Page 102 of Wed to You-
“I wish I’d never listened to Mitch.” Then he kissed her, and did his damnedest to show her how much he wanted her in his life.
Jagger slammed down the phone.He considered throwing it across the room. Mrs. Monroe had told him he had a good case. Had said that Tanya taking his father’s money could look bad for her. So why was she now talking about working out a joint custody and visitation schedule? Jesus. She sounded like Chelsea the night before, suggesting it would be best for Kaden. Had the world gone mad? Had it forgotten what Tanya had done?
The worst part of the call was the idea that he might lose the case. Working a compromise now was like taking a plea deal.“It’s the best way to make sure you can stay in his life.”
“Why? I thought we had a good case.”
“Yes, well, we did. But she’s the mother. The visits with Kaden are going well. Apparently she’s stopped taking money from your father.”
“But she originally took it. I know my father; he’ll expect something from her in return.”
“Maybe, but it won’t be Kaden’s money, right? The PI is still looking into it, but I don’t think it’s enough to discredit her in court.”
“So, how is she paying for her attorney?”
“Well, she’s a bit brilliant. She got as much money from your father up front as she could. We could still work to draw out the case until she runs out.”
Good Christ, did his lawyer tell him Tanya was brilliant? The call had only gone downhill from there. Jagger didn’t like feeling he was backed into a corner, but that was just how he felt. What the hellwould he do if he lost? He’d built his entire life around raising Kaden. Chelsea was a part of it too. He’d given Kaden what he’d never had. They were a family.
He sat back in his chair, wracking his brain for an answer. The only one that came was the one with the biggest risk. He’d take Kaden and run. He supposed he’d have to thank his lawyer for preventing the court from taking his passport. Now he was free to put Kaden on a plane and go somewhere where they couldn’t be found. Would Chelsea go too?
Since the day he’d found her in her home after his staff sent her running, things had been nearly perfect between them. When they made love, he hadn’t used words, but he’d done all he could to let her know she mattered to him. He no longer thought about when their marriage of convenience would end. When he thought of the future, she was in it. That had to mean something. She never said the words either, so maybe it was wishful thinking on his part, but he thought for sure she cared for him. The way they were with each other now felt real. Not like an act. She’d promised to support him in his quest to keep Kaden. Just how far was she willing to go to help him?
Jagger opened his laptop and began to research. He didn’t want to leave. He hoped to hell he didn’t have to. But if it was a matter of handing Kaden to Tanya or running, he’d run.
Chapter 19
“I’ve reviewed all the reports of the case and I have to say, this is one of the harder cases I’ve had to decide. There is an idea that courts favor mothers, but I can’t deny all that Mr. Talbot has done for young Kaden Talbot. That coupled with his resources and the fact that he’s settled are all in his favor.”
Chelsea watched the judge and tempered a brief flutter of hope, knowing there had to be a “but” coming. The custody trial for Kaden had come quickly. Too quickly. They had all settled into a life that felt real and nearly perfect. While she knew Jagger cared for her, the truth was, their marriage was about Kaden. Today, the decision about Kaden’s custody could be made and, with it, Chelsea’s life could change again. No matter what the judge decided, once custody was determined, Jagger wouldn’t need her anymore.
There had been a few moments when she thought he might want her to stay with him. But he’d never said the words, and finally shehad to recognize that it was her own wishful thinking. After today, her time with him could be over. If not today, sometime in the near future.
“At the same time, Miss Gilson is the child’s mother. While she made bad choices, all reports indicate she’s done everything asked of her to prove her fitness. She has a stable job and home, and all her drug tests have come back clean.”
Jagger shifted and tensed. Chelsea reached out to hold his hand.
“Your honor, there were some—”
“Mr. Masters, you’re interrupting. My guess is you’re wanting me to deal with the issue of the questions raised about Mr. Talbot’s marriage.”
Chelsea flinched. She had thought Meg Carter had been fooled.
“If I give weight to that, then I have to consider the question of whether or not your client is simply after her son’s sizable trust fund and her willingness to make a deal with her former stepson to get that money.”
Mr. Masters didn’t press. Chelsea glanced at Mrs. Monroe, who wasn’t making an attempt to respond. “I’ve reviewed all the information and determined Miss Gilson is sincere in her custody case and in fact knew she wouldn’t ever have control over Kaden Talbot’s trust. I can’t fault her for accepting financial help. Lawyers aren’t cheap. While the timing may be suspect in Mr. Talbot’s marriage, that’s not a concern of the court, either.”
The judge paused, looking first at Tanya and then Jagger. “My decision will be viewed as unusual, but my burden is to do what is best for the child.”
Oh, please, ran like a mantra through Chelsea’s mind.
“Jagger Talbot is not Kaden’s biological father, but he’s done everything a father would do and more. Miss Gilson is Kaden’s mother and children have a need and right to know their natural parents. Therefore, I’m ordering joint custody of Kaden Talbot toJagger Talbot and Tanya Gilson.”
“No.”
Mrs. Monroe put her hand over Jagger’s. She leaned closer to him and whispered. Chelsea couldn’t hear what she said, but she suspected it was a warning.
“Each will have equal responsibility and custody of Kaden. Miss Gilson, that means you need to meet half of Kaden’s financial burden.”
