Theo and Dina must not have discussed all that much about her if Dina didn’t know the money her family had.
“Did Theo ask you to bring that over to me?”
Dina shrugged her dainty shoulders, causing her large breasts to rise and fall. “He asked me to get a courier to deliver it today, but since I had other errands to run, I figured I’d do the honors and deliver my own little message along with it.”
What should she think? Had Theo lied to her when he said he’d respected his marriage vows?
“Have you and Theo…?” How did she even word it?
A sexy pout appeared on Dina’s face, and her eyes twinkled. “Been intimate? Well, not inthatway, no. Theo is extremely loyal, but I’m guessing with this,” and she pointed to the envelope, “we will be soon enough. We’ve always been very close, and I can see how much it frustrates him not to be with me.”
As she eyed the item on the counter, Dina flipped her hair over her shoulder and flounced out. “Don’t be delusional and think he’ll be satisfied with a little mouse like you. Sign the papers and leave.”
The front door opened and closed, and it wasn’t until Bandit jumped up on her that Chelsea snapped out of her daze. She dragged the envelope toward her. Her heart raced. Dread drenched her so thoroughly her hands shook. Surely, Theo would have said something if he’d wanted a divorce. Why was she being so ridiculous? They’d spent the last few weeks kissing like hormonal teenagers on their parents’ living room couch. Or was he frustrated, as Dina had said, that they hadn’t taken it further?
Only one way to find out. Twisting the clasp, she opened the envelope and slid out the document. Very official. No. Was it divorce papers? She never took Theo for a coward, to ask for a divorce through the mail without ever mentioning it in person.
As she scanned the papers, her heart slowed and her breathing calmed. It was a custody document. It stated that if anything happened to Theo, she would get full custody of Jordan. Why would she even need this? She was Jordan’s mother. Naturally, she would get custody of the child in case of Theo’s death. Wouldn’t she? Had he put something in place before she showed up to keep her from her child? She hadn’t even known she had a child.
What did this mean? Maybe Theo had no desire to get back together with her. Was he simply leading her on, making her think they could be together? It didn’t seem that way.
Or did he believe she’d up and leave again like Dina had said? Was he testing her to see if she’d last? Would she be better leaving if Theo didn’t want her? No. Her daughter was here, and she could never be without her again, no matter how painful it would be if Theo ended up with someone else. Someone like Dina.
Another thought entered her mind. No matter what Theo and Dina had done recently, he had married her. They’d been blissful and in love once. They could do it again. She needed to stay and fight. Fight for Theo’s love. They had a daughter together, and regardless of what Dina had hinted at, she had a feeling it wouldn’t take all that much to stay in Theo’s life.
The painters were showing up soon, then she’d run a few errands and pick up Jordan early from school. Theo had given her the use of his SUV this morning and had Rico drive him to work, so she’d have the car seat and the space in the back for the materials she needed to get.
Once back at the house, she’d have to figure out the best way to let Theo know she was serious about sticking around. Perhaps use that nightgown that was stashed in the corner dresser in his room.
Her cell phone rang as Chelsea was settling the kittens in the gated off room at the back of the house. It was the only room not being worked on in the next few days, so it was perfect until she could get back after dinner. Swiping her thumb over the screen, she saw it was Frank. Seriously? She didn’t have time to chat with him now, but she’d ignored his last half dozen calls and texts.
“Hi, Frank. What can I do for you?”
“Where have you been, Chelsea? I’ve been trying to get in touch with you for a few days.”
“I’ve been busy getting the house fixed up. I’m on my way out the door now. Can I call you back later?” Patting Bandit on the head, she threw his ball to the back of the room, and he skittered across to pick it up. Before he could return, Snap and Pop attacked his paws. It was so adorable how he loved playing with the kittens.
Frank’s sigh could be heard through the phone line. “I wanted to know if you needed any help. I know you’re trying to be Miss Independent, but you know you don’t have to do everything by yourself. I can have the company jet fly me up and be there by tonight.”
“That’s so sweet, Frank, and I appreciate the offer, but I’m honestly all right.” Although Dina’s little message this morning had planted some seeds of doubt, there was no way was she going to give up on being with her daughter. Or Theo.
“I still don’t like you being up there with no one around to help you. I wish you’d come home and forget about Maine. You’re needed around here.”
“I can’t forget about Maine. This is where my daughter is, and I have no intention of leaving her.” Had Frank forgotten this fact?
“I told you we can get custody. Wouldn’t she have a better life here, with all the amenities she’d get from living on the estate? A private school, nanny, house staff. You can’t tell me you like picking up after yourself.”
“I feel like I’m accomplishing something, and I have plenty of people around here to help me. I’ve met a ton of the locals. They all go out of their way to give me a hand.” Well, most of them did. There were still a few who stared at her cross-eyed. Closing the front door behind her, she headed to Theo’s SUV.
“Maybe I’ll drive up this weekend and check on you myself. Your father would be horrified if he knew what was going on.”
“I don’t give a fig what my father would think.” He definitely wouldn’t care for her attitude. Too bad. This was her life now. She was in control. “I need to go, Frank. I’m getting in the car, and I don’t like to drive while on the phone. You can come up if you want, but don’t do it for me. I’ve got painters coming over and flooring going in, and I’ll be occupied with them.”
“Put your Blue Tooth on, and we can continue while you drive.”
Chelsea started the car and snapped in her seat belt. “Sorry. I’ve got Theo’s SUV, because I need to pick up Jordan. It doesn’t have Blue Tooth. Thanks for calling, Frank.”
“Chelsea…”
