Page 64 of Falling for You
I’m laying stock still in bed, not wanting to disturb Emma. It took her a long time to fall asleep mid-sob. I think exhaustion just took over at some point in the middle of the night.
It’s almost nine and I want to make sure that I call the lawyer first thing so that I can get an appointment today. It feels like a whole lifetime has been lived since yesterday morning, not just twenty-four hours.
I slide my hand out from under Emma’s head, and the movement has Fiona perking her head up. It’s well past her breakfast time and I’ve never known her to stay quiet when the time for food was approaching, let alone past time.
“Come on, girl,” I whisper when I’m free from the bed.
She gently walks to the end of the bed and hops off, happy to follow me downstairs. I’m happy that neither of us woke Emma.
I pull my phone out as I unlock the door and let Fiona out. Pulling up the search I did yesterday for the lawyer I hit the button for the phone number so I can call.
“Bardeau and associates, how may I help you?”
A chipper voice answers the phone.
“Hi, my name is Roman Thomas, I was referred to Mr. Bardeau by Wyatt Keaton.”
“Oh Wyatt! He’s so lovely.” I can hear the lust in her voice. Good to know his charm extends to Portland. “What is the case for?”
“Custody. My daughter’s grandparents got her for an overnight stay on Saturday, and yesterday they refused to give her back. Unfortunately, I just found out about my daughter and so there are no custody agreements in place for me and the cops were not able to help.”
“Okay, Mr. Bardeau can absolutely help with that. He usually likes to do a consultation, free of cost, to make sure it’s a case that fits what he does, and that you are a good fit for each other.” She pauses, and I can hear clicking on her end. “It looks like he actually had a cancellation today at two. Could you be here then?”
“Yes! Absolutely. I will be there.”
She gets my contact information and sends a text to confirm the appointment.
“Thank you so much for your help.”
“Not a problem, a friend of Wyatt’s is a friend of ours.”
I slip my phone back into my pocket, and let Fiona inside. I toss a cup of kibble in her bowl and head back up to Emma. I don’t want her to wake up alone.
I take the steps two at a time, but I’m met with a puffy eyed beauty standing in the bathroom staring at her reflection.
“Hey, Sunshine.” I step into the bathroom and snake my arms around her waist, resting my head on her shoulder.
She gives me a sad smile in the mirror.
“I have good news.”
This time she perks up, the smile turns a little bit happier. “What is that?”
“The lawyer had a cancellation at two this afternoon. So we will go to the office in Portland today. Want to stop and grab lunch at the place you like?”
“Yes!” She spins in my arms to face me. Gripping my face with both hands, she stares right at me. “Do you… know… how amazing… you… are?” She peppers my lips with kisses between words.
“Not more amazing than you are.”
“Ew. Are we really this couple?” She giggles at her own joke.
God, it’s so fucking good to hear her laugh.
“We can be whatever we want. We deserve it.” I kiss her forehead.
“What I want is to be wet with you. In that shower. With your hands roaming my body. All. Over. My. Body.” She slowly strips off the clothes she fell asleep in last night.
“Oh, is that so now?” I lick my lips at the thought of her wet and slippery with soap in the shower.
