“I protected him from financial uncertainty for four years.” She leaned forward across the table, her voice dropping to something that sounded almost intimate. “Of course, if I’d known then what I know now about your… situation… thingsmight have been different. But we don’t need to fight about the past, Sam. We need to talk about the future.”
I nodded. “The future where I support Leo financially and we figure out a custody arrangement that works for everyone, including Chloe.”
Jenna’s expression hardened at Chloe’s name. “Right. Chloe. How’s that going, by the way? Still planning to tell her about us?”
“There is no ‘us,’ Jenna. There’s Leo, and there’s figuring out how to be his father.”
“Is there?” She leaned forward across the table. “I’ve been thinking about that. About what Leo needs. What I need.”
I leaned back instinctively, putting more distance between us. “What do you mean?”
“I mean stability, Sam. Real stability. Not financial support from a distance, not weekend visits that disrupt his routine. I mean a real family. A real home.”
“Leo can have that. I want him to have that. But Chloe–”
“Chloe,” Jenna interrupted, her voice turning sharp, “is not Leo’s mother. I am. And I’m the one who knows what Leo needs. I’m the one who’s been there for him his entire life, who’s made every sacrifice for him–”
“Sacrifice?” I cut her off, something clicking into place. “Like when you told me at the playground that David never showed Leo affection? That he was never around, always at work, missed first words and first steps?”
Jenna blinked, caught off guard by the change in direction. “I—yes. David was neglectful–”
“But at the diner, you told me David was overjoyed when he found out you were pregnant. ‘Pure joy,’ you said. ‘No one had ever been that happy about anything you’d brought to their life.’ You made it sound like he gave you this perfect life.” I leaned forward, holding her gaze. “So which is it, Jenna? Was David thedevoted father who gave you everything, or was he the absent workaholic who neglected his son?”
Her expression hardened. “Both can be true–”
“No. You change your story depending on what you need from me in that moment. When you wanted my sympathy, David was a neglectful father. When you wanted to justify lying to me for four years, he was the perfect provider who gave Leo everything.” I crossed my arms. “You manipulate the narrative to get what you want.”
“I’m trying to do what’s best for Leo–”
“No. You’re trying to do what’s best for you.” The words came out firm, certain.
Jenna’s mask slipped for just a moment, revealing something cold underneath, before she regained her composure. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t I? You’ve been manipulating this situation from the start. And now you’re trying to manipulate me into believing Chloe isn’t good enough for Leo.”
“I’m just being realistic about what kind of woman wants to take on someone else’s child.” Jenna’s voice turned sharp again. “A career woman. Focused on her practice. Very independent.” Her smile was calculated. “Not exactly the type who dreams of taking on someone else’s child, is she?”
Something hot and protective flared in my chest. “Stop. Right now.”
Jenna blinked, surprised by my tone.
“You don’t get to talk about Chloe like that. You don’t know anything about her.” I leaned forward, my voice steady and certain. “Chloe is the most caring person I’ve ever met. She spends her days healing animals, comforting their owners, showing up at 3 AM for emergencies because someone’s pet needs her. She held Mrs. Blake’s hand while they said goodbyeto her dog of fourteen years. She drove through a snowstorm to deliver a calf on old man Wilder’s farm.”
“That’s animals, Sam. Children are different—”
“She’s spent several years building a life in this town, making sure every pet gets the care it needs, even when owners can’t afford it. She volunteers at the school to teach kids about animal care. She creates family wherever she goes.” My voice was steady now, certain. “And yes, she has a career she’s passionate about. That doesn’t make her less capable of loving a child. It makes her a role model for what a strong, independent woman looks like.”
Jenna’s expression had gone cold. “She seems very… career-focused,” she said stiffly.
“She’s focused on building a life that matters. Just like I am.” I crossed my arms. “And frankly, the fact that you think a woman having a career makes her unfit to be a mother tells me everything I need to know about your priorities.”
Jenna’s expression shifted, her confidence growing despite my defense of Chloe. “You think you know me? Let me tell you what I know.” She straightened. “I can see it in your face, Sam. The guilt, the stress. You’ve been lying to her, haven’t you? And she hasn’t confronted you about it, has she? A woman who’s truly invested fights for what’s hers, doesn’t just let things slide.”
“Actually, she has confronted me.” I kept my voice level. “After you blindsided her outside the clinic.”
Jenna’s confidence faltered for just a moment. “What did she say?”
“Chloe’s not going anywhere, Jenna.” I felt stronger saying it out loud. “She’s chosen to work through this with me.”
