by K. C. Crowne
I picked up my phone and called Grant. He knew Josie better than I did; maybe he could give me some insight into what was happening.
“Hey Cyrus,” Grant said. “What’s up?”
“The strangest thing just happened. Elle Shaeffer came into my office and asked me to marry Josie Parker,” I announced in lieu of a greeting. “She said it would help her out of a situation with her ex. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”
Grant was quiet for a moment and I thought maybe I’d lost connection.
“Grant?”
“Yeah, I’m here. I was just thinking.”
“About what?”
“About what to tell you.”
“So you do know.”
“I know a bit, yeah. But to be honest, you really need to talk to Josie. I can’t say much.”
“What’s this big, bad secret everyone’s keeping?”
“It’s not a bad secret, but it is a big one,” Grant said quietly. “But it’s not my secret to tell. It’s not Elle’s either.”
“She didn’t tell me anything, which is why I’m confused as hell.”
“Yeah, I don’t blame you. It’s a pretty weird request to get, but I think I can understand what they’re trying to do.”
“Oh yeah? So do you think I should do this?”
“Are you willing to?” Grant asked.
“I—I don’t know. I really haven’t thought about it; it seems crazy to me still. That’s why I was hoping you could tell me what’s going on.”
“Talk to Josie, Cyrus. That’s all I can tell you.”
“Alright. I guess I’ll have to do that, but Grant?”
“Yeah?”
“You didn’t answer me when I asked if I should do it. Do you think it’s a good idea? Is this the best thing for Josie?”
He took a second to respond. “Honestly? I think it’s the only option for her, but whether you do it is up to you. You’re a good man, Cyrus, but this is a big favor to ask of someone, especially since you’re unsure what you want from her. But if you’re willing to do it, then yeah, I think it’s a good idea.”
I rubbed my beard and contemplated his words. He really wasn’t going to tell me anything more. I knew if I tried, I’d get the same response as before.
“Thanks, Grant. I guess I’ll talk to Josie.”
Chapter 9
Josie
“Almost there, little guy,” I said, keeping my voice overly cheerful for Milo. “Almost ready to walk.”
“Pretty soon you won’t be able to keep up with him.”
I glanced at my mother who stood in the doorway between the living room and the hall. She had a smile on her face as she watched Milo pulling himself up to his feet, using the couch as leverage. She was so proud of her grandson, and it radiated from her face every time she looked at him.
“Heading out?” I asked her.
“Yes, and don’t wait up for me. I’m thinking I might sleep over at Darlene’s tonight.”
I nodded. “Makes sense since she moved all the way to Salt Lake. I’d hate for you to drive back late.”
“Don’t need to worry about me. She’s already got the guest room made up.”
Darlene was her best friend. They’d known each other since high school. In a way, they were a lot like Elle and me, just older. Darlene had a hand in raising me too, helping my mom out during the rough times.
“Tell her I said hello, and that she needs to come visit sometime. I miss her.”
“I’m sure she will soon, sweetheart.”
Mom blew a kiss in my direction before heading out the front door. The silence of the house was almost unbearable. Her television was almost always on when she was there, and without her, the place felt empty.
I focused my attention on Milo. His little hands wrapped around my fingers as he pulled himself up. With my help, he could almost stand, but he was unsteady on his feet. He wanted to stand on his own so freaking bad, though. I could see it in his face.
“Soon, buddy,” I promised him. “And then Grandma’s right! We won’t be able to keep up with you.”
I kissed the tip of his nose, and he shook with laughter, his knees giving out. I helped him gently back to the floor, and right away, he wanted to try again.
“You’re persistent, aren’t you? Well, I’m glad you don’t let a little stumbling keep you down.”
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I reached for it and saw it was Elle, so I answered.
“Hey, chica,” she said on the other end. “I’m pulling into your driveway. Just thought I’d give you a heads up.”
“Not much of a heads up,” I teased. “But sure, come on in. The door should be unlocked. I’m in the living room with Milo.”
“Sounds good. See you in a second.”
I listened for the familiar beeping of her car locking and her footsteps on the front stairs. The door opened and closed, and she walked straight into the living room.
“Is it a good idea to keep the door unlocked?” she asked. She plopped down on the floor across from me.
“Mom just left, and I haven’t told her what’s going on yet. Didn’t want to worry her before her night with Darlene.”
“You should be more careful, Josie.”
“I know. I should have gotten up to lock it,” I muttered. “But it’s not like he’s out yet.”
“Yeah, but we don’t know who’s taking photos of you and stuff.” Milo turned to look at Elle, giving her his best toothy grin. “And how’s this little booger?”
Elle reached for Milo, and he used her hands to try and stand. Her eyes widened as he pulled himself up, with her help.
“Yeah, he’s going to be walking soon.”
“Seriously, I’m amazed at how strong his little legs are.”
She helped him walk over to her and gave Milo a big hug. Milo pulled back and stared at her for a few seconds before falling back on his butt, giggling as if it was the funniest thing in the world.
“So what’s up?” I asked. I handed Milo some cups to stack since that was his new favorite activity lately. He focused on putting the big cups on top of the small ones, giving me a second to talk to Elle.
“Oh, you mean I can’t just stop by for an impromptu visit with my best friend and her adorable baby boy?”
“Well, yes. You do it all the time. But earlier today you said you had a plan, and I figured you were here to talk about that plan.”
“I am,” she said hesitantly.
“Then spill, Elle. I’m dying for some hope here.”
“Alright, alright,” she sighed. She leaned back, resting against the coffee table. “So don’t kill me, but I went to Cyrus for help.”
“You did what? Why? What could he possibly—”
Elle held up a hand, stopping me mid-sentence. “Listen, Josie, I know it sounds crazy, but I think he could help you. And he’s willing to think about it. He just needs to talk with you first. And before you ask, I didn’t tell him about Milo. I left that up to you.”
“Okay… So how is he supposed to help?”
She bit her lip, and I could tell she was struggling to say what she needed to say. She was hiding something. I was just about to encourage her some more when she let it all out. “I asked him to marry you.”
“You did what?” I screeched as my jaw hit the floor.
“Think about it, Josie. You could marry him really fast, and if he’s willing to, he could adopt Milo, claim that he’s his son. The man has money, a secure home, he’s big and strong - everything you need to protect yourself and Milo from Wade.”
“But why would we need to get married? Why not just say he’s Milo’s father?”
“To make everything look more legit. In the eyes of the court, if you have a happy, well-adjusted family life with a husband-slash-father, why would they even consider giving custody to Wade, a convicted criminal just out of prison?”
I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. I was speechless. My head was sp
inning with a million thoughts.
Elle continued. “I know a little about Cyrus’s history, Josie. His mom was in a similar situation as you are now, and she lost custody of him. He grew up with an abusive father, but he left home at eighteen and came back to Liberty to take care of his mother after getting out of the army. Not to mention, the two of you have already hit it off and—”
“Yeah, but marriage? That’s rushing it, Elle. Especially since we’ve agreed nothing serious would be happening between us.”
“It doesn’t have to be a real marriage, Josie. I mean, unless you want it to be.” She raised an eyebrow at me. “It’s really just the appearance of a marriage, you know?”
“I don’t know about this, and the fact that you went to Cyrus and discussed such an insane idea without telling me, I’m not sure how I feel.” I was angry, I knew that much. But also confused. “What if there was a chance for something between us? I feel like this might have ruined it. He’s not going to want to get in the middle of my drama.”
“Well, if you leave town and never return or talk to any of us again, there’s no chance either. So I figured, why not? Besides, it’s me doing the asking, not you. It seemed a little less crazy.”
“No, it still seems really crazy to me.”
Elle’s lips pulled back into a crooked smile. “Yeah, but he said he’d think about it.”
I’d heard her mention that earlier, but it really sunk in. I felt floored. Good thing I was sitting down, or I might have fallen over in shock. “He did? And you didn’t badger him into saying that just to get you out of his hair?”
She shrugged. “I only badgered him a teensy bit.”
“Elle,” I groaned.
“Kidding! I didn’t badger him at all. Just talk to him, will you? Please?”
“I don’t know…”
“Josie, do you really want to take Milo away from everyone he knows here? What about your mother? Is she willing to just hop in the car and never return, leaving her friends behind? Not to mention, Wade’s got the resources to find you wherever you go. Do you want to be alone somewhere with no help against him? Or at home with your friends and your family who have your back?”
I hadn’t really thought about any of that, especially about my mother. I’d assumed she would just go with me, but thinking about how close she was to Darlene and all the folks in her church group, and how her parents had grown up in this very house and how she said she never wanted to leave… Well, Elle had a point.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen. I highly doubt Cyrus is going to go through with this, but—p”
My phone buzzed, and I stopped speaking. Elle’s eyes jerked to my phone, as did mine. I grabbed it as quickly as I could, but she saw the name pop up on the screen. She literally screamed. “It’s him!”
“Yes, it’s Cyrus,” I muttered. My hand was shaking, and I wasn’t sure I could answer it. My heart raced.
“Answer it, dummy.”
I guess a rejection was better than not knowing anything. I hit the answer button and lifted the phone to my ear silently.
He spoke first. “Josie?”
“Yeah, it’s me.” My voice sounded a bit weak and quiet.
“Uhh, are you okay? Is now a bad time?”
I looked over at Elle. I didn’t really want to have this conversation with her listening. I needed time to think everything through before making a rash decision.
I stood up from the floor and covered the mouthpiece. I whispered, “Can you keep an eye on him?” I nodded my head at Milo.
Elle nodded almost too enthusiastically.
“Sure,” I said, speaking into the phone as I walked down the hallway. “I mean, yes, everything is okay. We can talk. What’s on your mind?”
I had a good idea what was on his mind but hoped to play it cool. I walked into my bedroom where I shut the door and plopped down on my bed.
“Has Elle spoken to you yet?”
“Yeah, she’s actually here now,” I said. “And Cyrus, let me just say, I’m so sorry she came to you like that. I had no idea.”
“I know you didn’t put her up to it. Listen, can we talk about it?”
“You don’t have to even consider it,” I explained, my face heating in embarrassment. “I know it’s asking a lot.”
“I’d like to help, Josie. If I can. But first I need to know exactly what’s going on.”
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. There was no way I could explain it all over the phone - simply no way.
“Could you come over? It would be easier to explain it in person.”
“Sure, just give me a time.”
“Around seven, maybe? I’ll even cook you dinner as a thank you for hearing me out and an apology for my crazy friend ambushing you.” Milo would also be awake a bit longer, which would allow Cyrus to meet him. But it would also give us a chance to talk once I put Milo to bed. It seemed like the perfect compromise.
“Sure, just text me your address.”
“Will do,” I said. We said our goodbyes and I hung up the phone. Rubbing my temples, I sat there for a few moments and asked myself, “What in the hell am I doing?”
Chapter 10
Cyrus
As soon as Josie opened the door, my stomach flip-flopped and all the blood rushed to my lower extremities.
She wasn’t in her usual yoga pants and workout gear. No, she was wearing a pink sundress with a small bow cinching in her waist. Her long, honey blonde hair fell around her shoulders in gentle, natural waves, and she was even wearing a hint of makeup. It almost looked as if she was trying to impress me.
I. worked.
“Come on in,” she said, holding the door open for me to step inside. “Sorry the place is a mess, I’ve had a lot going on.”
“It’s alright.” I stepped past her and into the house, catching a whiff of something soft and lightly floral. I turned toward the smell and realized it was her.
She smiled at me, then motioned for me to follow her.
I heard a familiar voice in the living area. “Elle’s here?”
“Yeah, but she’s heading out, I just needed her to stick around until I let you inside,” Josie said softly.
We walked down a short hallway and turned into a small living room. In the middle of the floor sat Elle and a baby that appeared to be less than a year old.
I froze.
“Cyrus, I want to introduce you to my son, Milo,” Josie said slowly. She walked over to the child and picked him up.
“Your son? I didn’t know you had a kid,” I stammered. It made me rethink everything. The idea was crazy enough as it was without a child in the mix, and I wasn’t father material.
Elle stood up and whispered, “I’ll see myself out.” She passed me and squeezed my arm, forcing me to meet her gaze. “Keep an open mind, will ya? And don’t tell anyone you were here, even if you decide not to help.”
She continued past me, and I heard the door open and shut. Neither Josie nor I spoke for several moments.
“Uh, wow,” I said, running a hand over my face. “I, uh, I think this is the first time in history that I’ve been speechless.”
“I know it’s a lot to take in, but here, take a seat and let me explain everything.”
She sat down on the sofa, and I sat down in the chair beside her. Milo stared at me with brown eyes, his fingers in his mouth and slobber running down his chin. Josie tried to reach for some napkins on the table but couldn’t with Milo in her lap. I got them for her.
“Here you go,” I said, handing them to her.
“Thanks. He’s teething,” she explained, wiping the baby’s chin gently.
He fussed in her arms, throwing his limbs around to try and break free. She helped him down onto the floor, and he calmed. He continued staring at me, though.
“So what’s the story, Josie? I’m guessing your abusive ex is his father?”
She cringed. “Yes, I’m afraid so.”
“And you’re looking for pr
otection for your son and yourself?”
“Well, yes, but also…this is going to sound super crazy, but if you knew Wade, you’d understand. I’m hoping to convince him he’s not the father.”
“So he doesn’t know about the boy?”
“He knows, now, but he doesn’t know for a fact that he’s his.”
“You do realize that a simple DNA test could prove he’s the father, right?”
“Yeah, but I’m hoping it doesn’t come to that. Wade never wanted kids, not really. He’s only using Milo to get me, to punish me for leaving. He knows if he gets custody, I’ll have no choice but to come back to him.”
My eyes fell on the little boy at her feet. He was playing with some cups, dropping little balls into them and laughing in glee when it pinged at the bottom, constantly looking up at Josie for validation. Josie would smile at the boy every time. It wasn’t even a conscious act, just natural for them to react to each other.
“Also, Elle told me about how the law works a bit, but it would be asking a lot of you. It’s also something I’d have to consider carefully.” She bit her lip and looked away.
“Go on.”
“Well, first of all, we could put you down as his father on the birth certificate, but that gives you rights as well as responsibilities. We’d have to trust each other 100% before going into something like that. If you act as his father, and we prove that you’re raising him and supporting him, it would be harder for Wade to sue for custody. He could still fight it, but it makes things tougher, and there’s a good chance the courts would still see you as Milo’s father, even if you aren’t biologically his dad. Especially considering Wade’s past, his criminal history, and the fact that he hasn’t been in Milo’s life up to this point.”
I let out a deep breath and relaxed back into the chair. I didn’t know the law fully, but Josie seemed fairly confident.
“Of course, we’d have to look into everything and decide if that’s what we wanted.”