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“Isn’t it a bit early to be calling?” I have no idea what time it is, but it feels early.
“Yes, but I wanted to talk to you today. I have news.”
Dread settles like a heavy weight in my belly. My world is finally right again; I’m not ready for whatever news might upend the peace I’m starting to find. I glance nervously over my shoulder and find Hadley watching me with big, blinking eyes, probably wondering who is disturbing our last few hours alone.
Reluctantly, I swing my feet over the edge of the bed and stand, stretching out my body before trudging into the living room. “What news?”
“I’m being released early for good behavior.” There’s a sigh on the other end before she says, “I can’t wait to hug Colton and Piper. I’ve missed them so much.”
She’s delusional if she expects to resume a normal life with the kids the minute she’s released from prison. I want her to have a relationship with them but living under an assumed identity for years is not something that can be remedied overnight.
“Listen, I’m not letting you near my children until you’re settled, stable, and living under your own name. I spent an entire year untangling the life you created for yourself, and the mess you made still isn’t cleaned up.”
“You can’t keep me from my own kids, Theo. I want to see them.” Her irresponsibility makes my blood boil.
“You will, but you will not get to dictate the timeline. Where are you even going to go once you’re released?”
There’s a small intake of breath and I can picture her chewing on her lip. “I’m working on getting those details figured out.”
“Yeah, well, when you have a solid plan that doesn’t involve stealing another person’s identity, we can talk. Until then, the custody agreement remains in effect. Goodbye.” I end the conversation abruptly, but I’ve learned to be firm with Serena. If she has even the slightest opportunity, she will try and bullshit her way to getting what she wants.
“I’m guessing that wasn’t work.” I spin on my heel and find Hadley standing at the end of the short hallway leading from the master bedroom.
“No, it wasn’t,” I tell her with a sigh.
She walks toward me slowly before settling herself on the couch. There is entirely too much space between us, but I’m hesitant to draw her close. That phone call complicated our lives and our relationship. All the wonderful dreams I had last night about our future together disappeared with the news of Serena’s early release.
“Tell me.” Her voice is soft but there’s an urgency in her tone.
I close my eyes because telling her about Serena’s homecoming means accepting my relationship with Hadley will change. “Serena is being released early.”
“Oh.” Her casualness surprises me. “How do you feel about that?”
A laugh bubbles up in the back of my throat and slips through my lips. I don’t find this situation funny at all but laughing seems the appropriate response.
“I’ve lived in misery for more than a year. Did everything possible to protect my children from the ugly truth about their mother’s whereabouts, and yet, fate wants to punish me the moment I find a sliver of happiness.” I glance toward her and finally beckon her toward me. I need to feel her, even if it’s merely the smallest touch of her hand. I need to know she exists. When her warm hand slides against mine, I finally relax. Her touch is soothing, a balm to mend the cracks of my heart. “She wants to see them.”
“Can you blame her?”
I shake my head. “No, I can’t. Despite everything, she’s a good mother. Colton and Piper love her so much, but when they find out the truth, it’s going to crush them.”
“So don’t tell them.”
“I don’t plan on it, but what happens when they’re older? When they ask for copies of their birth certificates and the name listed as their mother doesn’t match? Their birth certificates had to be changed too. Serena Franklin isn’t their mother. She doesn’t exist, or someone with that name might exist in another part of this country. Who the fuck knows? The point is, Serena Franklin is who my children know. They don’t know Jordan Tate.”
Hadley chews on her thumbnail as if she’s contemplating everything I’ve told her before she turns her attention back to me. “You’re not going to like what I have to say.”
“I already hate this day so you might as well tell me.”
“You should let them. They deserve to have a relationship with their mom, especially if she’s good to them.” She leans forward and presses her lips against mine in a very brief kiss.
Before she can pull away, I wrap my arms around her and keep her close. “I’m scared,” I admit.
“Of what?”
“Of letting her back into our lives.”
“Why?”
“She could hurt them, or you. She could do so much damage. I don’t want to lose you, Hadley.”
She places her hands firmly on either side of my face, keeping it steady. “Do you really think I’m going to let her get between us? I’m a tough cookie, Theo. It’s going to take more than a crazy ex-wife to scare me away.”
