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“I work and take care of Wren. Sometimes I get a beer with my brothers when she’s with Lola, but I’d never drink and drive or do anything to put her at risk.”
“I wasn’t suggesting that you would. I just wanted to warn you that the stakes are high. In Maryland, custody is only revisited when there’s been a change in circumstances. Once the judge makes his or her decision, it’s final. It would be next to impossible to get a second crack at it.”
My stomach dropped. I’ve only got one chance at this. “Is there any way he could give melesscustody?”
“He could keep things the same, grant shared custody, or reduce your time. But he’d have to have a reason to do that. That’s why I said to keep your nose clean.”
I shook my head. “That won’t be an issue.”
“What you're asking for is to have Wren with you for one week and then with her mother for one week. Be sure that’s what you want before I file. A custody hearing has the potential to stir up everything in your past.”
“I don't have any skeletons in my closet, if that’s what you’re asking.”
Jackson lowered his voice. “There’s nothing that could come out that’s going to look bad? If so, I need to know.”
“I can’t think of anything.”
Jackson shook my hand. “I’ll be in touch.”
On the way out of the office, I wondered what I had just done. I promised to ask my best friend, the woman who’d been by my side through everything, to marry me. What was I thinking? Sure, there was nothing more important in my life than Wren. And I wanted to spend more time with her, but what if it ruined my relationship with Everly?
I’d made a promise to my attorney without even talking to her about it. What if she said no? What if she didn’t want anything to do with my crazy plan? Whatever her reaction, I had to know what it was. I couldn’t put it off because Jackson was planning on filing the paperwork soon.
I pulled out my phone and sent her a text.
Can you meet for dinner tonight?
My phone buzzed as I got to my SUV.
Yes! Where at?
Max’s?
Perfect.
See you in 30.
I loved the easy relationship I had with Everly. Even when we went to different colleges, and I got Lola pregnant, she was there via emails and texts. And we picked up right where we left off when I moved back home.
I hoped this conversation didn’t change anything. I didn’t want to give her any indication of why we were meeting or give her a reason not to show up. I wasn’t sure how she would react. She’s never given any indication that she wanted anything beyond friendship with me. And this was asking a lot from someone who had never requested anything in return. I was asking her to pretend not only to be in a relationship but to be engaged, as well. And how far would this go? Would we have to live together? Would we need to set a date? Actually go through with it and get married?
Jackson wanted it to look real. We were asked all the time if we’d ever gone there with each other. Most couldn’t believe we hadn’t. So, no one would question if we did.
If we told everyone we were a thing and later broke up, my grandmother would be heartbroken. I couldn’t tell her the truth. If we were going to lie in a court of law, everyone needed to believe the lie.
On the drive to Max’s, I wondered why I never thought of Everly as more than a friend. The obvious answer was that her friendship was too important to me. I just hoped that pretending to be together didn’t have the same effect. Everyone knew custody cases were stacked against dads. And there was nothing technically wrong with Lola’s parenting. There was no reason why a judge would reduce her time other than me wanting more of it. I wasn’t sure how judges handled those situations, and I wanted to present the best case.
As Jackson said, this was my best chance.
I parked and walked slowly toward the restaurant. My feet felt heavier with each step. The space between my shoulder blades tightened.
For the first time, I was nervous to see Everly. I wasn’t sure how she would react. If she’d be on board or if she would think I was completely crazy and laugh at me. I wouldn't blame her, no matter what she did. The entire situation was unreal.
When I opened the door, Everly was already waiting. As soon as she saw me, her blue eyes brightened.
For the first time, I really looked at her—long, dirty-blonde hair curled into waves. She wore a dress as if she’d come straight from her office job. She described herself as shy, but I rarely saw that side of her.
She moved into my arms, hugging me like she always did, except this time, I was hyperaware of the way her breasts pressed against my chest.
