Page 69 of The Seal's Promise

“Parenting is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it’s also the most rewarding. And Tyler knows nothing about that. He will not win this fight.”

“But he has money, and money buys attorneys and people to dig up dirt.”

“Unless you have some skeletons hiding in your closet, there’s no dirt. You’re too busy. And dating Dalton will not even be a blip to any judge in this county.”

“But how can you be sure?”

“Well, I have the trump card: a few character witnesses I’ve secured just in case Tyler tries to sling some mud.”

“Is this the person who told you about the family trust, under sworn secrecy?”

“Maybe, and I suspect there are more people in this town who will stand behind you if and when the time comes. I’m not going to tell you not to worry, because that’s unrealistic, but I do think you should trust the process.”

Brooke let the tension in her shoulders ease a bit, because everything Declan said made sense. He was an experienced and well-respected attorney.

“Okay, then we proceed with child support and hope Tyler changes his mind about any type of custody.”

“And I think we counter with a request for full custody, to make it official. Now, if we could prove Tyler was unfit, it’s possible they would remove all his parental rights, but I’m not suggesting we go that far. But for Max and for your sake it would be best to have terms settled.”

“Does that mean I’ll have to let Max go stay with him two weekends a month? I don’t think I can do that.”

“No, there is no reason to believe Tyler wants that or is capable of that. So I think we just highlight the fact that he walked out on Max from day one and let the judge see where Max belongs.”

“I hate this,” Brooke said. “I hate it for Max and I hate it for me.”

Declan nodded. “Now why don’t you let that man out in his truck take you on a date, a walk on the beach, or whatever two young people that look at each other like they’re thirsty do.”

Brooke gasped and covered her heated cheeks with her hands. “Declan!”

He just shook his head and took a big bite of ice cream.

Brooke stood and put her empty ice cream bowl in the sink.

“I’m not sure it makes sense to date someone who will be gone by the end of summer, but I guess I have to at least thank him for putting up with my crazy.”

“You’re not crazy to want to make sure you’re doing the best by Max, but do us both a favor. Next time Tyler stops by, don’t answer the door. Avoid him as much as possible.”

“I think the only reason he’s even pretending to care is because he knows I do. I don’t even think he cares about the money.”

“It’ll be over soon, just stay positive and avoid him.”

She thanked Declan and headed back outside to find Dalton standing against the front of his truck as the sun was setting.

“I’m sorry I ruined our plans,” she said, walking up to where he leaned against the front bumper.

“Nothing’s ruined. We still have time to spend together.”

She stepped closer and intertwined her fingers with his. “What did you have in mind?”

“Does this mean you’re not worried about being seen with me?”

She swayed and watched as his hands interlaced with hers and he played with her fingers. It was fascinating how a simple touch made her feel so safe.

“I’m worried, but I’m also not doing anything wrong. And as Declan pointed out, you’re an upstanding member of the community, so it’s not exactly bad for me to be seen with you.”

“So I have the counselor to thank for convincing you to go out on our first real date tonight? I’ll be sure to send him a thank-you.” Dalton pulled her into his open arms and wrapped them around her. Then his mouth was on hers, but with the type of sweet, gentle kiss that provoked the kind of emotion she wasn’t ready to voice.

Falling in love with Dalton wasn’t the best move, but she wasn’t going to worry about the consequences tonight. She was going to enjoy his attention, let him take her out, and stop letting Tyler have any hold over her.

---