“Hello?” her voice chimed. Monotone. Without feeling.
“Maria.” I pressed the phone to my ear as I stood outside Jess’ room. “This is Jack Swanson. We met at the party.”
Silence.
I scratched at my chin. Started pacing in front of the door. “I was calling to ask if you could keep the kids for a little while. Jess is in the hospital. She’s having stomach pains, and I don’t—”
“Don’t beat around the bush, young man. Jess is pregnant with your child. Hank told me all about it.”
I stilled, hand clutching the back of my neck.
“That wasn’t really his place, but she is, yes. And we’d appreciate it if you kept it to yourself until she has a chance to tell the kids.”
She made a throaty noise. “That should be the least of your worries. That woman should be fixed. Having another man’s child while married? It’s appalling. Truly.”
Heat swarmed my face, lips pulling tight as she continued berating Jess and me for our choices. Make sure to add in the kids, telling me what a horrible example we were. Her voice shifted in and out as my mother’s. Her words became crisper. Clearer. Until I couldn’t take another single second.
“That’s enough,” I said, my voice sharp and even.
The phone went silence.
“Now you listen here, Maria.” I dragged her name out. Finger lifted in the air. “You sit there on your high horse, feeling so superior, while judging everyone and their mistakes as if you’ve never made any of your own. Do you know how sad and pathetic that is? Let me ask you this, Maria. How many real relationships do you have in your life? How many friends? The true kind?
She started to protest, but I bulldozed right over her words.
“I’m going to guess not many, if any at all. My mother was like you, and you know what? She died bitter and alone. She’d spent all her time worrying about what everyone else was doing, and she never truly lived a happy life. Not even a content life. And you know why she lived like that? Because she was so unhappy with herself she couldn’t stand it, so all she could do was bring others down to her level.
“Now you… you envy Jess. You envy her beauty. Her heart. Her determination. Her youth. You envy the fact she’s still standing even after your piece-of-shit son tried to break her. You envy her, because you know you could never be half the woman she is. So go ahead—continue spewing your bitterness. Just know it will never touch her again. Not so long as I’m in her life. Do you understand me?”
For a moment, I thought she had hung up.
But then, there was a deep clearing of her throat. An almost shaky exhale. Then, voice still flat but lower, she said, “I will keep the kids. Let me know when you will be picking them up.”
All the tension in my chest, all the sludge in my veins, was replaced with light as I breathed out in relief. As my pounding heart slowly subsided into a manageable rhythm. “Okay,” I said. “I can do that.”
The quiet click of a phone hanging up was all the answer I got. But it was enough.
“Jack?” Jess said, stirring.
We had been in the hospital for hours, waiting for the results. At some point, Jess drifted off. Holding her hand, I smoothed her hair, praying to whomever would listen to please protect her and the baby. I tried my best to keep it together, for Jess, but as the hours crawled by, my resolve grew slippery. My doubts and shame chiseling away at my posed strength.
This was all because of me. Because of Hank.
We’d put this stress on her.
I had.
“Hey.” I kissed her head. “How are you feeling?”
She sat up, waking fully. “Have they come yet? Do we know?”
She was hooked to monitors. Wires going in every direction, recording hers and the baby’s heartbeats.
I pointed to the screen. “Still going strong.”
We knew the baby still had a heartbeat. We just didn’t know why Jess was bleeding or what it would mean for the future.
She rubbed her face. Her cheeks and nose were red and swollen, reacting to the medicine she’d been given. “This is such a nightmare.” She collapsed back against the pillow.
I tried to swallow past the knot that had tied itself inside my throat, but there was no use. My eyes stung. My nose smoldered. I knew I’d break if I spoke, so I just continued rubbing her hand and belly.
“How are the kids?” she asked, adjusting the blanket wearily.
I covered her toes for her. “Nic and Ciana are with their grandparents.”
Her eyes dipped in question.
“I called them when they took you in for the ultrasound.”
Her eyes widened, lips parting. “And how did that go?”
My shoulders lifted. Fell. “Let’s just say I don’t think Maria will be giving you a hard time for a while at least.”
Jess’ face blanched a little as she scooted up in the bed. “And what did… what did you tell her? About me?”
“She already knew, babe. Hank told her when he called her to bail him out. She didn’t have much to say about it.”
I wouldn’t tell her about the conversation. That was something I would take to my grave.
The doors to the room slid open a second later. The doctor strode in with a nurse on his heels. “Ahh, you’re awake,” he said, grinning.
Jessica and I sat up, eager to find out the fate of our baby.
“First, let’s put your mind at ease. You and the baby are completely fine.”
Air whooshed from our lungs as we hugged. Tears pressed against the backs of my eyes.
“Bleeding, while uncommon, can happen in the beginning stages of pregnancy. Especially if stress is introduced. After going over the results to all the tests we ran, I’m happy to report you’re in perfect health. The bleeding has stopped. Everything is intact. I just recommend taking it easy from here on out. Try not to do anything strenuous. Make an effort to limit anything that will cause stress. We’re going to send this information to your regular doctor, so he can continue to monitor you.” He nodded to the nurse before warmly smiling at us. “But other than that, you’re good to be released.”
I stood, shaking his hand, an airy lightheadedness overtaking me. Sweet relief. “Thank you so much, Doc. Thank you.”
He waved a hand, relief apparent in his eyes that he was able to deliver good news. “Don’t mention it.”
Within the hour, we were driving back home. Ciana and Nic were already on the doorstep, rushing down the stairs the moment we pulled up to the curb.
“Mom!” Ciana said, hugging Jess as soon as she opened her door. “I was so worried.”
“I’m okay.” Jess smoothed her hair.
Nic climbed in the back, hugging her from behind.
“I love you guys.”
Once we were settled inside, Jess called the kids to the living room.
“We have something we need to tell you.” She reached for their hands. “I know everything is a mess right now between the divorce and Jack moving in. I’ve asked so much of you two. You’ve made so many adjustments, handled everything with a maturity I am so proud of, but now I need to ask you to find it in you for one more change. A big one…
“Jack and I are going to have a baby.” She squeezed their hands as she looked over to me. “Today, we had a scare, but everything is okay. I know this is a lot to take in. We know—”
Before she could finish, they both tackled her, hugging her between them with a lot of squeals, comments, and questions.
“A baby!” Ciana gushed, wonder and excitement sparkling in her eyes. “That’s so great!”
“I’m not changing diapers,” Nic interjected with a frown, but then grinned.
Ciana sat back, legs bouncing. “Where will the baby sleep?”
Jess turned to me. “Well, we haven’t really planned anything yet. We only just found out.”
“There’s so much to plan! A baby shower! The gender reveal!” Ciana exclaimed, her voice carrying away with all the things
to plan.
I sat back, watching them, Ciana’s question perched in the back of my mind. Where would the baby sleep? The office could be converted, but the thought of our child sleeping in the same room Hank once had didn’t sit well.
Maybe… maybe it was time for a change of scenery.
Chapter 31
Jessica
We sat outside the courtroom, my legs trembling as we waited to be called on.
It was the day that would decide everything.
Today, my demons would be laid to rest.
My divorce would be finalized, and the fate of the kids would be revealed.
When we were called, I stood, holding Jack’s hand as I tried to breathe through my nerves. I felt like one tightly wound ball of string. One wrong move, and I’d completely unravel.
Hank was sitting next to his lawyer, his face still mending from the fight with Jack. His right eye was swollen and black. His cheek hard as a rock. He glared at me as I took my seat beside my lawyer. Jack was right behind me, a hand on my shoulder, grounding me as we waited for the judge to enter the courtroom.
The introductions and rules went by in a blur. I fiddled with a pencil as the judge read through the case. As he studied all the evidence presented to him by each of our attorneys.
With a weighted exhale, the judge surveyed us both.
“I’ve seen plenty of cases such as this pass through my courtroom. What I’ve found to be a common theme is there is always one party who wants the best outcome for their children, while the other party tries to use the children to have the best outcome for themselves. I think we all know who’s who in this situation.”
He picked up the photos Hank had submitted as evidence of Jack and me, and my stomach dropped. Hank wanted to take half the property I owned. Half the businesses I’d shed blood, sweat, and tears for. He’d break me. Ruin what I’d built with the ice cream shop and shelter.
“You, Mr. Krause, claim she’s an adulterer. Claim the man she is seeing is unfit to be around your children.” After setting the photos down, he leaned forward, peering over the edge of his glasses. “But let me tell you what I see.” Shuffling through his papers, he said, “That man there has done nothing but charitable good. Not only has he devoted most of his time to the women’s shelter your wife bought, helping to ensure its success, but much of his income has also been donated in a trust to a women’s shelter. Now tell me, does that sound like someone unfit to raise children?”
My jaw dropped as I swung my disbelieving eyes to Aaron.
His wide-as-life grin was all the confirmation I needed.
The silent donor… all this time… it was…
I turned in my seat.
“I love you,” Jack mouthed, squeezing my shoulder.
“As far as the allegations of adultery go,” the judge continued, removing his glasses. He dropped them to his desk, letting out a small exhale and rubbing his eyes before he said, “I’m a person just like the rest of you inside my courtroom. I have a life outside of here. From time to time, I’ve been known to spend a few hours in a bar with my colleagues.
“And while there, I saw you,” he said, pointing to Hank. “Multiple times. You’re a regular who likes to have women on his arm. Since this was not provided by Mrs. Krause, it can’t be used, but it does weigh on my mind when deciding. Telling you this may not be a common thing, but I’m not a common judge. I care about the cases that pass through my courtroom. Most especially about the children.”
“This is bullshit,” Hank shouted as he shot up from of his chair. “You don’t know what you’re talking about!”
“Counsel, you better get a hold of your client or I will hold him in contempt.”
Hank turned, his eyes dark as he glared at me. “You’re nothing but a lying whore. You don’t deserve our kids!”
The gavel crashed down as the judge commanded silence. “You will not disrespect this courtroom. Do you hear me?” He picked up a paper, turning it to face Hank, who had been pulled back into his chair by his red-faced lawyer. “You see this? This is a failed drug test. Not only did you have high levels of cocaine in your system, but they also found traces of barbiturates and cannabis. For that reason alone, I grant Mrs. Krause full custody of the children, as well approve her request that Mr. Krause only be allowed supervised visitation at this time.”
Hank barreled out of his seat again, stalking up to the judge. He only made it a few inches before the guards had him pinned to the ground, handcuffs placed on wrists yanked behind his back.
“Not only do you have a drug problem, but you also have an anger problem as well, Mr. Krause. With that said, I am ordering you to enter a rehab facility for drugs and alcohol. The facility will keep me appraised of your treatment. Make no mistake that should I find out you’re being difficult, I will see fit to extend your stay.
“While you’re there, you will also seek anger management counseling. Lastly, until you’ve completed an inpatient and outpatient treatment plan, you will not be allowed to see your children. This order is effective immediately. Good day.”
Mere seconds after the gavel dropped, I spun in my seat, crushing Jack against me as Hank was hauled off.
“We did it!” I said, disbelief coating my tone.
“You did it, babe,” Jack said as Aaron put his hand on my shoulder.
“You should be set from here on out. There isn’t a chance in hell Hank has a leg to stand on. Not after his outburst.”
My shoulders fell a little as I realized what all this meant for the kids. Sure, I was happy I was granted what I asked for. Their safety came first. With Hank’s behavior, especially lately, it was in everyone’s best interest that he be supervised until he was clean. Stayed clean. Still, I hated taking them away from him. Deep down, they were his everything. He just had demons he didn’t know how to battle.
Once we were outside, gathered around the front of the courthouse, Maria marched over to me.
I braced myself for the insults and abuse sure to come.
She clutched her purse in front of her, her chin lifted, eyes watering. “I want to thank you for not taking the children from me.”
“I wouldn’t ever do that,” I said, troubled she thought I would. “You’re their grandmother. I know how much you love them, and how much they need you in their life.”
Maria dabbed at her eyes with a tissue. “And… and thank you.” She paused. Swallowed. “For getting my son the help he needs.”
I kept my jaw from dropping. Just barely. “I only want him to be healthy for the kids. I know he wants the same, deep down.”
Joe extended his hand out to Jack. “I have no right to say it, but Jess has always been special to me. You have an exceptional woman. Treat her as such.”
I blushed.
Maria inhaled, cutting her gaze to Jack. With a small nod, she took Joe’s offered hand before turning and walking off.
“That was…”
“I know.”
I shook my head. “I woke this morning sure I’d leave upset. I never once thought…”
“You’re a good mother, Jess. No lies could prove otherwise,” Jack said, pulling me against him as we headed out, the sun smiling down on us.
Chapter 32
Jack
It was nearing summer, and Jess was halfway through her second trimester.
We had already had the gender sonogram, but decided to wait to find out since Ciana wanted to have a gender reveal.
“I want a brownstone in a beautiful neighborhood,” Jess said as we drove through the city with a realtor.
“Well, with your budget, that is definitely something we can work out,” Tracy, our realtor, said. “How about you, Jack? Any wants or needs?”
I glanced over at Jess. “Only for this lovely woman to be happy.”
I’d had my opportunities at picking places to live. Jess had always taken what was given to her. She’d never had a chance to choose something for herself. Witnessing her finally get that chance—to
the chance to choose her own future—was more of a gift than she’d ever understand.
“Turn up here, Jack. I have the perfect place in mind,” Tracy said.
The neighborhood she took us to was everything Jess wanted and more. Beautiful trees hung over the streets. The schools in the area were top-notch. The brownstone was three-stories high with five bedrooms and four baths. A small but private outside area where the kids could play. Balconies where we could sit at night.
“Jack.” Jess spun around inside the living room after we toured the house. “This is everything.”
“Yeah?” The only thing I cared about was the smile on her face.
“Yes!” she said with a gasp. “The kitchen is perfect! There’s a bathroom for everyone. Ciana will be so happy! Nic can ride his bike here.”
“Should I get the realtor?” I asked with a laugh, watching as she slid her fingers over the countertop in the kitchen.
“Please.”
After making our offer, we spent the next week buried in preparations for the new shelter opening in the next couple of weeks. Trying to train the new team and have everyone in place for when we’d take maternity and paternity leave after the baby was born.
It was a Saturday afternoon when the gender reveal was set to take place. Ciana wanted to throw the party at the shop. She invited a few of our friends from the shelter. Even Maria showed, though she kept to the back.
The small shop was stirring with buzzing energy as Ciana guided Jess and me up to an ice cream machine. Ciana had made her own flavor, the color of which would announce the sex. A new flavor that would be named after the baby and placed on the menu.
Jess was already in tears as she put her hand on the pulley, waiting for the go-ahead.
“Hang on,” Ciana said, pulling out her phone so she could stream us live on the shop’s Facebook page. “Let’s give it a few seconds to wait for everyone to click on the video.”
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