Our parents wouldn’t run to our side if something happened to us—or our friends. Look at this—only family, they said. There’s at least a hundred people gathering in this place, and all related to either Hannah, Alex, or Tucker. Yet, they’re supporting Zeke and Ethan because they’re a part of them.
During the funeral, my phone vibrates. I want to ignore him, but I don’t, because my grandparents might have an emergency.
Dexter: Did you talk to them?
Sage: No, we’re still at the funeral.
Dexter: I just think she’s not their family.
Sage: Are you coming home to help me with her?
Dexter: Well, no. I have a life here in Singapore.
Sage: Are you taking her with you?
Dexter: No. Cam and I don’t want children.
Sage: Why do you want me to take her?
Dexter: Because Sienna’s kid should be with family.
I look around the cemetery and realize she’s with family. If I take her with me, it’d be just me. She’ll be missing this: aunts, uncles, grandparents, and even cousins.
Sage: Look, we have to think of what’s best for Mae. Give me time to figure out a strategy.
A strategy to tell him he’s not thinking straight and his plan is as stupid as his idea of me taking care of a baby on my own.
Dexter: Fine. If you need money to lawyer up, I’ll wire it.
He’s a good guy, but just like our parents, he solves everything with money. When our grandfather had the stroke, he offered money to hire a nurse. I needed him here, to be with me and support me. Not financial help.
What Mae needs is a family, not a crazy uncle who thinks he should exercise his rights.
After the funeral, we’re heading to Hannah’s home. That’s where they are gathering, where the lawyer is waiting for us.
“How are you?” Tucker asks, as we walk toward the cars.
“Do you want me to hold her?” I answer with another question, because what can I say?
This guy lost his best friend. I’m fine compared to what’s happening to him.
He shakes his head. “Let me enjoy her for a few more seconds before she has to go into her car seat.”
“Have we decided what’s going to happen with her?” I ask, trying to sound neutral.
One of the guys behind us, the one with dark blond hair, redirects him by the elbow. “You’re riding with us, Tuck,” then he looks at me and says, “See you later, Miss Heywood.”
His mom doesn’t acknowledge me and the man walking next to her gives me a glare. A glare. What did I do?
38
Sage
I walk to my car and drive to Hannah’s house. When I arrive, Ethan is waiting for me by the door.
“The lawyer is waiting for you,” he says. “Are your parents coming?”
“My parents?” I ask, surprised by his question. “I haven’t spoken to them since Sienna’s funeral.”
He shoots me a furious glance but doesn’t say a word. I try to keep up with his pace, but it’s hard with my high heels.
Why did I think wearing them was a good idea?
“We’re ready when you are, Fitz,” Ethan says to the man behind the mahogany desk.
“For those who don’t know me, I’m Fitzhenry Everhart. My law firm is based in New York City, but we have a branch in San Francisco, and we can practice in most of the country,” he explains. “I represented Patrick Rokus for several years. Before he married Sienna Heywood, they asked me to draw up a few contracts for him. While I wrote the pre-nup, I suggested they include their unborn child.”
“Why didn’t he tell us she was pregnant?” Zeke asks.
“Gossip isn’t part of my job, Zeke,” he says. “We’re here to read their testament and settle the future of Mae Brooke Rokus. Last week, when I spoke to Mr. Rokus—”
“You spoke to him?” Tucker asks, and he’s so loud Mae fusses. “What did he tell you?”
“He made sure I had everything in order, in case anything happened to him. Since Sienna had died, he changed his will to make sure Mae was covered. To be honest, I thought he was being cautious and not…” He lets a breath out and remains silent for a few seconds.
“Fucker,” Tucker mutters.
“Tuck, we have new rules,” Hannah chides him. “No swearing in front of Mae.”
“He should’ve reached out. We were here for him. I tried,” Tucker says angrily.
“It’s not your fault, Tuck,” Ethan says. “Can we please get this over with?”
“As I was saying, according to his testament, everything that belonged to him will be passed to Mae Brooke Rokus,” he continues. “The house where they live belongs to Hannah Hades and there’s a rent-to-buy contract. Any percentage belonging to Patrick Rokus should be invested along with his other assets in a trust that Ethan Killion or Tucker Dean Bradley-Cooperson-Decker should set up at their discretion.”
“What’s going to happen to Mae?” Hannah asks.
“That’s what I’m getting to,” he continues. “In case he died, he stated the couple’s wish that Mae Brooke Rokus will be under the care of Tucker Dean Bradley-Cooperson-Decker.”
“Why him?” I protest. Not sure why I’m so upset. He’s a great guy but … why not me?
“Ms. Heywood, if you don’t mind, I need to finish this, because we have to address an issue that arose yesterday.”
“Sorry,” I apologize to him and realize everyone is glaring at me.
“As I was saying, they wish that Tucker and Sage Heywood care for Mae Brooke Rokus.”
I sigh in relief, but then I’m not sure if I understand correctly. “How is that supposed to work? I live in Oregon and Tucker lives in—”
“Ms. Heywood, would you mind letting me finish this? I’ll let you know when it’s time to ask questions.”
“Of course, I’m sorry. But I’m saving you time. It’ll be easier if I just take her with me. After all, we’re related by blood.”
“Blood isn’t the fucking issue here.” Tucker’s voice echoes in the office. “She’s mine, to protect.”
“You know I’m right,” I argue.
“Mr. Rokus left a letter to Mr. Decker, asking him directly to take care of his daughter, Mae. Even though there’s a testament, there’s also a written document that shows his last wishes—and you’re not part of it, Ms. Heywood,” another man who looks a lot like the lawyer says as he rises from his seat. “It’s important to state that those are his wishes. However, only the court can determine the placement of the infant. As Mr. Rokus’ legal counsel, Fitz now represent Mae, and he’ll be making sure her rights are met, and we place her in the best home she could have. However, that’s not our only issue. For those who don’t know me, I’m Hunter Everhart. I’m not only Fitz’s brother, but I’m the other part of Everhart and Everhart. I am the one who handles family law in our firm.”
He walks around handing his card to each person in the room. Then, he proceeds, “Yesterday, we received a request from one of our clients to handle the custody of their granddaughter. Her mother died during childbirth and according to the newspapers—yes, they still read newspapers—her father died a few days ago. They claim to be the infant’s only living family and would like me to handle this custody case.”
“Are you sure you haven’t spoken to your parents, Sage?” Ethan asks one more time, and now I understand why he’s pissed at me and why everyone is looking at me as if I am their enemy—except Tucker.
“Why didn’t you tell me before?” Tucker looks at Ethan.
“You’re dealing with a lot. We had to wait until now. I had my suspicions that one of us would be appointed as her guardian. I wasn’t sure if it was Hannah or you.”
“Nana and Alex are a better choice,” Tucker claims.
“Rocco chose you. I’m okay with it as long as…” Hannah’s eyes narrow to crinkled slits when she looks at me. “We welcomed you. How could you?”
“I’m not my parents,” I defend myself.
>
“All the same, you want to take her away from us.”
“Stop!” Fitz yells. “Here’s the deal. Her grandparents are going to dispute Rocco’s will. The court has to not only decide if you’re fit to be her appointed guardian and possibly adopt her, but they’ll have to find the best placement for the infant.”
“What do we need to do to keep her out of foster care?” Zeke asks.
Fitz runs a hand through his dark blond hair. “Tucker and Sage, you two need to work out your differences, find a middle ground, and show them a united front.”
“What if I want to dispute this custody?” I argue.
“Fuck, and we thought this was going to be a smooth fucking ride,” Fitz complains, looking at his brother who shrugs.
“I work for these guys. You fight them, I’ll fight you back, and I always win,” he answers me. “We’re passionate about orphans and custodies. We make sure the kid always goes to the right person.”
“What makes you an expert?” I dispute, because maybe we can hire someone better that lives in Washington.
“Stop!” Hannah orders me. “I like you and I understand why you’re acting like this. You’re afraid to lose her. We are all afraid to lose her because Mae wrapped us around her little finger and stamped a footprint on our hearts. She owns a little piece of us.
“I need you to understand that we’re not your enemy. We’re your friends. Fitz and Hunter are the best because their parents died when they were young, and one of their older brothers had to fight for them—while the other went to fight to Afghanistan. They know firsthand what it feels like to be threatened to be taken away by a family member who doesn’t really want you, but they want your money.”
“What she said,” Fitz responds. “The bottom line is, you have to work this shit out together, and then we need a plan. Until this is resolved, the state won’t let you leave with Mae. She’ll have to stay in Washington until the custody has been decided. If we want to keep her at home, it’ll be best if you two move in together.”
“They can use the house,” Alex proposes.
“Perfect, if there’s a way to sell it to Tucker or add him to the deed. Actually, adding him on the deed is faster and easier. Hunter, ask your assistant to get the paperwork rolling. We needed it yesterday.”
“I can’t move to Seattle,” I complain.
“Sweetheart, you move, or you lose this battle. It’s that simple. Where are your priorities?”
I open my mouth wide because this man isn’t playing around. He’s expecting me to just obey.
“You have a couple of days to move in next door,” Hunter informs us. “I’m dodging Mr. and Mrs. Heywood for a couple of days, but I can only do it for so long before it’s obvious that we’re stalling.”
“Do we have to pretend we’re a couple?” Tucker asks, and for the first time, I see a faint smile playing on his lips.
“No,” I say firmly.
He winks. “You can’t blame me for trying.”
“We need this to be simple. You share a roof and guardianship of a baby,” Fitz says and gives Tucker a warning glare. “Do not fuck her. Stay away from her until this case is over, and the baby is yours.”
“Wait, what happens once we win the case?” Tucker asks. “Are we supposed to still live together?”
Fitz shrugs. “No, but I hope that by then, you two can work things out, like a lovely divorced couple who can share the responsibilities of your child and get along.”
Tucker looks at me then at Fitz and sighs. “Fucking Rocco. I’m not sure if he hated me or he just liked to fuck up my life.”
For the first time since I arrived, Hannah smirks. “Probably both. You can do this.”
“Believe me, I won’t be sleeping with him,” I assure her.
“Oh, I wasn’t talking about you two fucking,” she informs me and rolls her eyes. “No offense, but Tuck has never done monogamy and will never do it. It’s the whole divorced couple, adoption, and messy family. That’s hard shit for him.”
“Ah,” I say, not understanding why that could be hard on him. His parents seem to be happy together. Aren’t they?
“This isn’t about you. It’s about Mae,” Fitz continues. “You’re in or you’re not. If either one of you think this isn’t what you want, please let me know because I can’t be wasting my time. I’m hashtag-team-Mae.”
“I’m in. I’ll transfer you guys half of the price you paid for the property,” Tucker says, looking at Alex and Hannah who nod.
“What if they get married?” Ethan asks.
“It looks bad. Custody battles are sensitive, and some lawyers use anything to win.” Hunter’s attention goes from Ethan to Tucker. “If you two aren’t dating, but suddenly get married, it looks like you’re hiding something. I like transparency. This has to be simple. Mae’s parents chose them to be her guardians for a good reason. I’m going to build my case around it.”
He pulls out two letters and walks toward me, handing me one envelope and then he hands the second one to Tucker. “I have a copy of those—they are notarized. Save them in case they ask for the original.”
“Like with the letter Rocco left me when…” Tucker doesn’t finish his sentence.
Hunter nods.
“They trusted you. They chose you because they knew you two are exactly what their baby girl needs.” He stares at me. “In or out?”
“It’s not a threat, but we’ll do anything to keep her with us,” Hannah says. “You’re her aunt, and we like you very much.”
“My life is in Oregon,” I say.
“Sacrifices,” she says that word like it’s the clue. “Love requires sacrifices. Family requires sacrifices. If you need a manager to tend to the bookstore, a nurse for your grandfather, or anything, I’ll pay for it. We will make sure you fly often to see them, so they don’t feel like they are alone. They can always visit you—we will arrange all that.”
“Okay,” I say. “I can afford the employees. I finally got this JK Rowling rare edition m—”
“We don’t need to know fuck-all about your business,” Tucker shuts me up. “Stick to yes or no.”
“Umm, you don’t talk to me like that.” I glare at him, trying to show him I’m not afraid, while I’m trembling inside with anger.
“So sorry,” he apologizes immediately. “My tone, I didn’t mean to … please, just say yes.”
“What if I live close by?” I offer.
“No, I need you both in the same house,” Fitz responds.
“I’m sorry, but my sister’s things are in there, and it feels like I’d be taking over her life.”
“We’ll clean and redecorate over the weekend,” Hannah promises. “It’ll be like new by Monday.”
“Please, Sage, can you just say fuck ‘yes,’” Zeke finally speaks. “I lost my best friend. I won’t be able to live with myself if his baby has to face the same fate I did. These guys can’t imagine their lives without her. What do you need? I’ll give you my entire fortune in exchange.”
“Sorry, I’m not trying to be difficult. This is too much to absorb in just a few minutes.”
“Unfortunately, we don’t have much time. We have to act fast,” Hunter informs me.
“Can I at least read the letter first?”
Fitz nods. I grab my purse and leave the room, escaping from the pressure and this crazy idea of becoming, somehow, a family with Tucker.
Can I do that?
39
Sage
Sage,
I hope you never see this letter. My apologies if it doesn’t come out right. Who knows how to write these letters?
If you’re thinking, she’s a therapist and should know something about grief, I don’t think it should apply to my own death and my sister. For all I know, this is just a letter I’ll be reading when I turn a hundred because my lawyer is dead. I eat healthy, I exercise, and I get annual checkups.
Yes, there’re accidents too, but the statistics are in my favor. Still, the
y asked me to write this and tell you why I think you’re the best choice to raise my children.
First of all, you’re loving, even after all the shit you’ve lived through. Second of all, you know how not to be like our mother. Third, I think I’m giving you what you lost, a child (or several).
I know your plan isn’t having kids, but please, make sure to be the most loving mom to my kids. Be gentle, unlike our mother. Teach them to love others, the way we weren’t loved. Give them a hug before they go to sleep and no matter how bad their grades are, remind them they are worthy of your love—always.
Of all the people I know, I think you’d be the best one to look after them. Even better than me. You know what it’s like to lose what you love the most, to be raised by two unloving parents, and a selfish sister. I’m sorry for not being what you needed. I’ll try to improve, but if you get this and I didn’t, know that I tried—but I ran out of time.
If you’re thinking of turning your back on my kids, just remember Patrick doesn’t have a family. They’ll go to Mom and Dad. You don’t want them to live what we lived. Think of what you’d do for your kid if he or she was alive. In exchange, when I get to heaven, I’ll take care of her.
Take care of my babies.
Love,
Sienna Heywood-Rokus
40
Tucker
Tuck,
You may ask, why the fuck am I writing this letter?
That’s Nana’s thing. She always bored us to tears with her explanations on how important it is to write from the heart.
Fitz suggested I explain to you why I chose you to be the parent for my children above everyone. Let’s start with the obvious line. If you read this, the Grim Reaper took me away before my children were adults.
So please, take care of them. They need you as much as I did. Also, I should thank you for all that you’ve done, for having faith in me, for believing in me and sticking your neck out to defend me all the time.
Us After You Page 20