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“So, Aiden has been unresponsive in a coma three years?” she asks.
I nod.
“And how long were you together prior to the accident?”
“Four years. Our daughter was two when the accident happened. We had planned to marry years ago—well, before the accident.” I clear my throat, suddenly feeling very hot. “But we never got around to it.”
“And his mother, Heather, is power of attorney?”
“That's correct,” I say. I nod my head again. We never married and he never made a will to clarify his wishes, even though we had spoken about what the other would do if something happened.
“Had you spoken about what would happen if one of you was seriously injured?”
“Not in great detail, but it had come up. What he's doing at the m
oment isn't living, and that's not what he would want. That much I know.”
Kaitlin nods, her brow furrowed. “Why didn’t you ever consider suing for power of attorney? You’d have had a good chance, considering your relationship and that you’re the mother of his child.”
“I thought about it, but then it's not something I wanted to put Tilly through.” I laugh. “Now things are even more fucked up. I don't know what to do. I just want what's best for my daughter and I want what Aiden would want. And I know that's not what's happening, and it kills me.”
My heart begins to pound as I fight the tears threatening to roll down my cheeks. Max reaches over and squeezes my hand. Just knowing he's there next to me is comforting and terrifying the same time. I let out a laugh. Why does everything have to be so confusing?
“Okay, let's focus on this first. If applying for power of attorney is something you want to consider, we can do that later,” Kaitlin mutters as she scribbles down notes on her pad.
For the next few hours, we go over every tiny little detail until she has the perfect picture of mine and Aidan's life over the past three years. We talk about everything, from how many times I'd visit Aiden to Tilly's contact with him and her grandparents. I don't know if I feel better or worse as time goes on.
“Okay. Here's the good news: I don't think they have a case at all.”
I breathe a sigh of relief, unable to even express how amazing that feels. “Great, so what now?”
“Well, this will still probably go to mediation. If mediation fails, it will advance to court. Regardless of whether or not they stand a chance, they still have the right to sue.”
“How do I keep Tilly out of this?” I ask, beginning to panic. All I want is for her to not be affected by this, but I can’t see how that’s possible. “I mean, do I tell her what's going, considering she’s sensing something is up already?”
“Explain to her as much as you feel comfortable with. If she's imagining things, what she's thinking is probably worse than the reality.”
“Okay.” She’s right. The last thing I need is for Tilly to be jumping to the wrong conclusions. “So where do we go from here?”
“Now, I'll organize the mediation with Heather's lawyer. I’ll try to make that for as soon as possible so we can sort this out. Don't expect much from that, though. That way if there is a good outcome, it’s a bonus that you're not counting on it.”
I nod. That sounds reasonable.
We stand up.
“Thanks so much for seeing me. I really appreciate it,” I say, shaking her hand.
“I’m happy to help—and just so you know, I'm very competitive. I hate losing.” She gives me a wink as she shows us the door. We thank her again and walk outside and over to the elevator.
“How do you feel now?” Max asks as we step out into the fresh air of the street.
I wrap my arms around my waist and shrug. “Better then when I went in there, I think,” I say with a smile. All things considered, I'm feeling pretty good. “Her confidence about their lack of a case makes me confident, if that makes sense.”
“Of course it does,” he says with a wink. “Can I tempt you into dinner? Just as friends, of course,” he adds quickly
“I would love to, but I have a little girl waiting for me who I haven't seen since yesterday morning, and I miss her terribly. I think I need some mommy and daughter time,” I say with a grin.
“And that's why you’re such a wonderful mother,” he teases.
