Then he would walk away. He’d watch it all burn. He didn’t want Bailey, he only wanted her to believe he was taking Bailey.
In that moment, everything clicked.
Aelin nearly laughed out loud. She stared at him across the table, his hands pleasantly clasped, his hair perfectly gelled. He watched her like a hawk circling a rabbit, just waiting for a chance to dig in his talons.
She kept running, scurrying, finding burrows and hiding until she had to pop her head back up. And there he was, always waiting. He would never relent. He would never give up trying to prove that he had the power.
She didn’t need to be a bitch to fight Clark. She just needed to be smarter than him.
Aelin took a deep breath, then held up a hand, cutting off Martin mid-sentence. When she opened her mouth, her voice was steady. “I've been doing a lot of thinking. I realized how selfish I've been through this whole process. You're right, Clark. I couldn't afford that house, not without you and the money that you make. I'm sorry I caused you so much pain and made this more difficult than it needed to be.”
Aelin imagined herself, that little tawny rabbit in the grass, rolling over and baring her belly. Clark’s eyes narrowed.Just a little closer.
“I'm surprised by this, Aelin, pleasantly. Are you saying that we can finally wrap this up?”
Tears pricked the corner of her eyes. She didn’t have to search far to find them. “I'm saying I'll give you whatever you want, Clark. Bailey is your daughter too, and we both love her so much. I just want what's best for her.”A little closer.
By the way Clark’s eyes glinted, she knew he’d taken the bait.Aelin was nice. Aelin was just a rabbit.
Clark leaned over the table. “So you'll give me the campingmats.” She nodded. “And you'll allow me to take Bailey to Edmonton?” He raised an eyebrow in challenge.
She’d fought him on that in their last discussion. He went to Edmonton regularly on business. It was where he’d cheated on her. Both times.
Aelin nodded again and reached for a tissue. “I know you'll make it an amazing trip for her. It’s really not about me. It’s about Bailey.”
Clark squirmed. For the first time, his smile faltered just a touch. Aelin began to shake from the surge of adrenaline.
“Of course. It’s always been about Bailey.” Clark cleared his throat.
Jules gave Aelin a sidelong glance, then shuffled through her papers. “I have a statement here from Bailey’s therapist. I’m not sure if you received it yet.” She slid the paper across the desk.
Aelin watched as the lawyers leaned in to read it. She knew what it said. Bailey had expressed concern over moving. Over having to change schools because her dad didn’t live as close.
Clark looked up. He wasn’t smiling. “Aelin, if you?—”
“What do you think we should do?” she asked, her eyes still glassy. “I don’t want to fight anymore, Clark. You’re a lawyer. You know so much more than me. What do you think is best for our daughter?”
Clark’s nostrils flared. Thomas and Martin straightened and turned to look at him. That’s when she knew she had him. He couldn’t drag her under the bus, not now. He would look like an insensitive prick. Aelin wasn’t sure of much, but she was positive that all Clark wanted was for everyone to think he was God’s gift to the earth.
“I’d like to think about this—” Clark started, but Aelin cut him off.
“I won’t fight you on anything, Clark. There’s nothing to think about. Just do what you think is best for her, and I’ll sign off on it.”
Clark’s neck flushed, and Aelin twisted her hand under the table and lifted her middle finger.
Chapter
Thirty
Ryan stoodin the middle of the yard at the ranch, admiring all they’d accomplished for the setup of Country and Jenna’s wedding. The white tents were staked down, and garlands of greenery draped from the wooden trellises that would eventually line the pathway toward the altar. Peonies and wild blooms were arranged in delicate, swirling patterns, creating a soft, romantic atmosphere. The florists had done something to each stem to make sure the flowers lasted until the morning.
Across the way, Polk directed André, Boyd, and Fly in positioning chairs and a few other potted plants.
"Not bad, eh?" Polk put his hands on his hips. Ryan gave him a nod. They’d finished the dance floor early that morning, and all they had left to do was set up the bar. It wasn’t bad at all.
“I can’t wait to see their faces,” he called back.
Polk grinned. “Country’s going to cry, guaranteed. Dude’s a softie.”
