Page 6 of The Mrs. Clause
But I could do nothing to temper my reaction. I was the land after years of drought, desperate to soak in every moment of her presence.
Our drinks arrived, and I took advantage of the quiet after the waiter left to reluctantly hand her the envelope. She took it, resting it on the table before her.
"What is it?"
"A custody arrangement." I lifted my cup to my mouth, watching over the rim as her face shifted like quicksand – many emotions racing across in rapid succession.
"But… what?" She stuttered, hands shaking as she pulled the thick papers free. "I… I don't understand."
"We live on different continents, Co." I used her nickname deliberately, attempting to draw on whatever nostalgic warmth she may hold towards me. "If we're going to bring a child into this relationship, we need to have the custody arrangements sorted."
"But…" she stared at me; her face stricken. "You hate kids."
Her statement shocked a laugh from me. "Excuse me?"
"You… you said. You hate kids."
"When did I say that?"
"A month or so before I left. I heard you and Dawson speaking about it. You called them nasty things who didn't deserve your time or effort."
I searched my memories, trying to remember when I'd ever- Oh. I barked out a laugh, shaking my head. "Co, I was talking about Joseph Kidd, owner of Brown and Kidd Transport. We were in negotiations and he didn't want to bargain." The familiar glow of ruthless satisfaction settled in my core. "We lost money on that contract but I got back at him two years later. We took control of his board, sent him packing."
Co blinked slowly, biting her lip, uncertainty etched in every line. "I was so sure you meant…"
I gave her time, letting her readjust her thoughts. The waiter arrived, placing our meals before us, then discretely leaving. We ate in silence, Co lost to her thoughts, me watching her with a predator-like dedication.
She pushed her plate away, the first to crack the uneasy silence.
"When I came here, I assumed you wouldn't want anything to do with our child." Her words fell like an atomic bomb between us. "I thought we could just… and I'd just…"
I sat back in my seat, feeling her lack of respect for me like a punch to my gut. "You assumed I'd be happy being an absent father."
She shrugged helplessly.
"I may be an absent husband, Collins. But that's by your desire, not mine." I stood abruptly, unable to face her judgement a moment longer. Anger coursed through my veins, igniting a familiar fire – the one that demanded I prove her wrong. That I crush her objections and own every part of her. "Read the contract. If you're still interested, I'll see you at the house at six tonight."
I turned, making my way to the exit.
"Wait!" She called, her chair scraping loudly in the quiet room. I half-turned, shooting her a frosty glare.
"I don't have your address."
I shook my head, turning my back on her. "I haven't moved. I'm still at the Kensington house."
I heard her cough. "But… I thought…"
I accepted my coat from the waiter, pulling it on as I finally looked back at my wife. "Unlike you, that house holds some of my best memories." And with that, I left.
Chapter Four
Collins
Twice now, Nick has thrown a curve ball my way. I’d spread the contract across the hotel bed, highlighting and making notes as I read each detailed page.
Nick wanted to be a father. A very hands-on father, if this contract was any indication.
I didn't want to admit it, but the terms were entirely reasonable though not at all what I expected. I'd made assumptions, clearly unfounded and selfish assumptions about Nick's priorities.
