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“I don’t think I’d have a choice, but I want to avoid that scenario. That’s why I talked to an attorney. She thinks I should file for custody.”
“Won’t that stir things up with Melanie?”
“That’s what I’m worried about. But it’s that or wait for her to show up whenever it suits her. I don’t want her taking her out of school.”
“It sounds like you made the right decision, then.” Her tone was flat.
“I’m protecting Kendall.” I felt the need to defend my decision. Sure, I was stirring things up, but it had to be done.
“It sounds like something you have to do,” Sophie said agreeably, but I wanted to know what she was thinking.
“There’s no great option, but I want to do the thing that protects her.”
Sophie folded the cloth napkin on the table. “You want to stay here?”
“Kendall seems to be settling in. You’re here. I like being at home. I don’t know anyone in Indiana.”
Sophie glanced up from the napkin. “Kendall does, though.”
I looked over at Kendall, who bumped Drew with her shoulder, knocking him away from the game. “She hasn’t said anything about her friends in a while. I think they stopped texting and calling.”
Sophie tilted her head. “And she’s okay with that?”
I refocused on Sophie. “She seems to be.”
“That’s good. I want what’s best for Kendall, even if it’s not what’s best for us, or even me.”
I rested my hand over hers. “You’ve always been selfless. It’s okay to ask for what you want.”
“I want you.” She nodded toward Kendall. “I want Kendall. I want you to be happy. Fulfilled. Even if it’s not with me.”
I opened my mouth, wanting to remind her those things were more about me than her, but she interrupted to ask, “Speaking of, have you thought any more about what you’d like to do for work?”
“You know I spoke with Ethan.”
Sophie nodded as the server brought a pitcher of water and glasses. “Your food will be here soon.”
“Thank you,” Sophie said to the server before they moved to the next table.
I removed my hand from hers to clasp them in front of me on the table. “I also met with Cade and Nolan at Morrison Brothers Construction. Both were eager for us to work together.”
“Is there a way you could do both?”
“Possibly. I need to work out the details. Cade mentioned having me lead my own team. He seemed to respect my military experience.”
“You’ll make a great manager.”
A server brought the pizza, and Kendall came over with Drew. “Can Drew eat with us?”
“Is your mom here?” Sophie asked Drew.
“She’s shopping, so I asked if I could play a few games.”
“I’ll text her and let her know you’re eating with us,” Sophie said, taking out her phone.
I moved out of the booth so the kids could sit and moved to sit next to Sophie. My thigh rested against hers, and I didn’t bother pulling away. I liked sitting close to her.
Watching Kendall and Drew eating their pizza, talking and laughing with Sophie next to me, I couldn’t help but hope that there would be more moments like this in my future.
