Page 83 of Her Redeemed Protector

I eye him warily, debating whether to engage or keep my distance. His presence alone thins my patience like ice in early spring.

“Then talk,” I decide.

“Take a ride with me,” he suggests, nodding toward his car at the end of the driveway.

“No. We talk here,” I insist, crossing my arms.

“Okay,” he acquiesces. “The date’s been set. The court won’t wait. Kayla can’t wait!” There’s a tight urgency in Fabian’s voice, his eyes searching mine for any flicker of response.

The mention of ‘court’ sends a jolt through me, harking back to the chaotic days of Kayla’s kidnapping. Back then, I made it clear to Fabian. I wasn’t about to play pretend in a family that wasn’t mine.

I stiffen, my grip on my backpack tightening. “What are you talking about?”

He continues, “My divorce from Juliet is nearly final. First, it was about the estates, but soon it’ll be Kayla’s turn. It’s really happening, Savannah.”

A headache begins to pulse at my temples. “Surely your lawyers can handle this. You have enough resources to counter Juliet’s tactics.”

“The custody battle is more intense than I anticipated. Juliet and her lawyers are relentless. She’s made it clear she’ll fight to the end. And you know the courts. They often favor the mother.” Fabian’s tone is grim, reflecting the severity of his plight.

“You’ve been nothing but an excellent father to Kayla, and the court should recognize that.”

“The kidnapping didn’t help.”

“Fab—”

“Don’t lash out at me just yet,” he interrupts. “I don’t regret that the police got involved. All that mattered was Kayla’s safety. And Huxley, he saved her. I owe him everything. But you know this will complicate my case.”

“And you’re here to ask me to step in as her mother?”

He nods, cutting straight to the point. “Yes, that’s exactly why I’m here.”

I take a step back, needing space to breathe, to think.

“I can testify for you, Fabian, as a character witness,” I offer, my words measured.

“I appreciate that, Savannah. But it won’t be enough. I will need compelling evidence to show that I can provide Kayla with a safe and stable environment. And it’s not just a home, but the people in it. Parents.” He emphasizes the last word, making the stakes clear.

I close my eyes in regret. I’ve never been one to take shortcuts, especially when a child’s future is at stake. “I won’t participate in a charade, Fabian. Nobody wins in that scenario. Kayla doesn’t deserve to be caught in a lie. I thought we had moved past this.”

Fabian steps closer, his expression hardening. “Savannah, she looks up to you like a mother. How can you call that a lie?”

I shake my head, standing my ground. “Kayla does not see me as her mother, and you know it. You wouldn’t feed her lies, hoping she’d start to believe them, would you?” Anxiety gnaws at me. The thought of him distorting reality for Kayla is unbearable. If he has, I hope he realizes the irreversible damage he could cause.

“I haven’t told Kayla anything that isn’t true,” he assures me hastily. “But think about it. We could be a real family. Isn’t that what Kayla needs? Not just for this court battle, but for the rest of her life?”

“Fabian, stop right there!”

“We were good together, admit it. I know it was my fault that we parted. I just gave up on us, moving on without a fight.”

“We both agreed it was for the best. And we remained friends, did we not?”

“But it’s because I failed to convince you that you mean so much more.” His eyes are searching for agreement. “Look how my life turned out without you. Marrying Juliet was the biggest mistake of my life!” His words tumble out hurriedly as though afraid he’d lose the courage. His eyes dart away, then back to mine. “But we’ve all grown up now. Please, Savannah, isn’t there a part of you that still?—”

I let out a tired sigh. “Read my lips, Fabian. I don’t have feelings for you anymore. If there were anything left between us, I wouldn’t be avoiding you now, especially not with Kayla’s well-being at stake. I’ll stand by you in court, but that’s the extent of what I can offer.”

I turn away, heading for my car. Behind me, I can feel Fabian’s frustrated gaze burning into my back. I’m weary, worn thin by dealing with a man who clings to visions of a future I’ll never share.

“I’m surprised you haven’t mentionedhim!” Fabian yells after me, a note of spite in his tone.

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