Page 115 of Wed to You

“It doesn’t give him the right to treat you like that.”

“He was hurt and angry and desperate.”

He kissed her head again. “You’re such a forgiving soul, Chels. He’s lucky to have you.”

His words reminded her that he didn’t know of her and Jagger’s arrangement. He thought they’d eventually kiss and make up. Not wanting to face Mitch’s disappointment, she opted not to say anything. Not yet.

She needed to prepare herself for the aftermath of her marriage to Jagger and the loss of not just him, but also Kaden, from her life. She swallowed the lump in her throat as tears formed again. When she’d entered into this agreement, she hadn’t considered the consequences too deeply. She knew there was a possibility she’d have feelings for Jagger. Feelings she’d tried, but failed, to fight. She knew she’d be attached to Kaden, as she already was. At the time, the fear and guilt of losing her family’s home had the stronger emotional pull. Now, coming out the other side, she had to wonder if it had been worth it. She scanned the room, painted and decorated by the man who now loathed her. Why had he done it? She wanted to think it was because he cared about her. But it wasn’t love. After all, he was fixing the house she was going to come back to once their farce was over. Still, he’d had to have felt something to hire contractors and renovate the home as a surprise for her.

“The house looks nice. You’ve been working on it.”

Mitch’s voice drew her out of her thoughts.

“Jagger arranged it.”

“You going to sell it? Or maybe rent it out?”

She looked down, not wanting to tell him the truth. She’d saved her house by selling her soul to the devil.

Jagger sat alone, the dark storm outside casting a gloom that echoed in his heart. He wanted more than anything to return to New York. To get lost in the city to dull his pain. It hadn’t worked when he was younger, but it was better than being surrounded by all that he’d lost. The only reason he hadn’t left already was he’d made a commitment to Kaden to stick around.

The day following the court hearing, Tanya showed up to take Kaden overnight until they could meet with a mediator to decide on how to divide up their time. Kaden threw a tantrum, not so much at having to see Tanya, but from fear of being in a new place without Jagger. If only the judge and guardian ad litem were there then.

It was Kaden’s behavior that prompted Jagger to offer Tanya the house. Kaden could stay in his room and not have to go back and forth. She could have his staff, although they’d probably treat her worse than they did Chelsea. At least they’d be there to watch and make sure Tanya didn’t relapse.

Jagger would move to the guest cottage. It was ideal, actually. Kaden didn’t have to be the one moving around, and both Tanya and Jagger could be there with him. In fact, in the two weeks since the court date, Jagger had seen Kaden every day. Tanya worked during the day, so Kaden spent the day with him, helping at the stables or playing. On the weekends, they had a sleepover in the cottage.

He had to hand it to Tanya. She was working hard at keeping her life together. She was now living in a guest room of the Talbot estate, but she still went to work at the diner, not expecting Jagger to give her the life of luxury she’d had with his grandfather. He knew he needed to be grateful to Tanya that she wanted him in Kaden’s life. He was grateful, but beyond the time he could spend with Kaden each day, there was only emptiness. He hadn’t been able to fit in, in Charlotte Tavern, so now he was a recluse on his property. Once the town found out what he’d done to Chelsea, they’d probably run him out of the state. He was surprised Mitch hadn’t done it already.

A knock at the door interrupted his pity party. With effort, he lumbered from his chair and opened the door.

“Speak of the devil,” Jagger mumbled.

“You look like hell.” Mitch glared at Jagger, who rolled his eyes.

“If you came here to hassle me, you can save your breath.”

“I came here to talk sense into you.”

Jagger would have argued, but he didn’t have the strength. He couldn’t imagine what sense he needed. He’d given up his plan to run. He’d made arrangements to share custody with Tanya. What was left?

Jagger left the door open, returning to his chair.

Mitch followed him in. He stood looking down at Jagger, pity and annoyance etched in his features. Finally he sat on the couch opposite Jagger. “Look. I’m sorry the case didn’t go the way you wanted.”

“You and me both.”

“But, wallowing in self pity is pathetic.”

The heat of anger rose in chest, nearly strangling him. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“I understand that while you may not be the sole guardian of that little boy, you can still see him every day. That if you weren’t so self-absorbed and cruel, you’d realize you can have a family of your own.”

Jagger shook his head, wishing he’d had a drink. Only fear that he’d turn out like his father kept him from pouring shots so early in the day.

Mitch sat back, his brows knitted together as if trying to figure out the best tactic to reach Jagger. There was no tactic that could pull him from the abyss.

“I appreciate your concern—”

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