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“That doesn’t mean she won’t go through with it eventually,” I say. “Just to spite me. Believe me, the woman has a temper, and she was not happy when I told her I wasn’t going to give her the money this time.”
“If money is her motivation,” Dillon says, “she may want custody for that reason. If she’s awarded custody, you would have to pay her child support.”
The thought of Audrey being used as a pawn to get money out of me has my blood boiling. I work hard not to crumple the papers in my hands. “But wouldn’t she have to pay back child support for the past seven years?”
Dillon shakes his head. “Not if she can prove that she didn’t have the means to pay it at the time. If she didn’t work where she was getting a paycheck that was taxed and traceable, then she wouldn’t have to pay it. She could tell the court that she had to get her life put back together before coming back for Audrey.”
I curse, realizing that all the times I gave her money I supported that false narrative. “So what do I do?”
“Well, if things go well with Malia, then we have a leg to stand on,” Dillon explains. “If you guys get married, you can prove that you have a stable house for Audrey and start the adoption papers as soon as possible. Even if Brittany tries to fight the adoption, you will show the courts that Audrey has a father and a mother in your household. That, paired with proving that Brittany abandoned Audrey, should convince a judge to award you sole custody.”
I stuff the papers back in the envelope. “This isn’t a chess game, Dillon. That’s a lot of pressure to put on a new relationship. Malia and I just reconnected. What if it’s just too much for her?”
Landon rests a hand on my shoulder. “Just see how things go with Malia over the next couple of weeks. You’ll know when it’s right to talk to her about all of this.” He pauses and looks at me seriously. “You’ll have to talk to her about it eventually. This is a part of your life.”
Even though I know he’s right, I still don't think it’s fair for Malia to have to deal with the skeletons in my closet. This is my problem, not hers.
Chapter Fourteen
MALIA
“This is by far the best thing you have ever done for me,” Ala says around a mouthful of laulau. She’s sitting cross-legged on the hospital bed, her hair in a messy bun on top of her head, and the rolling tray in front of her. She digs another fork-full into the authentic Hawaiian food I had flown in and delivered to her hospital room. It took some finagling to make it happen, but the look of satisfaction on her face when she took the first bite made the effort worth it. The smell of the salty meat is like a nostalgic hug to my senses.
“Well, your endless complaining about the hospital food had to stop, for the sake of all of our sanity,” I tease.
I got here a half hour ago to relieve Ben so he could go home to shower, change, and eat. He refuses to leave her alone. It’s really adorable how dedicated he is to her.
I pull out a can of guava juice from the brown bag and place it on the tray next to her food. “So have they said when you get to come home?” I ask.
She eyes the can of juice and sighs before popping the top open. “They’re releasing me tomorrow as long as my body and baby cooperate.” She takes a sip before continuing. “But I’ll be on bed rest for the next few weeks, until it’s safe for baby to come.”
A knot of worry I’ve held for her ever since she was rushed in here eases.
“That’s great news! And don’t worry about being on bed rest. I’ll do everything. I can get the groceries, cook, and clean.”
“You’ll clean?”
“Well, I’ll hire a cleaning company. Same thing.”
She laughs.
“You don’t worry about a thing other than keeping that cute nephew of mine safe.” I rub her belly.
“I love you like a mango,” she says.
“With li hing mui?”
“Of course.”
“Speaking of,” I pull out another container with mango in bright red li hing mui.
“Shut up!” She grabs the container, a huge smile on her face. She opens the bag and takes
out a slice, bites into it, and moans in tastebud bliss. I pull out a slice and eat some too. The sweet and tangy mingle in my mouth. It brings back memories of longs days spent surfing on the North Shore.
“You’re in a particularly good mood today.” Ala scoops up some more laulau with rice.
I smile. “I am.” Then I sigh and decide it’s time to bring up what I’ve been wanting to ask her ever since I got here. “Why didn’t you ever tell me that Jax has a daughter?” It’s something that’s been weighing on me ever since I talked to Mrs. Bassencherry. Ala would have known a long time ago, and yet she never told me.
