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Aunt Charlie draws a breath. “It’s a lot more complicated. Benedict would have to agree.”
As much as I knew that would be the answer, hearing it from a family lawyer hits ten times harder. Benedict loathes California. If we live here, he’ll never see his son unless I fly back and forth. That doesn’t sound fair to Bentley.
“Divorcing a partner can be messy. There are assets to think about as well.”
“I don’t have anything,” I tell them both as Uncle Lex just watches though remains quiet. “I have my apartment here, which is being rented out. I don’t want anything from Benedict or his family.”
Aunt Charlie briefly glances at Uncle Lex to then focus her attention back onto me.
“I’ll help you, Jessa, with any legal representation. I have friends who work in London. They can assist with differences in our legal systems as I don’t know all the ins and outs.”
My shoulders curl, the heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach only growing.
“Benedict will fight me for everything,” I stammer, suddenly feeling helpless. “I can’t imagine your fees would be cheap.”
Aunt Charlie places her hand on mine. “Sweetheart, you’re family. Don’t you dare think for a second you’re paying for anything? This is what family does.”
I nod, pressing my lips together, but a tear escapes me. “I’m scared of him, what he’ll do.”
Uncle Lex leans forward this time to place his hand on top of my other hand.
“You have us to help fight. I don’t want you to worry about money. I’ll take care of this.”
I shake my head. “I can’t ask you to do that.”
With a small smile, he lets out a sigh. “Well, you’re lucky I never take no for an answer. Just like Charlotte said, you’re part of our family, and we do everything to protect each other.”
My eyes fall to the table, choking on my thoughts. “I know Dad will be disappointed.”
“Noah will love you no matter what,” Aunt Charlie reiterates. “Life doesn’t always go according to plan. There’s not one of us who hasn’t made a mistake, or in some cases, two or three, maybe even more. It’s how we move forward, Jessa, which counts for everything.”
“I don’t want Bentley to suffer because I—”
I purposely cut myself off, about to mention Andy until I remember just who I’m sitting in front of. Uncle Lex and Andy have an extremely tight bond, and I don’t think he’ll be pleased to know we’re sleeping with each other while I’m married. Affairs are always frowned upon, especially when other people are involved.
“Jessa, please tell me to stop talking if this isn’t open for discussion.” Aunt Charlie glances at Uncle Lex again briefly. “Is there another reason you think Benedict will fight you for Bentley? Perhaps, a certain person he may be jealous of.”
My hands wrap around the warm mug, but I find myself staring at the coffee inside blankly. We promised not to say anything, but this lie is becoming harder and harder to carry around. The weight on my shoulders begins to indent on the verge of permanently scarring.
“Yes,” is all I say.
Aunt Charlie sighs. “I’ve only met Benedict the one time, so far from me to judge his character without knowing him better. However, this won’t be an easy battle if he’s like many of the husbands I deal with in court.”
“I know. I just don’t know where to begin.”
“I can’t tell you where to begin because only you know your marriage better than anyone else. We’re here for you every step of the way, and if you need us in person, we are only a plane ride away.”
“Thank you,” I tell them both. Then I gaze up at Uncle Lex. “Please just be there for Andy. Things are complicated, and I know he’s frustrated with me.”
Uncle Lex nods. “You leave him to me, okay?”
And perhaps the small amount of relief came from the two people who would never judge me. After all, they had their own love story play out similarly.
But now, it’s time I face the inevitable.
* * *
Bentley stumbles to Benedict with a grin on his chubby little face. The move catches me by surprise, given his crankiness in the car on the way home from being overtired to the fact he has never really demanded Benedict’s attention.
