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“We had Golden Doodles because my brother was allergic. But my ex hated dog hair and said he didn’t want to be responsible when the kids didn’t do their chores.” I laugh it off, but I can tell they don’t think it’s very funny.
“He sounds…interesting,” they both say at the same time.
I watch as they look into each other’s eyes and chuckle. My heart thumps, and I want what they have. I want to look at someone and love them like these two love each other.
“I’m so sorry.” Pink blossoms on my cheeks. “I didn’t mean to talk about him so much. We are still newly separated and I’m adjusting.” I try to laugh it off, but it’s hollow sounding. I don’t tell them about my run-in with his fiancée earlier today.
“What do your parents think of all this?” Asher waves his hand at my face, and I know he sees what I’ve been trying to hide all day.
I reach up and touch my cheek. But the pain in my heart is worse at the mention of my parents. I know my dad would have been right there with Darrell wanting to go after Colton. I honestly don’t think my father would have given his consent for us to marry. Like so many things since my separation, I’m looking back, and I remember how much my dad didn’t like Colton. How Colton reacted when my parents died. It floods through my system, and I lower my eyes before I look up again.
I take a deep breath and exhale before I respond. “My parents were killed before Colton and I got married. I think my father would be of the same mind as my brother on this situation.” I pause. “Honestly, when Colton and I dated in high school, Daddy didn’t hate him. But he always said I could do better, and that Colton only saw dollar signs with me. They died when I was a senior in high school. My brother took over as my parent. He shouldn’t have had that responsibility. He was still young himself. I think that’s why it took Darrell so long to finally settle down and get married.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.” November reaches across the table and pats my hand gently. I try to hold the tears back, but one slips free. Today has been too emotional for me.
“My parents would have been so proud that I followed my dreams, but they would be heartbroken that I’m going through all this now.”
“They sound like good parents. You said on the phone you’re from Chattanooga?” Asher asks me, and I give him my focus now.
“Yes, my family dates back to colonial times there.”
“Wait, are you by any chance related to Darrell Boseman?” He says my brother’s name slowly. I can’t tell if it’s in a good or bad way. My brother is really good at business, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t make enemies too.
“That’s my brother.” I nod at him.
“He wanted us to do his new commercial construction in Nashville, but we were too busy. That was a couple of years ago.”
“Yes.” I try to hide my disappointment because that was when my brother and I had such a strain on our relationship because of Colton.
“Yes good or yes bad?” he asks.
For some reason, maybe it’s because he’s a father of girls and would understand, or it’s just because he’s nice, I find myself unloading everything to them both. They are basically complete strangers, yet I tell them so much. When I’m done, Asher stands and pulls me from my side of the booth to give me a hug. More tears leak from my eyes at the act. It’s such a dad move and something I’ve missed for so long.
“Thank you for listening to me. I shouldn’t have unloaded but—” I hiccup.
“Don’t apologize. You needed someone to hear you. I agree with your brother, you need to get away from him. We’ll help. I have a cousin or my nephew who can install a security system.” He pats my back, and when I pull away, I do feel a bit stronger.
“Excuse me, my turn,” November says and moves around him to take me in her arms next. I try to hold the tears in, but they come out again.
“I’m so sorry. I’m a blubbering idiot today. Colton’s fiancée came to the zoo earlier and attacked me.” I wave to my face. “She claimed she was pregnant with his baby. I don’t believe it because he had a vasectomy after we had the twins. He said he didn’t need any more mouths to feed. But I know he could have gotten it reversed.”
“Attacked you?” they both say as they settle back into the booth across from me.
“Yeah.”
“Did you file a restraining order? I have another nephew who is a police officer and can help with that.”
“I called my attorneys. They wanted me to file a restraining order against her, but I told them I don’t need it. She’s probably on a plane back to Texas and I won’t see her again.”
“You need to think of your babies and protect them. A restraining order is what you need,” November says as she reaches across the table and takes my hand.
“Did Sharon help you get an attorney?” Asher asks me, and I look at him.
“Yep. Before my flight back from Dallas landed, Sharon and Sydney had me two attorneys. They are really good. They’ve been helping with the divorce, and the Bozeman company attorney is helping with the prenup issues.”
“Issues?” I watch his brow raise.
“Colton is contesting the prenuptial agreement on the basis that we had the twins. He’s stating it shouldn’t have been signed because I was already pregnant when we got married. That we’d had an agreement based on that.”
