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“That’s amazing. So, you’ll have to go there for court, right?” I ask, even though I’m sure that’s how it works.
“Yes, I’ll need to go there,” he says, grabbing the back of his neck.
I rest my hand on his and smile. “You need to get those girls. I’ll be fine. We’ll all be fine until you get back.” I press a kiss to his lips, and he grins. “And you’ll be back with the girls.”
Chapter 18
Braden
* * *
I look out the window of the plane and imagine all the times my girls have made this flight alone. It’s a terrifying thought. They’re so young, yet they’ve been dealing with such adult things. I know there are many kids that do it, but they aren’t mine. My mind drifts to McKinley and the sadness that was in her eyes at the airport. Leaving her behind is the hardest thing I’ve had to do. I wanted to ask her a million times over the last two months to come with me, but I couldn’t do it. She shouldn’t be subjected to Sarah. Plus, she has a big photoshoot with Max, and I wasn’t going to ask her to give that up for this.
After this is over and I have my girls, I’m going to ask McKinley to move in with me. If anything has been made clear over the last few months, it’s that I can’t be away from her. I never thought I’d be able to let someone in again, but I was wrong. McKinley makes my heart beat again. I love her and when I get home, I’ll have all the girls I love.
The flight is long and by the time I land, I’m ready to crash. I’m glad I decided to come a day early. I only brought a carry-on, so once I have that I exit the plane. When I get outside, I’m smacked in the face with the humidity. Why the hell would anyone purposely subject themselves to this?
Thankfully, there are drivers outside the airport looking to make a few extra bucks. I grab a ride and tell him to head to the hotel.
“Vacation or business?” the driver asks.
“Business,” I say, adjusting my seat.
“You ever been to North Carolina before?” he asks.
I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans, looking at him in the rearview mirror. “No, and I think it’s safe to say I won’t be back.”
He laughs and turns up the air-conditioning in the car. “You get used to the heat and humidity.”
I’m very doubtful of that. I’d much rather be sitting on my back deck listening to the waves crash and enjoying the cool breeze.
It’s a short drive to the hotel. I pay the driver, grab my bag, and walk inside. Once I have my key card, I head up to the room. I slide it into the door and when it clicks open, I’m grateful for the blast of cold air. It’s nothing great, just a simple hotel room, but that’s all I need. I just need somewhere to sleep and get ready to fight for my girls.
I take a quick shower and lay on the uncomfortable mattress. It’s quiet, too quiet, so I flip on the TV and grab my phone.
Me: Just letting you know I’m at the hotel and it’s lonely as hell without you.
McKinley: It’s lonely here without you, but it’s only one night. Tomorrow we’ll make up for lost time.
I chuckle, missing her even more.
Me: Is that a promise?
McKinley: Hell yes, it is. Now get some sleep. There’s a three-hour difference and you need to be up early.
I shake my head, laughing. This girl has no idea that even the simple things like worrying that I get enough sleep, make me love her even more.
Me: I’ll call you as soon as court is over. Good luck at your shoot tomorrow. Night.
McKinley: Good luck in court. Good night.
I toss my phone aside and close my eyes. Exhaustion takes over and while I think of all the ways I’m going to worship McKinley when I get home, I fall asleep.
My alarm didn’t even go off yet and I’m up having a shitty cup of coffee I got from the restaurant downstairs. My lawyer called and wants to meet before we head to the courthouse, so I’m dressed and ready to go. I’m nervous as hell. If this all goes wrong, I could lose the girls. Realistically, I know that won’t happen, but I have no idea what her plan of attack is. And I have no doubt it will be nothing but attacks.
I toss the empty coffee cup in the trash and adjust my tie in the mirror. I wanted to call McKinley or Kallie, but it’s only five in the morning in California. So, I grab my jacket and head downstairs to meet with my lawyer.
He’s easily seen sitting with papers all over the table. It’s not very encouraging if I’m honest. He spots me and waves me over.
