Page 72 of Accidental Irish Daddy

“I don’t have any photos, but I have text messages,” I speak up. “He came to the house a few days ago and threatened me if I didn’t give him more money than I’ve been sending him.”

Turning raises his eyebrows. “Do those text messages reflect evidence of extortion?”

“Some of them, yes. Most of them are just him threatening me.”

He nods. “That’s good. Grant, were you a witness to any of this?”

“You bet I was,” Grant says. “I was home when he came calling. I shudder to think what he might’ve done to Aisling if I hadn’t been there.”

“That’s all great in the way of hurting his case. You working at the club is still problematic, but I might be able to convince the judge that it’s temporary, provided we prove you’re actively looking for nursing work.”

“No problem,” I say.

“That plus the fact that you’ve married should help your case a great deal.”

My stomach tightens, and I dare to look over at Grant. Grant shifts in his chair uncomfortably. “Arthur, Aisling was applying for custody on her own. This doesn’t really involve me.”

“On the contrary,” he says. “Everything about Aisling’s living situation and environment will be considered. Having a billionaire husband can only help.”

We go silent. I could kick myself for getting involved with him.

“Is…there a problem?” Arthur asks.

“Is it possible for Aisling to apply without being married to me?” Grant asks. “If…if we were separated or…?”

“Of course…but since her living situation will be heavily scrutinized, it’s better if you two remain married. Even better if you both apply for custody of Bridget.”

I feel like I’m going to throw up. “In other words,” I say, “unless I’m living somewhere that’s just as good as being married to a billionaire, my chances of winning this drop dramatically.”

“I should say so.” He looks at us both carefully, his eyes darting back and forth. “Is there trouble in paradise?”

“There are things that we’re still working out,” Grant says. “But we’re a united front in this regardless.”

He nods, but I can see the skepticism on his face. “That’s fine. I cannot stress the importance of your marriage being a factor in winning this case. You should consider the option of applying for custody as a couple.”

“We will discuss it,” Grant says.

I don’t say anything. I feel like I’ve already lost.

***

We leave the office in silence, walking together until we’re on the steps of the building, looking out at the rolling clouds coming in from the east. The unseasonably warm summer is done, it looks like. It’ll probably rain later on today.

That’s about how I feel right now, so it fits. I’m in a right Irish weather kind of mood.

“Want to go for a walk?” Grant says. “There’s a park nearby.”

I look over at him and roll my eyes. “A walk is the last thing I want to do right now.”

“Same…but I think we should talk things over, don’t you?”

I’m studying his face. I can’t tell what he’s thinking right now. Whether this is about my case or about us…or maybe both.

I could say no. Go home and cry myself to sleep.

I’m so tired of crying, though. I suppose I don’t have anything to lose by hearing him out this time.

“All right,” I say. “Let’s walk.”

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