Page 26 of Wed to You-
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?”
“Anything that makes you appear like you’re offering a stable, supportive, loving environment will help. There is a bias toward mothers and two caregivers. Whether what you offer can outweigh what the biological mother can depends on what she brings to the table.”
“This is…” Jagger was unable to articulate his frustration and deep fear. “She abandoned him. I was always there. Always.”
Mrs. Monroe reached out and patted his hand. “I know.” Her eyes narrowed and took on a warrior’s gaze. “I think you have a good case. I can’t promise anything, but I can see you’re ready, willing, and able to fight for the well-being of this child.”
Jagger nodded.
“Have you considered returning to New York? I imagine your family has a lot of influence and that’s where your custody order is from.”
Jagger noted the emphasis on the word “influence,” as if the Talbots could buy judges. He didn’t respond to it. Instead, he shook his head. “That’s where I had all my ‘shenanigans,’” he said, using her word. “And I want Kaden to have a normal childhood. That can’t happen in New York.”
“Then, if she files, let’s fight. The burden is on her to show her fitness and to overcome her past. That’s in your favor. Once she files, the court will schedule an appearance, which is usually within a few weeks of her filing, but I’ll see what I can do to move it up. Let’s see if we can’t get some control over this situation. We’ll put her on the defensive.”
Jagger nodded. “Whatever it takes.”
“How is she financially, do you know?”
“I know she doesn’t have any of my grandfather’s money. She forfeited it when she cheated on my grandfather. I don’t know if she has a job. I don’t even know where she’s living. Her car is a heap, so I suspect money is tight.”
“Then we might want to see about drawing this custody battle out as long as possible. The longer it goes, the more she has to pay in attorney’s fees.”
“Whatever it takes.” Jagger’s gut clenched at the thought of losing Kaden.
“You’re in for a difficult time, Mr. Talbot, but if anyone can show their commitment to a child, it’s clearly you.”
