“He's not yourkid,” Cormac growls. “He's mine, and so is his aunt. A woman you won't be tormenting anymore with this bogus custody suit after today.”
Cody looks between me and Cormac, a nasty smirk twisting his lips. “I've got to hand it to you, Davie. I didn't peg you for a whore who will spread her legs to receive a welfare check.”
“What did you call her?” Cormac takes a threatening step forward, but I cling to the back of his shirt, tugging at the fabric.
“Don't! He's not worth it.”
An image of Cormac punching his ex-employee that first day we met flashes in my mind. If Cormac attacks Cody right before we're supposed to meet the judge, no telling what will happen.
“Come on Cody, we don't want to be late.” His mom grabs his arm and drags him up the steps, but not before he shoots another sneer our way.
“I don't know how you've dealt with him alone for so long,” Cormac says. He twists back around and crushes me to his chest.
His heart pounds beneath my cheek, announcing just how worked up he is over the confrontation. “Trust me, it wasn't easy. Let's hope today's the last we ever see of him.”
“It will be.” Cormac presses a soft kiss to my lips, then ushers me towards the ramp leading inside, while he pushes Jesse's stroller.
The next hour passes in a haze as we meet my lawyer in the marble hall, get settled in the courtroom, and listen to the judge as he reiterates the DNA results.
When he officially grants Cormac and myself custody, a wave of relief crashes into me so hard I almost black out.
But the relief is short-lived, and not because Cody and his mom start making a fuss, causing the judge to call for the bailiff to control the two.
Jesse's custody is settled, but what does that mean formyfuture?
Cormac and I married for this exact outcome, but what happens next? Do we keep living as we have in a perfect little bubble, like a real family, like a couple in love?
It's far too easy to believe that's what he wants, with each kiss, caress, and talk about watching Jesse grow up together, but it's been a long road to get here.
We've reached the end of one chapter, and Cormac doesn't need me anymore, not as his wife, anyway.
The entire way home to High Ridge and the Rocking M, the thought nags me, along with one very important question.
Does Cormac love me?
Because despite my best intentions, I've fallen for him.
22
CORMAC
The moment we drive under the timber arch displaying the Rocking M name, the familiar sight of Black Mountain rising protectively over the main house and outbuildings, a calm settles over me.
For the first time in months, there’s a sense of peace permeating my bones. Not the fleeting kind from the highs of spending time with Jesse and Davie, but long-lasting. A forever kind of contentment knowing my son is legally mine, and so is Davie—no matter how much of a Neanderthal that makes me sound.
The only problem is I’m not sure my wife feels the same peace. She’s been quiet on the journey home. Not quite upset, but not exactly happy, either.
Contemplative.
Knowing my wife, she’s probably overthinking.
But about what, I don’t know.
“Your aunt and I are about to have a serious chat, little man,” I whisper to Jesse as I situate him in his crib ten minutes later. “Don’t worry, though, your dad plans on fixing whatever is bothering her. I promise.”
Davie’s already tucked beneath the comforter in her nightgown by the time I enter our bedroom. The glow from her phone casts a blue light on her cheeks as she scrolls up.
Her latest obsession has been reading Hollanov fan fiction to wind down every night, and I can’t say I haven’t enjoyed the outcome of some of those stories.
