Page 52 of Finding Home

“My assistant is doing a final sweep of court records. Once we confirm with a second review that no motion was filed, I would suggest a cease-and-desist letter. I also suggest you change your number, Harper, limiting the means of contacting you. “

“I had already considered that, and it appears I won’t be able to have any contact with my family after this.” Harper’s voice fades with each word; the weight of that comment hits me hard. I really hate this for her.

Justin continues, “Any contact made by him needs to be saved, preferably in at least two places, so it’s protected in case we need it. We quietly work to build a case against him, so if he makes a move or tries bully tactics, we are a step ahead and not playing catch-up with his legal team. Once all those steps are taken, if he keeps bothering you, you will have grounds for a restraining order.”

Harper’s breath comes out in a woosh like she had been holding it in. I suspect it has felt like that since the moment she saw Curtis. I only wish we had some guarantees.

Chapter 35

Harper

It’s been a few days since we met with Justin. Before I could change my number, Curtis texted twice, and Cass called in an uproar; he had reached out to her via social media. She offered to fly out for moral support or to aid in getting rid of a body if needed. Damn, it was good to hear some of her spark coming back.

A cease-and-desist letter was drafted and should have been delivered to Curtis’s home today. We haven’t seen him around town, but without knowing for sure if he’s still lurking around, I’ve been leery of letting Lizzie out of my sight. I’ve kept her home from daycare since he arrived. Him having pictures of her there makes it feel unsafe to send her until I know he’s gone. Even then, I’m wondering how we can increase security for her. The fact that he has made my home feel unsafe makes my blood boil. I went to the other side of the freaking country to escape his shit, for it only to end up back on my doorstep.

“Jace, it looks fantastic,” I proclaim, taking in the new buildings, open for business and bustling with people. Guilt pricks at me for missing the grand opening. Jace had gone, because he needed to be there, but I was still too on edge about Curtis or his PI being around, so I kept Lizzie home. Jace struggled to leave, and I felt awful that I was the cause of it. Wren and Bree showed up right after he left, bearing wine and chocolate, saying Jace had called in reinforcements for his girls.

He stands with me, holding Lizzie’s other hand, and smiling ear to ear. “I know I’ve been around for the whole project, but the finished product is unbelievable.” And it really is. “Oooh, after lunch, can we go to the bookstore?” His laugh as he kisses my head warms me.

“Of course.” Jace smiles down at Lizzie while she skips along between us. I have her hand in a death grip. Being out again makes me feel so exposed, but I know I need to do it. Hopefully, this outing will be a good toe dip into the water for getting back to work, daycare, and just living. “They have a few cute Christmas decorations that I thought we could get for the house. What do you think about setting tomorrow aside as a decorating day? Maybe we can stop by the store on the way home, and get stuff to make cookies and hot chocolate?”

“Mmm, talk dirty to me, baby,” I whisper into his ear, giddy with the way he stiffens, then has to adjust his cock.

“Don’t tempt me,” he growls and it goes straight to my core.

“Harper!” Bree’s voice rings out behind us. “Good to see you out and about. Can I borrow Lizzie for a minute? I made a new brownie recipe and need a taste tester.” My pulse races at the idea of letting her out of my sight, but I know Bree would protect her with her life.

“Can I come, too?” Wren calls as she and Blake appear behind us, obviously headed in for lunch as well. I cock a brow at Wren. Are they back on again? She ignores my look and focuses on Bree and Lizzie.

“Sure, come on, you two.” Bree laughs, taking Lizzie’s hand, with Wren taking her other. We watch the trio as they head across the street.

“Jace, I have what you asked for. Do you want it now or later?” Blake has a manila envelope in his hand. My interest is piqued, but I hold my tongue, fully intending to grill Jace once we get inside.

“After lunch is fine. Care to join us?” Jace asks, oblivious to the fact that he probably wants to eat with Wren.

“Nah.” Blake rubs the back of his neck before answering, “I think I’ll just grab my own table, but I’ll meet you after.” Then strides to an open table across the room.

“What was that about? He’s acting squirrely, don't you think?” Jace asks me, and I laugh, sliding into the booth by the window. Before I can answer, someone slides in across from us, and my body locks up. Curtis.

“I guess I didn’t make myself clear before, Curtis. Fuck off,” I grit through my teeth, my jaw clenched so tight I wonder if I'll chip a tooth.

“No, I want to discuss custody of my daughter,” he retorts.

“Not buying it,” I scoff, pissed that he’s here, and that he used the word daughter. “You didn’t want her when I was pregnant, you haven’t wanted her since, why now?” He squirms at my words. I’m ready to tell him he has no case, ready to give him a metaphorical middle finger—scratch that, a real one.

“Harper, be reasonable. My wife and I can give her more than you ever could. I have a good job, a respected family, and am married and settled. Everything that is best for a child. You’re a single mom that works as a masseuse at some little spa.”

I’m seething. I see Blake making his way toward us, and as much as I appreciate the backup, this is my fight, and I’m sick of taking his shit. “You really do love the sound of your own voice,” I quip, raising one brow at him with false bravado. My insides are trembling, and I have to clench my fist to stop the shaking, but I will not cower from this little shit. “I’m not that scared and naive teenager anymore, and that spa, I own it. Just like I own my fucking house, Curtis. Me. Not my mommy and daddy. You will not waltz in here after five years and belittle what I have built. I have family here, and a community, more than I ever had back home. So, you can draft all the paperwork you want but know I will fight you every step of the way. I won’t make this easy on you, and I will win.”

Curtis blinks at me rapidly, obviously taken aback by my speech. He probably assumed he could bully me into giving him his way, like he had always done.

“Pathetic, Curtis. You are pathetic.” I enunciate each word. “Now, get out of my face, my booth, and my town. Cease-and-desist papers were already sent to your house. Actually,” I make a show of looking at my watch, “your wife is probably getting them from the courier right now.”

Curtis blanches, but then his face reddens with anger. His fishlike mouth opens to speak but doesn’t get the chance.

“This conversation is over,” Jace says, standing up from our seat.

“No, no, please, be reasonable. I can give Lizzie everything. She deserves a mother and a father.”