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"Hey, Amy, I was wondering if you could lend me a hand," he said hesitantly. "I need to find something to wear after the court hearing in Vail... when I meet Ava for the first time. I thought about wearing a suit, but that doesn't feel quite right."
Raising a quizzical brow, I replied, "You want fashion advice from me? The woman who works from home in yoga pants and an oversized shirt?" I couldn't help but chuckle.
A nervous laugh escaped Mitch as he scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, I trust your judgment. I'm way out of my element, you know."
Not long after, we were hand-in-hand, navigating the bustling mall. Mitch's exuberant expression and his bulging bicep pressed against my shoulder stirred wicked thoughts I had to tuck away for another time. As we strolled by the baby section, Mitch revealed the nursery furniture he had picked out for Ava. Then, wandering to the men's section, we selected an ensemble that was both comfortable and fashionable for the occasion. "Do you think little Ava will approve?" Mitch inquired excitedly.
Suppressing a giggle, I broke the news. "Mitch, she's an infant. I'm not sure she'll have much of a reaction, but maybe..." I continued, "I hope everything goes well with Ava... and Nicole."
"Thanks, Amy I guess you're right. You're the best," he replied, planting a tender kiss on my lips.
My heart twinged with jealousy at the thought of Mitch and Nicole together, creating a child. Yet, I quickly tucked it away. Now wasn't a time for that discussion.
That night, as we headed home, I felt a wave of sadness wash over me. Mitch was leaving for Vail the next morning, and I wouldn't be accompanying him.
"Will you be bringing Ava back alone?" I asked, attempting to mask my sullen mood.
Mitch shook his head, "No, Ella's all set to go at a moment's notice. I'll probably be in Vail for a few days before we're ready to return to San Diego." Pausing, he cleared his throat and peered into my eyes. "Amy, would you like to join me? You can work from the chalet while I'm occupied," he suggested, his hands resting gently on my shoulders.
Memories of the chalet resurfaced, causing me to shudder as the walls seemed to close in on me. My heart raced, and I struggled to regain my composure. "Mitch, I... I don't know," I stammered, swallowing hard. "I wish I could be there for you, but the chalet carries painful memories. I'm not sure I'm prepared to face them just yet."
Mitch's eyes widened as he grasped the implications of his proposal. He quickly removed his hands from my shoulders and stepped back. "Oh, Amy, I'm so sorry. I didn't consider how that might affect you. I feel awful for even suggesting it," he apologized, his voice laden with genuine remorse.
"No, Mitch, don't blame yourself," I reassured him, managing a weak smile. "It's just... it's something... I don't think I'll ever be ready to go back there."
"I can't believe... I'm so sorry...." Mitch raked his fingers through his hair, looking away in self-disgust.
"No worries, and thank you for inviting me, Mitch. That means a lot. Let's focus on the future, shall we?" I said, trying to lighten the mood.
Mitch exhaled and slowly nodded. "Yes, let's do that." He reached out for my hand and squeezed it gently, taking a moment to anchor himself in the present. I smiled in return, appreciative of his understanding as I helped him with his purchases, and we made our way back to his Lexus.
When we arrived at the apartment, Papa's car occupied the designated parking space. "I see your parents got home safely."
"Knowing them, they'll stay up all night to hear what you picked out." I chuckled.
We shared a laugh, our spirits buoyed despite the emotional rollercoaster we had just endured. I opened the door and stepped out, the cool evening breeze caressing my face. We wrapped our arms around each other, cocooned in a warm embrace, reluctant to let the day come to an end.
As we finally pulled away, Mitch gazed down at me, a radiant smile illuminating his face. "You know," he began, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, "I jogged all the way from home last night, hoping I might bump into you on the beach. I saw you standing at your window and thought you saw me too."
My eyes widened in surprise. "I did see you," I admitted softly.
His brow furrowed with heightened curiosity. "Why didn't you come down to the boardwalk then?"
A touch of sadness tinged my voice as I confessed, "I did, but by the time I got there, you had already disappeared."
Our eyes locked, the unspoken acknowledgment of our near encounter hanging in the air. But instead of dwelling on the missed opportunity, I hugged him one last time before he left. "Stay in touch. I can't wait to see more pictures of your beautiful daughter."
Chapter Ten
Mitch
The moment I crossed the threshold into the lobby of the law offices of Waltz, Schneider, and Cosby, Vail's crisp mountain air was exchanged for the rich aroma of wood polish and paper. My footsteps were hushed by the luxurious carpet, but the oppressive presence of law books lining the walls was impossible to ignore. My purpose was clear. I settled into a plush chair and clutched my tablet that held the nursery furniture photos for Ava, the sketches for the imminent remodel, and the personal files Angelo would need.
As I glanced around the room, my eyes fell upon a shadow box mounted on the wall. It showcased an array of military ribbons and medals, along with a photograph of a younger Colonel, Angelo Ferrara. A swell of respect surged within me, knowing Ferrara had served his country before pursuing law. That sort of grit and determination was precisely what I needed in my corner.
My heart raced and sweat slicked my palms as anxiety clawed at me. Yet, the resolve to create a welcoming home for my daughter never wavered. Soon enough, Angelo emerged from his office, his smile warm and inviting. I rose, inhaled a steadying breath, and strode in after collecting my thoughts. "Have a seat, Mitch," Angelo gestured to a leather armchair opposite his polished mahogany desk. Diplomas and certificates framed the cozy yet professional space.
Angelo leaned in, his blue eyes sharp on mine as I crossed one leg over the other. "Mitch, I've gone over your case, and I want you to know I'll fight tooth and nail to help you win custody of Ava. But let me remind you, it's unusual for the judge to award full custody to one parent. They typically favor joint custody, ensuring the child has access to both parents, even when living apart. This holds true even when Nicole requests full relinquishment of her parental rights."
