Van: Vested Interest #5

by Melanie Moreland

  “We got him,” Reid said. “Hal’s already on it.”

  I calmed. “I owe you, Reid. I owe you a debt I can never pay.”

  His voice was as serious as Reid ever got. “Just love that little girl and look after her. Keep her safe.”

  “With my life,” I vowed.

  “Then we’re even.”

  I wasn’t allowed to be present at the meeting between the lawyers, their clients, and the judge. Hal explained each side would be allowed to present their argument, then the judge would decide if there was a case—and whether it would move forward or be decided today. It was in an office building, not the courthouse, which made it less scary for Liv.

  “They encourage parents to work together if they feel it is in the best interest of the child.” Hal patted his briefcase. “After today, the judge won’t feel that way. Nolan’s story that he was young, scared, and not thinking straight is going to be shot to hell when I present this email and all the corroborating facts.” Reid had dug up dates and timelines, Liv’s statements, and put it all together for Hal.

  Hal smiled. It wasn’t a pleasant smile, but rather the kind which happened right before the monster ate you. “I’m going to insist he go first. I’ll let him hang himself with his lies.” His teeth flashed again. “Then I’ll refute every word.”

  Despite his reassurances, leaving Liv to face this without me was difficult.

  I worried. Liv was calm, but I knew how fearful she was—terrified that something would happen. I drove her to the building and waited downstairs, alternately pacing and sitting with my head in my hands. My parents and Elly had Mouse, treating her to a day off school and spoiling her, all anxious for news. I knew, regardless of the outcome, Liv would need to get to her fast once this meeting was over.

  Bentley and Maddox checked in on me, sending encouraging emails. Jordan had spoken to me the night before, offering his support and telling me to take whatever time I needed away—he assured me it was covered.

  Unable to stay still, I went outside, walking around the side parking lot, needing the fresh air.

  Hearing my name being called, I glanced up, surprised to see Aiden.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “You’re here for Liv. I’m here for you.”

  “I’m fine.”

  He squeezed my shoulder.

  “I know, Van,” he encouraged, “I’m only here to keep you company.”

  “It’s been a while.” I indicated the building with a tilt of my chin.

  “These things take time. You got this.”

  “Reid got this, you mean,” I said, worried. I knew I had to keep him out of this, no matter what occurred.

  “Yeah, the boy wonder has struck another blow for the good side,” he mused. “He’s turned into quite the defender.”

  “Thank God he’s on our side.”

  Aiden chuckled. “You got that right. He’s covered. Don’t worry. I couldn’t be prouder of him if he were my own brother. I love that kid.”

  The side door of the building was flung open so hard, it slammed into the exterior wall. The noise startled me, but not as much as the sight of Nolan marching down the stairs, his face red and livid. He was talking to his lawyer, gesturing in anger. He was cursing and blaming the world for everything and anything. He hurled insults at his lawyer, who threw up his hands and stormed away, leaving Nolan on his own. He caught sight of me and rushed forward, his fist raised, screaming obscenities. I fell back into a fight stance, ready to defend myself and hoping he enjoyed the punch. It was the only one he would get.

  “You think this is over?” Nolan shouted.

  Except, as he rushed forward, Aiden stepped in, and with one well-directed swing of his fist, knocked him to the ground. Nolan lay there, stunned and not moving.

  “Yep,” Aiden drawled. “I heard the fat lady sing. It’s over.”

  For a second, I gaped, then I grabbed his arm. “Aiden—what the fuck? He was coming for me! What did you do that for?”

  Aiden shook his head, looking nonchalant. “I didn’t do anything, Van. I slipped, and my elbow knocked into his chin.”

  “The hell you did,” Nolan growled, shaking his head. “I’m going to sue you. You and your fucking company.”

  Aiden leaned down and grabbed him by the collar. “Let me help you up.” He jerked him upright, the air escaping Nolan’s mouth in a hiss. Aiden leaned close. “Bring it on, you asshole. I’ve been waiting for this moment. You mess with my family? I mess with you.” He pushed Nolan away, who fell, cursing, to his knees.

  Nolan scowled, inspecting his hands. “I am going to ruin you,” he spat.

  A security guard appeared. “Is there a problem?”

  Nolan pointed to Aiden. “He attacked me.”

  A voice to the left startled me. “I saw the whole thing. Mr. Callaghan is telling the truth. He slipped the first time, accidentally hitting Mr. Nolan, and Mr. Nolan stumbled afterward.”

  I gaped at Simon.

  Why was he here?

  Nolan glared at him. “You’re fired.”

  Simon waved him off. “I quit this morning. I can take a lot of things, but I won’t work for a man who would try to take away a woman’s daughter.” He turned to me. “I came down to offer my support, Van. Looks as if I got here just at the right time.” He straightened his shoulders. “I’ll testify if I have to.”

  Aiden nodded. “Thanks.”

  “Me too.” I offered.

  Nolan struggled to his feet, wiping his mouth, glowering at Simon. “You’ll never work in this town again.”

  Aiden tilted his head. “I wouldn’t be so sure of that.”

  Nolan spun on his heel, stalking away. The security guard looked at us and walked away with a shrug. I tried not to chuckle. He looked about sixteen and not equipped to handle spilled milk, much less break up a fight.

  “Aiden,” I began.

  He waved off my words. “Go get your girl. I hafta call Bent and break it to him. He’s gonna yell. And he is gonna make me pay for breaking the contract.” He grinned. “But man, so worth it. It felt good. I didn’t like that scumbag.” He clapped Simon on the shoulder. “I might be looking for a smart man to head up a current project working with Van. I heard you’re a hard worker. I’ll need a crew immediately. Know anyone?”

  They walked away, and I hurried inside and up the stairs. Liv sat in the hall, Hal standing next to her. He was leaning down, talking, when they heard me approach. Liv was out of the chair, running toward me. I caught her in my arms, letting her sob into my chest. She was shaking with relief, the adrenaline rush hitting her hard.

  I looked at Hal, who followed her.

  “It’s over, Van. No reinstatement of rights. The judge was very clear. Nolan couldn’t disprove his own words. He doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in hell now, next week, or next year. We’ve shut him down.”

  Keeping one arm around Liv, I offered him the other hand. “Thank you,” I said, the only words I was able to push through the tightness of my throat.

  He shook my hand. “Let me know when you want to proceed with the other matter we discussed. I’ll do it pro bono. Consider it a gift.” He smirked. “I heard a bit of commotion happened outside. Everything all right?”

  “Yep. It’s all good.”

  He winked. “I’ll be in touch.”

  I encased Liv back in my embrace.

  “We got her, Liv. Our girl is safe and staying with us.”

  She lifted her face, relief and happiness radiating from her eyes. It had been so long since I had seen her beautiful eyes shine at me that way.

  “I need to see her.”

  I wiped the tears from her face. “No more crying. It’s over. He can’t touch her or you.”

  “I know.”

  I held out my hand. “Come on, Livvy. I’ll take you to her. Everyone will want to celebrate, then we’re going home and having a celebration of our own.”

  She spoke as we headed to the stairs. “I guess we
can go back home now. To the apartment”

  I stopped and looked at her. “The apartment isn’t your home. You’re already there. With me.”

  “What are you saying?”

  A conference room emptied out, the hallway getting busier. I stepped closer to her as people jostled and hurried by, not paying any attention to us.

  I wrapped my arm around her waist. “Stay, Liv. You and Mouse. Stay with me. You’ve made the house a home, and if you go, it’ll be empty again. I’ll be empty.”

  Her eyes grew big. They became nervous, but then she smiled. “You want us? You really want us?”

  “Forever.”

  “Okay, then.”

  I picked her up, holding her tight. “Okay, then.”

  “Mr. Van, can we do this every night?” Mouse asked, grinning widely. Marshmallow and chocolate stuck to her face, bits of graham crackers littered down the front of her shirt.

  I chuckled and slid another marshmallow between two crackers, offering it to Liv. She preferred it without chocolate. Although, I informed her quite sternly, then it was no longer a s’more.

  But she could have it anyway she wanted as long as she looked the way she did tonight. It was amazing what a couple of nights rest and the absence of stress could do for a person.

  She was happy, smiling. Relaxed.

  Finally.

  Sandwiched between her and Sammy, I was more content than I thought possible.

  “It’s only for special occasions, Mouse.”

  Her frown disappeared as I handed her another treat.

  “Besides, you don’t have an outdoor fireplace at your apartment.” I pointed out.

  “Oh.” Her frown returned.

  I set down my skewer and tapped my chin. “Unless…”

  Her eyes grew round with anticipation. Her mouth opened in a big O, waiting for my next words.

  “Unless you and Mommy wanted to live here—with me.”

  She blinked. Looked at Liv then back at me. Her voice quivered. “Forever?”

  I pulled a small box from my pocket and opened the lid. A tiny ring sat inside, the world’s smallest diamond twinkling in the light. “If I give you this ring and you say yes, it’s forever, Mouse.”

  Sammy squealed, and no matter how often it happened, or how much I braced myself for it, I was never ready. My eardrums shuddered with the sound. But her little arms around my neck and her excited kisses on my face made up for it. Liv watched us with an indulgent look on her face.

  “Really?” Mouse cried. “We can live here with you? Like a family?”

  I set her on my knee, facing Liv. “Yes, I want you and your mommy to live here with me and be a family.” I drew in a deep breath. “My family.”

  “Can we, Mommy?”

  “Yeah, baby. If that’s okay with you.”

  Sammy looked up at me, her dark eyes pleading. “Can I call you something besides Mr. Van?”

  I ran a hand through her hair. “Sure, Mouse. You want to try just Van?”

  She shook her head. “Can I—can I call you Daddy?”

  My gaze flew to Liv’s. Her eyes widened, but before she could speak, I did. Mouse had given me the perfect segue.

  “I’d like that, Mouse, but on one condition.”

  She frowned. “I don’t know what that is.”

  I chuckled. “It means, if you call me Daddy, then Mommy—” I pulled out another small box, extending it toward Liv “—has to call me husband.”

  I barely noticed Mouse’s squeal this time. All my attention was on Liv. Her gaze went from the box to my face, then back to the box. Her hands clasped at her chest and her mouth opened, but no sound came out.

  I leaned close. “I love you Olivia Rourke. I love Samantha. Let’s move on from the past of being alone and live life together. As a real family.” I reached out and cupped her cheek. “Accept my ring, Liv. Accept me. Live with me and be mine.”

  For a brief moment, there was silence, then she said the best word in the world.

  “Yes.”

  I claimed her mouth hard and fast, pulling her into the circle of my arms. I kissed Mouse on the nose and hugged them tight.

  I had them both.

  My girls.

  * * *

  A year later

  I folded the newspaper and drained my cup of coffee. Crossing the room, I refilled my cup, leaning against the counter and surveying the main floor.

  It had changed a great deal in the past while. I had always liked the simple lines of the room, but it had lacked something. Liv had changed all that. She’d added color and texture, moved the furniture around so it was a comfortable grouping. Added pieces and made the house feel like a home. My favorite addition was the chaise lounger which sat by the fireplace. I had taken it from the cabin, with Bentley’s blessing, and restored it. It held a lot of great memories for us.

  But it was Mouse’s additions which really changed it.

  My world used to consist of blue and gray. Dark woods and smooth textures.

  It now contained a lot of pink. And lace. Little girls, Sammy especially, liked lace.

  And the damn horrid glitter was everywhere.

  Every room contained something of Sammy’s. Her hair things, ribbons, favorite toys. Her tiny shoes were scattered around the house like decorations. I found stuffed toys everywhere I went—even the workshop where Sammy spent a great deal of time with me.

  And I loved every damn thing about it.

  With a sigh I pushed off the counter and looked out the patio doors. I’d finally added the hot tub, and in the middle of the yard was a small aboveground pool. Sammy was like a little fish and spent much of her waking hours in the water on hot days. I loved climbing in with her and cooling off after a long day, listening to her never-ending stories of what occurred while we were apart for a few hours. To hear her tell it, the hours were endless, and I had to admit, some days, it felt that way to me. She was growing too fast, and I hated missing a moment of it.

  I glanced toward the mantel, the additions on the bookcase, as always, making me happy. The two framed collages highlighted the two most important days of my life.

  One was from the day I married Liv. Right here in our house—the place she made a home. We had the ceremony in the backyard under the trees, festooned with lights. The day was simple, surrounded by our closest friends and family. There’d been lots of laughter, music, food, and love. So much love. It was the exact kind of day we wanted.

  Mouse tripped down the aisle, scattering flowers, and talking to everyone as she went. She paused by Bentley, who was holding his daughter on his knee. She patted Addi’s leg and admired the sparkly shoes on her tiny feet.

  “Ooh—where’d you get those shoes for Addi, Mr. Bent? Can you tell Daddy? I bet he’d buy me a pair.”

  Everyone chuckled, and to make sure I married Liv today and not next week, I held out my hand. “I will, Mouse. But you need to come to the front.”

  She glanced back at the shoes, then the ones on her feet. They were plain white with only a few sparkles on the bow, and I knew they no longer pleased her.

  “We’ll order some online as soon as we’re done here,” I pleaded, desperate enough to bribe her, even if it got me in trouble with Liv.

  That did it. Wreathed in smiles, she dumped her basket of petals and hurried to the front. She wrapped her arms around my leg, gazing up at me. “I love you, Daddy.”

  Everyone in the crowd melted. I did as well.

  It didn’t matter that she was supposed to stand to the left. I didn’t care if the petals were a mound of color on the carpet runner laid out for Liv. Bending, I picked her up and kissed her nose, then settled her on my hip. “Good job, Mouse. Let’s watch Mommy now, okay?”

  Liv was a vision in a pretty pale blue dress that swirled around her knees as she walked toward us. Her hair tumbled past her shoulders, and her smile was brilliant. But she was taking too long, and I met her partway down the aisle, bending to kiss her.

  “You are so
beautiful,” I murmured against her mouth.

  “And you are so off-script,” she teased.

  I tucked her hand into mine, and we finished the walk as a family. I never put Mouse down, and I never let go of Liv’s hand until it was time to exchange rings. And as soon as it was done, I wrapped my hand around hers, refusing to let go.

  I still held her hand every day.

  The second frame held the adoption certificate Hal had helped me acquire. Sammy was officially mine. Liv took the picture of Mouse and me. I was holding her with an indulgent grin as she gazed up at me, her hands on my face as she talked.

  Mouse talked constantly.

  That day, it was only the three of us. Me and my girls celebrating our little family—now legal and binding. No one and nothing could take her from us.

  I sat down on the sofa, remembering those awful days wondering if we would lose her.

  Nolan had tried and failed. In his selfish attempt, he had lost everything. John, the savvy businessman he was, offered Bentley a deal once he heard the real story. He fired Nolan, rehired Simon and allowed him to run the crews and finish the project. He avoided the bad press, kept his name attached to BAM and their good publicity, and cut all ties with Nolan. Once the project was finished, BAM hired Simon, who also brought along a handpicked crew. He had become one of my most trusted foremen and a valuable employee for BAM.

  Nolan lost his job, his fiancée walked, and the last we heard, he sold everything and disappeared. I wasn’t upset by any of the news. Good riddance.

  I startled when Liv’s arms came around me. Her sleepy voice made me smile.

  “Why are you up so early?”

  I tilted up my head, and she pressed a kiss to my forehead.

  “Hey, baby. Couldn’t sleep. Did I disturb you?”

  “No, but I woke up and my heating blanket was gone. I was cold, and I didn’t know where you were.”

  I patted the sofa. “Sit here, Livvy. I’ll warm you up.”

  She slid over the back of the sofa, curling up beside me. I tucked her feet under my legs and draped a blanket around her shoulders. She frowned as she studied me.