“I don’t know.” Lex wiped tears from the corners of his eyes as he tried to down-play his reaction with laughter. “Sorry. Sorry. I don’t mean to cry.”
“Are you sure you’re all right?” Ishkode asked.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Really,” Lex insisted, “I’m just a little overwhelmed.” Looking up at Tally, he must have read her distress because he gestured for her to get join them. “Come here, honey.”
“Yes,” Ishkode agreed, reaching his arm out as he made room for her in their embrace. “You belong with us, Tally.”
Wiping tears from her own eyes, Tally complied. “Then why are we crying?”
“Honestly,” Lex answered, “I think because we’ve wanted this for so long. I mean, I don’t know about you guys, but I finally feel complete. I’m overwhelmed with happiness. Does that make any sense at all?”
I do feel as though a weight I never realized I carried was lifted from my shoulders, she realized. “Yeah, it does.”
“Did you ever think this would happen?” Lex asked. “Imagine, we’re going to be parents!”
Ishkode tightened his grip on his husband, cradling him into his side while he drew Tally in closer as well. “I never thought we would be.”
“I hoped,” Tally said, winning a wet kiss on the top of her head from Lex. She vaguely felt the moisture his tears left behind, dampening her hair.
“We’ve all hoped,” Ishkode replied. “Well, if neither of you have plans this evening, I think we have a lot of details to hash out. What do you say we reconvene here tonight after work? I’ll cook up some steaks and we can tackle the hard questions.”
Lex choked softly as he pulled away to grab some tissue for his runny nose. “I think that sounds wonderful. I mean, the only way this is going to work is if each of us commits one hundred percent. A lot of pain in the past was because we left things unsaid, which led to misunderstandings. From here on, we need to be open, direct, and just trust one another to love each other through the hardships, you know?”
“Yes,” Tally confirmed, “I agree, though I’m not sure exactly what it means.” I know we can never go back to where we were yesterday. I feel liberated, and I know I’m where I always should have been, but how’s that translate into the real world? She sniffled, wiping her tear-stained face with tissue Lex handed her.
“I don’t think any of us know what it means in practical terms,” Ishkode replied, “but we have a lifetime to figure it out.”
Chapter 6
I don’t want to do this. Lex held back so the occupant in the office couldn’t see him through the glass wall. Why didn’t I let Tally handle this, like she suggested? He rotated his shoulders while shaking his arms and tossed his head from side-to-side, hoping to work the tension out of his muscles. You can do this. You can do this, he repeated like a mantra, jumping up and down in place a few times.
On his final jump, he exploded with an equine exhalation; the sound sputtering forth. Hanging his head, he rested his chin on his chest with his eyes closed, stretching the back of his neck. How do I get myself into these things? he wondered, but then annoyance overtook him. This is stupid. I’m a grown man, for goodness sake. His face pinched in frustration. Of course, so is Jazz.
Snorting in derision, he lifted his head to view the ceiling for a moment as he mentally scolded himself. You accepted this responsibility because you wanted to prove yourself. You wanted Kode and Tally to see how dedicated you are to them and that no one’s capable of breaking your resolve, he thought as he recalled their earlier conversation. Save for my father, there’s no one better to do that with than this crazy nut job.
Taking a deep breath, Lex braced himself for the coming conversation. This is too important to worry about Jazz, or anyone else, for that matter. There are things we need to know in order to protect our family and it only makes sense for me to be the one doing the research. I mean, Tally and I work with the Goliath, so it doesn’t make sense for Kode to speak with her. And Tally’s too busy with her caseload, so that leaves me, and I refuse to chicken out. Swallowing his concerns, he softly knocked on the open door before sticking his head into the room. When he did, and the dominating woman looked up from her desk, he asked, “Do you have minute?”
“Yeah, sure,” Jazz replied with a casual gesture, beckoning him forward. “Come on in.”
Lex stepped inside the office with more confidence than he felt. He eased his way toward the large oak desk, thinking, What a mess. It looks as though a tornado ripped through here. The disheveled desktop’s contents lay strewn haphazardly about. She’s the polar opposite of Tally, who’s neat and organized. Still, despite all her flaws, she’s a hell of a lawyer.
Jazz leaned back in her chair, folded her hands over her stomach, and demanded, “Lexi Love, stop eyeing my desk with such contempt. Being Tally’s assistant, I know you’re used to her OCD, but we can’t all be so anal.”
“Sorry,” Lex replied, feeling heat flood his cheeks as he blushed. Damn, the last thing I want is to insult her by appearing judgmental. That being said, I should probably refrain from commenting on her fashion choices. Spaghetti straps in winter and – what color is that, marmalade, really? He made a conscious effort to avoid staring at the tacky, loose-fit Harem Jumper she wore with black accessories.
“Hmm,” Jazz moaned without concern. “No worries. So, tell me, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company? Do you need me to get something from a high shelf for you again? You know, you could always use a ladder.”
Rolling his eyes, Lex sharply answered, “Look, giraffe, I need advice.”
The red-head cocked an eyebrow. “You want advice from me? Did hell freeze over or something?”
“I’m serious.”
Lex’s scowl, along with his nervous fidgeting, must have seeped into Jazz’s consciousness, because her expression turned scrutinizing. She tipped her head to the side as she regarded the lanky man, clad in beige colored slacks and a tattersall shirt of mauve and tan on white. Finally, she said, “I’m sorry, Lex. I can see you’re genuinely upset, and that this is no time for games.” With a professional air, she sat straight in her chair, giving him her full attention. “What can I help you with?”
It was moments like this that kept the brash Amazon tethered to the sultry bookworm. Regardless of the annoying harassment and barrage of insensitive – not to mention inappropriate – remarks the uncouth woman enjoyed molesting him with, Lex knew what most did not. He knew Jazz was loyal, if not always nice, and he knew, despite her carefree façade, she was reliable. Furthermore, she had an understanding of Minnesota Family Law that demanded admiration, which she’d wield, fighting like a rabid dog, to see justice prevail. Even if she gives me shit, she’ll protect my privacy and steer me in the right direction. Not only will she get the job done, but she’s someone I can trust. The realization made Lex pause momentarily. Wow. Who knew?
“Are you okay? You look a little lost.”
“Well, I guess that’s because I am.”
“What’s going on?” Jazz gestured toward the chair across from her, indicating Lex should take a seat. “I’ve never seen you so flustered.”
“I don’t know where to start.”
“How about starting at the beginning?” She suggested without malice or ridicule.
Lex nodded as he tried to collect his thoughts. Training his shale-colored eyes on the uncharacteristically quiet lawyer, he asked, “What does Minnesota law say about cohabitation?”
“Why do you ask? I mean, you and Kode are legally married, so you don’t have to worry about it.”
“True,” he acknowledged, “but Tally and I aren’t.”
“Wait – What?” She leaned forward with renewed interest, cocking her head slightly, positioning her ear closer to him, as though to hear him better.
As the two silently measured one another, Lex ran his hands along the top of his thighs, attempting to wipe his anxiety away. Lord help me, he prayed as the significance of the moment dawne
d on him. I can’t believe I’ll be the first to divulge the truth about us and what we mean to one another – and to Jazz, no doubt! Well, here goes nothing. “Look, there’s something going on –”
“With you and Tally?” Jazz sputtered loudly. “You’re fucking kidding me, right? I mean, this is a sick joke.” She stood in astonishment. “Tell me you’re not serious, Lex. You’re married!”
Lex sighed. There is it. That’s the Jazz reaction I expected; not her composed lawyer persona. “Shh, Jazz,” he demanded. “Lower your voice or, at least, close your door, for heaven’s sake.”
Without wasting another moment, Jazz stomped over to slam her door shut. She turned away from the open pit of employees, oblivious to their curious stares and the surprised responses her abrupt action provoked. Standing arms akimbo, she sneered at Lex. “Princess, you’d better spill it fast or we’re going to have a real big problem, you and I.”
He shook his head at her dramatics. “Jazz, stop, okay? Just, I don’t know, sit down and stop being crazy.” He glanced at the people outside the office. Though some had redirected their attention, others continued to mill around with anticipation, hoping to witness what might come next. I wish I had done this differently; approached her at lunch or closed the door as I entered. Instead, I’ve made us a spectacle – no, he corrected himself, she has.
The anger faded from Jazz’s face as she took in Lex’ discomfort. Her azure eyes turned in the direction he’d been looking and he could see the recognition spread into her consciousness. “Assholes,” she spat in disgust as she identified the gossip hounds pacing just outside the office. “Look at them! They’re practically drooling; greedy for a tidbit to gnaw on.” Without further delay, she pulled a string at the edge of the full-pane window, closings the curtains on her glass wall, giving them privacy.
“Well, maybe you could refrain from yelling and slamming doors,” Lex suggested. Of course, those are the same people she likes to get her trash from in order to manipulate office politics. Nasty business, that. He clicked his tongue in disapproval.
Appearing calmer, Jazz moved to the edge of her desk. Leaning against it, she supported herself with her hands, placing them on her sides like props. Crossing her legs at the ankles, she asked, “What the hell are you thinking?”
“Obviously, not the same thing you are,” Lex retorted, drawing back from the large woman as her presence filled the space around him. I assumed she’d be her usual pain in the ass, but I have to admit, I never imagined she’d think Tally and I were cheating on Kode. Even if we were, I never pinned her as someone who’d care. It’s common knowledge she’d screw Kode in a heartbeat, if she could.
Jazz shifted her weight to her buttock and crossed her arms over her chest. Her amble breasts pushed together, creating a mountain of bulging flesh that rose from the dip in her jumper. “Then what, Lexi; what is this?”
I think, when it comes to Jazz at least, it’s best to be blunt, he determined. “Kode and I want to ask Tally to move in with us.”
“Okay,” Jazz replied. Her tone cautious and her expression calculating. “So, you aren’t leaving Kode?”
“No.” Lex scratched his knee. Why in the world would she think that?
“But you’re planning to cohabitate with Tally, right?” She eyed him suspiciously.
“Yes.”
“Do you know what the definition of cohabitation is?” She asked, her concern turning to confusion as she struggled to piece the situation together.
“Yes, Jazz,” Lex snapped in irritation, “I know the definition just fine. Look, I’m trying to tell you that Tally asked us to father her child and –”
“WHAT?!” Jazz not only screamed her response, but she jumped to her feet. The shock caused her entire body to react.
“Jazz!” He scolded, looking over his shoulder, expecting an inquiry to come barreling through the door. “Be quiet, please. Geez, do you want the whole office to hear?”
That was when she pounced. She grabbed Lex by the shoulders as she peered down at him. “What are you talking about? Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
Lex squawked in fright and raised a hand between them with his palm facing the aggressive behemoth. His hand just floated there as he blinked a few times, unsure if he ought to shove her away or not. “Kode, Tally, and I are together now.”
“Like, together-together?” Jazz demanded confirmation, “as in, sexually?”
“Yes, Jazz, yes. That is what I said, isn’t it? Tally wants to have a child so she asked us –”
“And you said yes,” she interjected, posing a statement rather than a question. She abruptly released him and began actively pacing the length of her office. “I mean, of course you would. You’d do anything for Tally – Kode, too.”
I’m not sure if she means I’d do anything for Tally and Kode, or that Kode and I would do anything for Tally. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. Not that it matters, he decided, watching Jazz intently.
The large woman squealed with delight. “I knew it!” She pounded her fists in the air, and then danced a little jig, as though she were jogging in place. “When?”
“What?”
Diving forward, she latched onto him again and asked, “When did she ask you?” Before he could reply, she chuckled and slugged him in the arm. “It was during lunch, wasn’t it – the other day when I went home for a nooner, right? Tell me I’m right!”
Rubbing his arm and grimacing, he nodded. “Geez, Jazz. Did you have to punch me?”
“I knew it!” she proclaimed confidently. “No wonder she asked so many questions about my custody case.”
“What custody case?” Lex wondered. Now, what’s she talking about? For such an accomplished lawyer, she has the attention span of a gnat.
Waving her hands between them, she ignored his question. “So, that’s why you came to me for advice. You want to know if it’s legal for the three of you to live together in the State of Minnesota because you want to be one big happy family. Am I right?”
Lex just nodded. Why does she seem so happy about this? I mean, she’s acting like she just won the lottery. I don’t understand. After all, this doesn’t have anything to do with her, so why does she seem so invested?
“Well, I can answer that with a definite maybe!” She stared at him with wild eyes, looking as those she expected him to jump for joy at her less than satisfying response.
“Maybe?” Lex’s mouth gapped open. Maybe? What the hell kind of answer is that? “What does that even mean?”
Jazz dropped into her desk chair with an audible thump, rubbed hands together vigorously, and grabbed a pen. She began to scratch notes on her legal pad as she answered, “Well, it really depends on how you want to handle things.”
“Jazz, I swear –”
She interrupted before he could finish his threat. “Lexi Love, cohabitation is tricky. See, according to statue 609.34, it’s still against the law in Minnesota for any man to have sex with an unmarried – or single, as the law states it – woman because it’s considered fornication.”
He could feel himself deflate. “Oh.”
“Now, hold on,” the red-haired giant ordered, dramatically reaching in his direction. “There’s more.”
“Great,” he replied though his voice sounded defeated even to him. If we can’t cohabitate with an unmarried woman, then that rules out Tally moving in with us, which sucks. None of us want to raise our child in a split household. “So are you saying Tally needs to be married to live with us?”
“Well, yes and no. I mean, if she were married, the rules would change. It would no longer be an issue of fornication. Instead, it would fall under the 609.36 statue of adultery.”
“Adultery? You’re saying adultery is against the law?” Lex felt stunned. “Like, we could be prosecuted even if it’s consensual?”
“Yep,” Jazz confirmed. “That’s what I’m saying. Dude, if you were to be prosecuted under the current law, you could get nailed with no
more than one year in prison, fined up to three thousand dollars, or both.”
He rubbed his forehead in frustration. “So why are you telling me this, Jazz? I mean, it doesn’t help our situation.”
“Ah, but it sort of does, my friend.” When he looked up, meeting her blue gaze with his steely stare, he could read the excitement emanating from her. “See, the law doesn’t account for every situation so there are ways around it.”
“Wait,” Lex shifted in his seat. “What are you saying?”
The corners of her mouth pulled slightly upward. “The law only stipulates that fornication is when a man has sex with an unmarried or single woman. It doesn’t account for men or incidents involving same gender relations. Do you understand what I’m saying? Furthermore, limitations on the adultery law clearly state that prosecution cannot commence unless – and this an important part – a complaint is filed by the husband or wife involved.”
The light suddenly turned on. Genius! I could just kiss my brilliant Amazon! His smile broke into the largest grin his facial muscles were capable of producing. “Let me get this straight. If Tally were married, it would be legal for us to cohabitate together as one family because we’d no longer meet the law’s definition for fornication. And since none of us would press charges against the others, we wouldn’t have to worry about adultery laws either. Am I correct?”
“Yes,” Jazz nodded, “You got it exactly right.” Lex leaped out of his chair and hugged Jazz with jubilation. As they jumped around together in merriment, she dropped the bomb that flattened Lex’s mood. “The only sticky wicket is that you’d have to get a divorce before you could marry Tally. That’s easy enough to do though. I mean, I can file it for you, no problem. I’ll even waive my fees.”
“Wait, what?” Lex froze in place. “I’d have to divorce Kode?”
“Well, you can’t be legally married to more than one person regardless of gender, now can you? Fornication might be a simple misdemeanor, but bigamy, well, that’s a felony. Nobody wants that.”
Flawed Perfection: A Collection of Winter Wishes Page 24