Page 26 of Wed to You

Chapter Four

“Mrs. Monroe, thank you so much for agreeing to come see me.” Jagger shook the stylish, fiftyish woman’s hand and then stepped out of the way to let her inside the house.

“Of course. I’m always happy to work within clients’ needs.”

Jagger actually had wanted to go to Mrs. Monroe’s office, as he felt that would help his chances of appearing less privileged and more a part of the community. But he didn’t want to risk being away from Kaden. So he’d called the local attorney and asked if she’d meet him at his home. Alexis Fairchild, his New York attorney, had encouraged him to go with a bigger firm out of Richmond or Washington, D.C., but Jagger felt his chances were better if he worked with a local lawyer.

He led Mrs. Monroe out to the back terrace, where Miss Z had set up lemonade and cookies.

“Well, isn’t this lovely. I’ve always wondered what the Talbot home looked like.”

Jagger wasn’t sure how to respond. Should he offer to give her a tour?

“But we’re not here on a social call, are we?”

To the point. Jagger liked that.

They sat at the table and Jagger explained his custody situation. He gave her copies of his legal papers showing guardianship, as well as information from his grandfather’s will that outlined his wishes for Kaden’s care.

“Has the mother served you papers regarding her intent to regain custody?”

“No. She said she’s spoken with a lawyer, but I don’t know how she’d pay for legal representation.”

“She didn’t get anything from your grandfather?”

Jagger shook his head. “She ran off and he divorced her before he died.”

Mrs. Monroe scanned the papers then set them down, removed her reading glasses, and gave Jagger a pointed look. “I’m going to be honest with you, Mr. Talbot.”

His heart sank at her tone.

“This won’t be an easy case if she files and is able to prove she’s fit to be a mother.”

He swore under his breath and then caught himself. “I’m sorry, I just—”

“I know. This isn’t my first rodeo. Custody cases are brutal on the emotions. And I’m not saying you don’t have any chance, but it won’t be easy.”

“Because she’s the mother?”

Mrs. Monroe nodded. “Yes. While courts are more open to placing custody with fathers, you’re not the father. What you said paints a sorry picture of a mother, but I’m familiar enough about your history to know her attorney will bring up your shenanigans in court.”

“I was a single young man living in New York. Since I’ve taken over Kaden’s care, I haven’t partied. In fact, I moved him down here. I want him to have a normal, stable life.”

She nodded. “I know and I’ll certainly highlight that if we end up in court. The problem is, all these wonderful things you’ve done, and I admire all you’ve done for this child, can’t compete with a blood relative, especially a mother. And while I’m sure your nanny is a good person, she’s not his mother, either.”

Jagger laughed derisively. “She was a mother to me. But I understand.”

“Courts like to see children in stable, loving environments, preferably with two parents, and it takes a great deal to make them side against a natural parent.”

“He wouldn’t have two parents with Tanya. In fact, her choice of mates hasn’t been good since she left my grandfather.”

“Is she with anyone now?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. I wouldn’t be surprised.”

“We’ll find out all about that. But again, she has the advantage of being his natural mother.”

Jagger shook his head. “So what can I do?”

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