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“Me too.” We couldn’t discuss more because Wren was in the car. At home, we worked as a team to herd Wren into the house, reminding her it was past her bedtime. She protested, wanting to stay up and watch TV. It took both of us being firm to get her to change and brush her teeth while she pouted.
When she was finally tucked in, and we’d tiptoed out of the room, Harrison said, “Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“I think you would have managed.”
“Still, it’s easier with you here. It’s like having a partner, and I’ve never had that.”
That part was true. Even if his parents or I helped in the past, we weren’t here twenty-four seven. The reality was that he did most of the heavy lifting on his own. It felt good to be here for him like this, but at the same time, it didn’t feel like work. It was the most natural thing I’d ever done.
Thirteen
HARRISON
Idropped off Wren at school on Monday, feeling like my heart was being ripped out of my chest. Each time I saw her for the weekend, the time went by faster. All too soon, it was time for her to go back to school or to Lola’s, and I hated it.
On the way to school, Wren asked again if she could spend more time with me. I told her I was working on it, but it wasn’t enough. On the drive home, I called Jackson to get an update.
Clearing my throat, I asked, “I wanted to get an update on the custody case.”
“I wanted to talk to you about that. The papers are drafted, but I thought more about it, and I think we should wait.”
My heart rate increased. “What are you talking about? I thought we needed to file right away.”
“Lola’s having a baby soon, right?” Jackson asked.
“She’s due after Thanksgiving.” I wasn’t sure what that had to do with anything.
“Lola might be more amenable to you taking Wren when she has a baby to take care of.”
“Are you sure?” I wanted to do whatever he thought was best. I didn’t have any experience with these kinds of things. But at the same time, I was getting impatient.
“When you emailed me a few weeks ago, you mentioned coaching Wren’s basketball team.”
“That’s right. Lola was okay with it as long as I picked her up and dropped her off at all practices and games.”
“I think that’s a great idea. It shows you’re committed to your daughter, her interests, and activities.”
I ran a hand through my hair, feeling uncomfortable as I pulled into my driveway. “Of course I am.”
“It will look good in front of a judge. Plus, it shows Lola’s lack of interest.”
“Okaaay,” I said, drawing out the word. I wasn’t trying to prove that I was a good dad and that Lola was a bad mother. I just wanted more time. I believed Wren should have equal time with both of us.
“We’ll see how it plays out. Keep track of every time you take her to practice or to a game, and whether Lola attends.”
“I can do that.” I just wasn’t sure how I felt about keeping a list. It felt deceitful.
Jackson cleared his throat. “We’ll see how things go when the baby comes. We’ll reevaluate then.”
I sighed. “It’s just, Wren asks me every time I drop her off if she can spend more time with me. It sucks.”
“You need to be patient. These things take time. If Lola does something crazy, we can file an emergency motion for custody.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Sometimes, in these situations, the mother freaks out when we file for custody. She pulls back, refuses to bring the kid for scheduled visitations.”
“I’m always the one who picks up and drops off.”
