you since you’re camera shy.”
Alex wanted to punch her. “I had a lot on my mind at the anniversary event. It wouldn’t happen again,” she said. Forgetting that embarrassing shell-shocked night was at the top of her priority list.
Tapping her desk, Alex continued, “Enough about Ozarks5. We need to talk about bank business. I met with the business journal rep while you were gone. Want to see the contract?”
Hannah glanced around, realizing Alex was in her seat. Obviously discombobulated, she scanned the office and said, “Where are the labels?”
“All done.” Alex turned to the computer and wondered if Hannah had changed her ihatehannah123 password.
Chapter 69
Paul Taylor had gotten preliminary information over the phone and sought Tucker’s approval to obtain a copy of his DNA results. Before Tucker arrived in his office, he had taken the liberty of contacting Britney’s mother on a fact-finding mission.
When he heard a knock on the door, he greeted Tucker and asked him to take a seat.
Tucker accepted the coffee cup the receptionist handed him. His hand shook so hard, some java spilled onto Paul’s desk. “Sorry. I’m a little nervous.” He took a handkerchief out of his pocket and dabbed at the coffee.
“Don’t worry about that.” The attorney shook his head. “You’re going to have bigger problems, I’m afraid. Does a woman named Jill sound familiar?”
Nodding, Tucker said, “Yeah, That’s her. We had a one-night stand in high school.” He swallowed. “What, um, what did she say?”
“She fired off plenty of questions and demands about your location. She was ready to track you down herself. Britney’s mother sounds like a wildcat. From what she told me about the timeline, location of Britney’s birth, her results, and after seeing yours, you are likely the father. The lab or a physician will have to confirm the final conclusion, of course, but—” He paused. “I can tell you she’s going to pounce on you immediately for money.”
“I can take it.” Tucker hung his head. “In fact, I deserve it.” He managed a small chuckle. “If Jill is the woman I remember from high school, she was a wildcat back then too. I guess she hasn’t changed.”
“I’m glad you’re taking responsibility. I’ve drawn up the paperwork and have figured back child support with interest. It’s a large sum, but I’m sure the girl’s mother would rather have monthly payments than none at all.” He pushed the document toward Tucker.
Tucker’s eyes bulged at the tens of thousands he owed. “Man, I’ve been an idiot. I hope she’ll forgive me.”
Paul rolled up his sleeves. “The contract states you’ve agreed to pay five hundred dollars a month, half the child’s medical and dental expenses until she turns 21, and half her college tuition. I also addressed visitation rights but since she’s a teen and will likely have school conflicts, you may want to be flexible with that. For now, I said you’d get her every Wednesday evening and every other weekend after you’re married to Hope since she’s the girl’s counselor. Having a known entity who is also Britney’s school counselor will make visitation a much smoother process.” Paul took a sip of coffee as the news settled in. Studying Tucker, he said, “You mentioned you wanted to make it right, so I took you on your word. Her mother may balk and ask for you to pay one hundred percent of everything, or she may be grateful to have this much.” The attorney considered Tucker. “You won’t know until you meet. We can always negotiate, but this is a good starting point.”
“It sounds more than fair, sir.” Tucker signed the paperwork, Paul made copies, and gave him an agreement for Britney’s mother to sign.
“Bring the child support document back with her signature for my files. Also, a copy of Britney’s DNA test results, if her mother agrees.” He patted another document on his desk. “This consent form grants me permission to access that information and to seek a medical professional to confirm the DNA.” He studied Tucker over his half glasses. “Of course, if you dated a Jill in high school and this turns out to be the same woman, we probably have our answer.”
Tucker nodded and uttered, “Yes, sir. I think I’d recognize her right away.”
Paul glanced at his watch. “She agreed to meet you at the Starbucks on Sunshine in half an hour. I suggest you get a table outside for privacy in case Jill’s as wound up as she was earlier.” Paul stood and shook Tucker’s hand. “Good luck. Sorry to rush you out the door, but I’ve got a court case in an hour.”
~ ~ ~
Tucker drove to Starbucks in a daze with the child support document on the seat. The only time he had been this nervous was when he asked Hope to marry him. Once he parked, he wondered if this Jill would be the same gangly teen he remembered in high school. He blew out his breath as he remembered their rushed sex act after Jill had practically disrobed in front of him, ripped his favorite plaid shirt off, and unzipped his jeans. He remembered how inept he had been since it was his first time, but it definitely wasn’t hers. Hope is the total opposite of Jill.
As he stood in line at Starbucks, that eventful night flooded Tucker’s memories. He remembered it was over practically before it began. He scolded himself. What an idiot I’ve been. I’m a grown man and can no longer blame my dead parents or aunt and uncle for insisting this pregnancy be kept secret. It’s all on me now. He jolted into the moment as the barista said, “Next.”
He ordered a cup of strong black coffee and crossed the bustling coffee shop to make his way toward a table outside in the corner.
Within minutes, a woman with a fancy venti drink with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry strode toward him on an undeniable mission. “Well, well. I thought you’d at least buy my coffee, Tucker Jensen.” Jill stared him up and down. “You haven’t changed much over the years except for going into hiding and ignoring your fatherhood duties.”
Her words bit into him like freezing rain. His pulse raced as he recognized Jill, even though the years hadn’t been kind to her. “I deserve that.” Wincing, he said, “But I didn’t go into hiding.” Shifting in his seat, he said, “I was wrong. Very wrong. My parents were killed in an accident my senior year. I was sent to live with my aunt and uncle in Alabama. They weren’t exactly helpful with this situation.”
“Cut t
he sad sack crap.” She waved her drink in the air. “I’m the one who raised Britney. Now you think you’re going to prance into her life, be a fucking daddy hero, and save the fucking day.” Jill set her coffee down and lit an e-cigarette.
He shook his head. “It’s not like that. I want to make it right. I want to make it up to Britney and to you.”
Vaping in his face, she hissed, “Do you have any idea what struggles I’ve had over the years?” Her voice rose. “Do you know how hard it is to get a kid to school and myself to work in the morning? Do you know what’s it’s like to have mounting bills that you can’t afford.” Jill glanced at his left hand. “Of course you don’t. You’re obviously not married and probably don’t have a care in the world. You just look out for Tucker, don’t you?” She puffed on her e-cig. “You always have, selfish bastard.”
“I’m not alone. I’m engaged.”
“Well, la-di-da.” Jill crossed her legs. “Exactly how do you plan to handle this new daddy thing? How do you plan”—her voice became shrill—“to make it up to me and to Britney. Huh? Got any money because I sure as hell don’t. Been scraping by ever since you played the David fucking Copperfield vanishing act.”
Tucker took the emotional beating. After Jill wore herself out, he said, “You’re right. I was a scared teenager. But so were you. I didn’t consider how hard it was for you. I sure didn’t get any support from my family.”
She sucked on her e-cig. “So, now it’s your family’s fault.”
Shaking his head, he said, “No, this is all on me. I’m going to make it up to Britney and to you.” He stared at the woman he slept with once in high school. If he had passed Jill on the street, he never would have recognized her. He knew it must have been hard being a single mom. Staring at the ground, ashamed, he said, “I deserve all of this and more. I’ll make it up to both of you, financially and otherwise.”
She took another drag. “I’m listening.”
Tucker handed her the envelope. Britney’s mother pulled out the agreement and quickly flipped through every page, rereading a few passages as her finger moved across the type. Her hardened face softened the more she absorbed. Jill patted the agreement. “This here is a good start. Do you have this kind of money?”
“I’ll need to make payments, as you can see. I certainly don’t have the lump sum and don’t know anyone who does. Maybe a millionaire, but that’s not me.” He took a deep breath. “My attorney suggested a monthly payment plan. I agreed to pay you back child support with interest.”
“I noticed. I’m not stupid,” she snapped.
He held up both hands. “I know you’re not. I’ll also pay half her medical and dental expenses and half her college.”
The woman actually smiled. “That is welcome news. Britney needs braces, so keep your wallet out.”
Tucker finally relaxed his shoulders. “I can’t wait to meet Britney. I thought I could take her out for dinner with my fiancée. You’re welcome to join us.”
“Not so fast.” She glared at Tucker. “Who exactly is your fiancée? I may not want her—or him—around my Brit.”
“It’s a woman, and Britney already knows her.”
“What? Have you already been going around my back, because that’s not gonna cut it, Tucker Jensen. I make the rules.”
“Of course not. I’ll follow your rules. She knows my fiancée because she works at Hilltop.”
“No kidding? Small world.” She held her e-cig between her fingers. “Who is she?”
Tucker smiled. “My fiancée is Miss Truman.”
He couldn’t quite read Jill’s response. Something crossed her face. She didn’t appear upset, nor thrilled. She huffed. “Britney loves Miss Truman. Absolutely loves that woman. She talks about her all of the time. I get sick of hearing Miss Truman this and Miss Truman that.”
Tucker decided not to touch her remark, only saying, “We’d like to tell Britney about our engagement ourselves. We want to take one step at a time. This comes first.”
“Fine.” Jill shrugged. “Whatever.”
Getting out his checkbook, Tucker decided to get back on more neutral terms. He wrote out a check and decided to triple the amount he owed for that month. “I can’t do this again—I’ll have to get back to the five hundred per month agreement—but this should help out with expenses and maybe you can set up a payment plan with an orthodontist toward Britney’s braces.”
Jill’s eyes widened when she saw the amount. She shoved the e-cig to the side of her mouth, snatched the check, and stuffed it in her purse. “Can I borrow your pen?” After he handed it to her, she feverishly scribbled her name at the bottom of the child support agreement. She drained her fancy coffee, threw it in the waste can, and said, “You must have a good job.”
“I’m a truck driver.”
“They must pay well.”
Tucker handed her the DNA consent form. “I’m supposed to have you sign this too. We need to compare my DNA results with Britney’s.”
Jill laughed hysterically. “You and I both know that isn’t needed. We slept together in high school. I recognize you and you recognize me, but hell, let me have your pen again. I’ll sign it.” She scribbled her signature and patted her purse. “Now I’ve got me some money to go to Downstream Casino. My boyfriend will be thrilled.” Pausing, she said, “Since Britney already knows Miss Truman, why don’t you take her all day on Saturday? You might as well get this daddy thing started.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “I’m ready for some adult time myself.”
Tucker’s eyes widened. “Will Britney be okay with that? She doesn’t even know me.”
“Aha. But she knows Miss Truman very well. I know she’ll be safe with her there.” She wagged her finger. “And I want Miss Truman around every minute. You can pick Britney up at ten on Saturday morning. I’ll be back by ten or eleven that night.” She ran off saying, “We’re goin’ gambling.”
Mumbling, Tucker said, “That money’s for Britney,” but Jill was already gone.
Chapter 70
The minute he got into his vehicle, Tucker called Hope.
“Thank goodness you’re calling. I haven’t been able to concentrate on anything all day,” Hope said. “Did you recognize Britney’s mother?”
“Yeah, it’s definitely her.”
“Oh, my God.” Hope burst into tears. “I. Cannot. Believe. This.” Between sobs, she said, “This is-is unreal.” A sob escaped. “I’m in shock but also elated your daughter is Britney. This is like a storybook. I feel like I’m watching a movie or reading a novel. I can’t hardly believe this. Any of it.”
“It’s true.”
She sniffled again. “Brit’s wonderful. I can’t wait for you to meet her.” Between whimpers, she asked, “How did it go with her mom?”
“Pretty well, I guess. She signed the child support agreement.”
“Thank goodness. I want to hear all about it.”
“I’m near our favorite Mexican Restaurant. Can you meet soon?” Tucker turned out of the parking lot and headed east.
“I’m on my way. Order a margarita for me, please.”
Tucker laughed. “Way ahead of you. We’re getting an entire pitcher. I need half of it.”
“Uh-oh,” Hope said.
“It’s okay. See you soon. Love you.”
Once Tucker was seated, he ordered a pitcher of margaritas before the server asked for the order.
“Long day?” She grinned.
“Something like that.” He munched on chips and salsa that another server had placed on the table while he waited.
Within minutes, Hope scooted beside him in the red booth. “Hi, handsome.” After she planted a kiss on his mouth, she said, “Tell me everything.”
Tucker told her about the child support agreement, monthly payments, medica
l and dental expenses, and college tuition. “I hope you approve because if you don’t—” He let out a nervous laugh. “Blame your dad.”
“I approve. It’s only right.” She bit into a chip. “I haven’t been able to eat all day. I’m starving.” She studied him. “You’re in one piece so I take it she took the news of seeing you after all these years fairly well.”
“Oh, Jill chewed on me for a good long while. I might be missing a limb.”
Hope winced. “Sorry.” But she knew if she had been in her position she likely would have done the same. “How did you leave it? When do we get to see Britney as a couple?”
“Saturday.”
“This Saturday?” Hope’s mouth fell open. “I’m surprised, but no better time than the present.” She stopped speaking as the server took their orders of two beef enchiladas, rice, and beans. After the server left, Hope asked, “What do you have in mind for our first meeting?”
“I had hoped you could help with that. We’re going to have her for twelve hours.”
“Twelve hours?” Hope’s eyes widened. “That’s nuts for the first outing.”
“I thought the same thing, but her mother has big plans to go to Downstream Casino.”
Hope made a face. “Did you give her money already?”
He nodded. “I know, I know. I guess I should have waited until the monthly due date but I owe so much. I wanted to get started. I gave her fifteen hundred dollars as a head start.”
“And she’s going gambling.” Hope shook her head. “Britney’s mom does realize the money’s for her daughter, right?”
“Yep. Jill mentioned Britney needs braces.” He took a big gulp of margarita. “Back to Saturday, got any ideas for a twelve-hour adventure?”