Unless .?.?. you tell her you’re going after the biggest family in town.
I don’t bother asking how he thinks he could afford Glenda. My money’s on her taking the case for free.
When we started the custody transition, we didn’t need lawyers. I only consulted mine over some logistics, but no one was put on retainer.
I turn back to look at Dad and I know he sees the anger in my face. The worry.
Cole and I watch as Dad walks back into the house. And I’m grateful for it. Dad isn’t exactly friendly when it comes to threats to the family.
I’ll handle this .?.?. man to man. From one grieving man to another.
“Cole, I think you need a few days. Why don’t I come by with Ellie tomorrow? We’ll both tell her about Maya and—”
“Forget it. You can’t raise my girl here. In this house you built in the middle of nowhere, with nothing but you and your brothers. There’s Ginger, I suppose. But Ellie needs—” He cuts off, eyes over my shoulder.
A hand touches my bicep and I still at the contact. “Hey,” says Willow, and I hear the smile in her voice before I turn around. “Connor asked me to come out here and invite the nice gentleman in for some warm apple tarts.”
He did what?“I don’t think—”
As usual, the woman ignores me, stretching out her hand. “Hi there. I’m Willow.”
Cole’s lips part before he speaks. His tone changes. “Willow?”
“Like the tree. Or that Taylor Swift song—whatever your pleasure.”
“Cole Hartly, I’m—”
“Ellie’sothergrandpa, yes, I’m slowly learning all the important people around here.” She’s still smiling brightly as she turns to me. “I helped Ellie unpack and your dad’s starting the fire. See you inside soon?” She grips tighter onto my bicep and lifts up on her tiptoes, placing a feathery kiss to my cheek.
I still. Or maybe my heart stills. Soft lips. Warm breath.
I flex my arms, catching her waist on instinct to hold her steady. Our eyes are locked—hers giving nothing away.
They wouldn’t.
But there’s an unmistakable tremble beneath her hoodie as I set her down on her heels.
“OK then,” she breathes, then tears her eyes off me, returning her gaze to Cole. “Well, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Er—thank you. And I’ll pass on the tarts for tonight.”
With one more glance my way, Willow turns back toward the house.
We wait in silence as the clouds seem to darken.
Cole turns a hard glare back at me. “I don’t buy it and neither will Jenny, or Glenda, or the state of Colorado.”
“Excuse me?”
Cole shakes his head. “That engagement ring looked like it belongs to Ginger. Not a twenty-something girl clearly not from round here.” He stalks off with a grumble.
I scowl, following him to his truck. “Hang on a second. What does Willow have to do with Ellie?”
“I don’t know where you found her. If she’s a babysitter or a one-night stand—or both. I’m taking my granddaughter back.”
“Will you—” I pause, blowing another hot breath into my fist. “I’m asking you not as Ellie’s father, but as a friend. Take a few days to think about this before you call Jenny?”
“Too late. She’ll be in touch this week.” He hops back in his truck and fires up the engine. Wheels spinning in the other direction.
