“I’m scared,” she admitted, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “What if he tries to take Oscar away from me? Legally, he has rights as his father, but after everything that’s happened... I don’t trust him.”
Kathleen squeezed her hand. “Did you talk to your lawyer about what to do if this happened?”
Chloe nodded. “When we first separated, I did. She said unless there’s evidence he’s an unfit parent, he’s entitled to visitation rights. But you know how unstable he was—his gambling, the affairs... I don’t want Oscar exposed to that.”
“Has he been in contact at all since you moved here?” Kathleen asked.
“No,” Chloe said, shaking her head. “This is the first time. I thought maybe he’d moved on.”
Kathleen looked thoughtful. “People can change, but I don’t blame you for being cautious. Do you think there’s another reason he wants to see Oscar?”
“I don’t know.” Chloe sighed. “Part of me wonders if he’s really interested in being a father now, or if there’s something else he wants. Maybe he’s trying to look good for when he takes me back to court, or perhaps he’s in some kind of trouble.”
Kathleen frowned. “You shouldn’t have to deal with this alone. Have you told anyone else?”
“Not yet,” Chloe replied. “I don’t want to worry my parents and I haven’t figured out how to bring it up with anyone else. Pastor John would understand, but he’s so busy. The only other person I’d talk to is Liam, but I don’t want to burden him with my past.”
Kathleen gave her a sympathetic smile. “You don’t have to protect everyone by keeping things to yourself. Your friends are here for you—including Liam. He cares about you.”
“I know,” Chloe said softly. “But this is so personal, and I don’t want to drag him into my mess.”
“You’re not dragging anyone anywhere,” Kathleen insisted. “Sharing what’s going on isn’t a burden. It’s how we help each other.”
Chloe looked down at her mug, watching the steam swirl upward. “Maybe you’re right. I just feel so overwhelmed.”
“I understand how you’re feeling,” Kathleen said. “But let’s take it one step at a time. I really think you should talk to your lawyer again, just to know where you stand. Depending on what she says, respond to Paul carefully. Maybe suggest a phone call to see what he’s after.”
Chloe nodded slowly. “You’re right. I need to be prepared.”
“Just remember that whatever happens, you’re a wonderful mom. Anyone can see how happy Oscar is because of you.”
A small smile tugged at Chloe’s lips. “Thanks, Kathleen. That means a lot.”
Kathleen leaned back in her seat. “How about we make a plan after you’ve talked to your lawyer? And if you decide to meet with Paul, you don’t have to do it alone.”
“I just wish this wasn’t happening now,” Chloe told her friend. “Things have been going so well. Oscar is settled, and... well, Liam and I...”
Kathleen’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “How are things going with him?”
Chloe felt her cheeks warm. “It’s been nice. He’s kind and Oscar adores him, but he isn’t staying in Sapphire Bay. I don’t want to be more than friends if he isn’t here for the long haul. And now with Paul… I don’t know what to do.”
“Don’t let your ex-husband disrupt what you’ve found here,” Kathleen advised gently. “You deserve to be happy.”
“I’ll try.” Chloe took a deep breath. “I guess I have a lot to think about.”
Kathleen stood and pulled her into a comforting hug. “You don’t have to figure it all out today. Just know that you’re not alone.”
“Thank you,” Chloe whispered, hugging her back tightly. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Good thing you don’t have to find out,” Kathleen teased as they pulled apart. “Now, how about a slice of that chocolate cake you love?”
Chloe smiled. “You always know how to make me feel better.”
“Perks of being your friend,” Kathleen said with a wink. “I’ll be right back.”
As Kathleen headed toward the kitchen, Chloe settled back into the booth. Sharing her fears hadn’t solved the problem, but it made the burden feel a little lighter.
Her phone buzzed again. She glanced at it, half expecting another message from Paul. But this text was from Liam.
