Page 84 of Wed to You-
Chelsea smiled but felt certain Mrs. Monroe was on to them. Or maybe Jagger had told her.
“As his wife, it’s important that you’re involved in this as well.”
I told you so, flickered through Chelsea’s mind, but she kept her smile in place. “Jagger is the one with guardianship. He makes the decisions regarding Kaden, though, of course, I’ll support him no matter what.”
“Excellent. You should attend court with him and be present when the guardian ad litem makes her visit to interview you.”
“Of course.”
“The birth mother will ask for visitation during the investigative period—”
“No.” Jagger balked at the idea.
Mrs. Monroe raised a hand in a calming gesture. “I’ll work to stop it, but she is the mother. If she’s able to prove she’s made changes, it’s likely the judge will allow some sort of visitation. I’ll suggest it be limited and supervised. We’ll ask for regular drug testing during the process, as well. If she trips up, the case will be easily decided in your favor.”
“Kaden doesn’t know her.”
“Mr. Talbot, the odds of a judge granting some sort of visit with the birth mother are extremely high, unless she misses court or shows up on drugs. You need to be prepared to make some concessions.”
Chelsea couldn’t see Jagger’s face, but she didn’t have to, to know he didn’t like what he was hearing. Tension radiated off him in waves.
“Maybe we can cross that bridge when we get to it.” Chelsea placed a hand over Jagger’s.
“I told you, Mr. Talbot. Even with a wife, this will be an uphill battle if Kaden’s mom has pulled her life together. You need to beready for that. In the meantime, I’ve got someone investigating her and maybe we’ll have something to use against her.”
Chelsea frowned.An investigator?She supposed poking into the “enemy’s” business was normal, but it felt mean and underhanded.
“Her side will likely be doing the same. Granted, she doesn’t have the financial resources you do, but every library has a stash of old tabloids filled with your exploits, Mr. Talbot.”
Jagger flinched. “That’s not my life now.”
Immediately, Chelsea’s mind flashed to the phoenix he wore like a talisman. A symbol of his new life. Of his commitment to Kaden.
“No. But she’s saying the same thing about her life. Also, Mrs. Talbot will be a target for them as well.”
This time Chelsea flinched. “I’ve got no skeletons.” Of course, that was partly why Jagger had chosen her. It was another reminder of her role. She worked for Jagger.
“Good to hear.” Mrs. Monroe stood. “I’ll be in touch before court next week. Just a reminder, Mr. Talbot, you’ll want to wear a nice suit, but not one that makes you look like a ruthless businessman. Mrs. Talbot, dress like a mom.”
“Uh, okay.” Chelsea had no idea what that meant. Most of the moms she knew wore yoga pants and T-shirts. Certainly, that wasn’t what Mrs. Monroe was hinting at.
“Let me show you out.” Jagger stepped from behind Chelsea.
“No, no. I can see myself out.” She waved away Jagger’s offer as she headed out the door.
Chelsea gave her a head start before standing to exit his office.
“Give me a minute.” Jagger went to the door, looked out, and then shut it so they were in private.
“I need to finish cleaning up the cookie mess before Miss Z gets all riled up again.”
“I’ll handle her. You’re my wife, and she needs to treat you as such.”
Chelsea shook her head. “Actually, I’m no different from her or Grayson or Mrs. Stanton. I work for you, just like they do.”
Jagger’s brows pulled together in a frown. “That’s not true.”
“It is. This marriage is a business deal. You paid a fortune for me, remember?”
