“Hey, baby, how was your day?” I hear, cutting my words off, and I flinch involuntarily, recognizing Lavender's voice.
Church? Yeah, right.
“F–”
I cut off whatever crap Trick was about to say to his mistress, and I say, “Look, my break is over, I’ll speak to you later.”
I hang up before he can say more and a sharp breath escapes me as the tears fall and I choke, "He's with Lavender. He said church, but he's with her." I look at Belle. "Whatever his reasons, I have to do this divorce and move on, even though it hurts."
Belle’s eyes tear up, and she rushes over, taking me in her arms and I cling to her, fighting to steady myself.
This is for the best—I know it.
***
“Okay, my munchkins, you all did so well today, and I am looking forward to seeing you all on the big stage next week!” Drew says to the eight five-year-olds, my little girl, being one.
Belle picked Willow up like we planned while I finished work, then stopped by Heavenly Law and the paperwork I’m currently clutching feels like a heavy weight in my hand.
I swallow hard, my heart clenching as I watch my little girl hug Drew's little bump, looking absolutely adorable.
She’s in a light blue leotard, and her dark red hair is in a little bun.
My little girl is my light. She’s why I get up each morning and the thought of her being forced into a loveless marriage makes me physically sick.
My hands shake as I grip the paperwork, glancing at it nervously.
If I try giving them to Trick, he’ll make a big deal, refuse, claim he has to keep me safe just because I had his child—but he isn’t obligated.
My father is a brother, my ownbrotheris a brother, he didn’t need to marry me, and now, so he can focus on his girl and his unborn child. I’ve had the lawyer put a custody order together where he’ll have Willow for one night a week, starting tonight.
I also got it in writing that neither of our parents nor any of the brothers are ever alone with her. They don’t have my trust, not where Willow is concerned. I know it may seem harsh, but for five years, Trick never had her overnight. My parents have had little contact with her, and the same goes for the rest of the club so what I’ve suggested isn’t any different.
I watch as Willow helps Drew tidy up, and I slowly stand, clutching the paperwork in my hand.
I need to put Drew in a situation where she’ll probably hate me.
“Go get your coat, munchkin,” Drew says to my girl, who rushes over to where her belongings are. I swallow hard as I slowly walk over to Drew.
“You seem out of it, Clark. Are you alright?” she asks softly, and I give her a smile that I know is probably a grimace.
“I need to ask you for a favor,” I whisper, and she tilts her head. Taking a deep breath, I say, “I need you to take Willow to Trick, he’ll have her for the night.” She frowns, and I choke, “And I need you to give him these.”
I hold out the paperwork, and she slowly takes it from me.
“Clark, please tell me you’re not leaving your husband…” She pleads quietly, and I swallow the lump forming.
“He’s not really my husband. He has a pregnant mistress. He hasn’t been faithful because it isn’t a real marriage, and honestly, I already had the protection of the club. He didn’t needto force me into this,” I reply, and she quickly looks at Willow, who is walking back to us.
“Where will you go?” she asks, knowing I live in Trick's house.
“I’ve rented a small two-bed apartment not far from the hospital,” I admit just as Willow takes my hand, and Drew's mouth drops.
“Are we going home now, Mama?” Willow asks, and I flinch but clear my throat to try and hide it as I kneel before her.
“No, sweetheart, tonight it will be a Daddy and Willow night, doesn’t that sound fun?” I whisper, and she grins wide, melting my heart, and I kiss her head before I murmur, “Mama will pick you up tomorrow after school,” as I stand up.
“Okay, Mama,” she says as she wraps her arms around my waist, and I wrap mine around her little body.
