AllFreeNovel
Share Us
HARRISON
“If you want shared custody, you’re going to have to make some changes,” my attorney, Jackson, said as he filled a glass with water.
My stomach twisted. “What kind of changes are we talking about?”
“You’re a single guy, and you’re self-employed.” My attorney put the pitcher aside and held up his hands. “I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that. But the court might not look too kindly on it.”
Up until now, our custody arrangement had been an agreement, which was submitted to the court and signed by a judge, making it an enforceable order. Lola was against changing the schedule, and, up until now, I’d been afraid to rock the boat. Things were amicable, and I wasn’t sure how she’d take me formally asking for a modification.
I finally felt confident enough to ask for what I wanted—more time with my daughter. Especially since it was what Wren had been begging for. “What do you mean?”
Jackson sat across from me, opening a manila folder. “Judges like stability. They want to see that you’re in a secure job, getting a paycheck. That you’re committed to making this work. Are you living in the same school district as the child, or do you intend to be? Will the child be in your care or be watched by a sitter?”
“I’m a hundred percent committed. I live in the same school district as Wren, only about ten minutes from her house.” I was glad I’d thought of those things when I purchased my home a few years ago.
“Good. Shared custody works best when you’re living close by. Are you in a relationship, or are you a serial dater? What I need to know is, are there women coming in and out of the child’s life?”
I didn’t appreciate Jackson’s rapid-fire questions, but I appreciated his getting to the issues quickly.
“I’m not a saint, but I’ve been careful. I date, but I don’t bring anyone home to meet Wren.” Just the thought made me slightly ill.
Jackson grimaced. “I hate to say this, but it would look better if you were in a serious relationship, engaged, or, better yet, married.”
I couldn’t believe asking for shared custody meant that I had to make all these changes. I wasn’t seeing anyone. I wasn’t close to being in a serious relationship. Then an image of my best friend popped into my head—Everly. She was the perfect option, and I had no other choice.
“I didn’t want to say anything because it’s technically new, but I’ve been seeing my best friend, Everly. I waited to make a move because I was afraid of losing our friendship. We haven’t told anyone because we don’t want them getting their hopes up if it doesn’t work out. I was planning on waiting to get engaged, mainly because of my daughter. But if you’re saying it’ll make a difference in this case, then I’ll adjust my timeline.” My mind was racing, running through everything I’d need to do. Talk to Everly. Tell my grandmother I wanted to get engaged and ask for her ring.
Jackson nodded enthusiastically. “This is good.”
The reality was, Everly was my best friend. Even if I thought there was going to be something between us, I hadn’t let myself go there since I had Wren. After college, I moved back home to be close to Lola, Wren, and my parents. Everly had been by my side ever since. She’s like an aunt to my daughter, and I don’t want to lose her. But there was nothing more important than Wren, and if getting engaged meant that I had a shot at shared custody, I’d do it.
I didn’t want to be one of those dads who only saw their kids on the weekends or every other Wednesday.
Jackson flipped through my file. “Let’s talk about your job. You’re self-employed. Cain Rental, right?”
“That’s right. I rent tents, tables, linens, and silverware for big events—mainly weddings. I work closely with the wedding planning service in town, Happily Ever Afters.”
When Jackson grimaced, I asked, “You said being self-employed would be a potential issue in court?”
“It’s better if you have a job where you get a paycheck that someone else is writing. Your situation isn’t bad. It’s just not the best-case scenario. The judge wants to know that you’re stable, not moving anywhere, and that you’re financially secure. We both know that most businesses fail in the first five years.”
My stomach dipped. “Mine’s been in operation for two.”
Jackson let out a breath.
And I couldn’t reassure him that the business would be successful. I was still in the precarious position of trying to fund the business and provide for my living expenses. It was a daily struggle, especially when I needed someone to watch Wren while I worked events on the weekends.
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for Wren. That’s why I opened my own business. I wanted to be able to set my hours and be financially secure. The thing is, it takes time, and Wren isn’t getting any younger.”
Jackson waved a hand at me. “I think you’ll make a great witness on the stand. You’re clean-cut and educated, you own a business, and you’re close to your extended family. The judge wants to see that you have help with Wren, too.”
“I have my parents, my brothers, and Everly.”
“We just have to make sure the judge knows that. Get a ring on your girl’s finger. And I’ll let you know as soon as the paperwork is filed.”
I stood to shake his hand. “I really appreciate everything you’re doing.”
Jackson led me to the doorway. “The hard work is yet to be done. The custody case will be stressful, and I’m gonna need you to hold it together for the next few months. No scandals, no DUIs, no arrests.”
