“Both,” I had said, choosing bluntness over sugarcoating. “This young man has chosen a career in law enforcement. His fulfillment won’t come from a lucrative future, but from the difference he’ll make in the community.”
“Well,” Meghan had said, folding her arms. “I’m hoping you’ll help me change his career goals, Dad. Can’t you offer him a position in one of your companies?”
“I don’t feel comfortable doing that,” I’d replied. “People like Cal march to the beat of their own drum too. You’re both playing in different bands, in different worlds. Listen to me, Meghan, Cal is not the man for you.”
“But he’s the one I want!” she had insisted. “You’re not going to change my mind. Now, are you going to help me convince him to switch careers or not?”
Her knock on the door brings me back to the present. “Come in, sweetheart.”
She walks in, and for a moment, I’m struck by how much she looks like her mother. Her soft features are a stark contrast with the fire in her eyes.
“Hi, Dad,” she says, leaning down to kiss me on the cheek.
I nod and gesture to the chair across from my desk. “Sit down, and let’s talk.” Normally, I’d offer her a seat in the lounge, but this is going to be different. I need to assert myself as her father—firm, unwavering—and I’m not about to let her push me into giving her what she wants this time. There’s too much at stake.
She sits, crossing her legs, and shoots me her staple smile. The one she's used on me countless times when she wants to get her way. I know she expects me to cave, just like I’ve done in the past. But she’s not going to win this one. Not when my granddaughter’s well-being is on the line.
"What is this about?" she asks, immediately sensing the tension between us. "I was surprised when Claire called to set this up. Since when does getting together with my father get called a 'meeting'? I'm not one of your employees."
I ignore the jab, keeping my focus. "I want to talk about Hannah," I begin, my voice steady. "I know what you've told me before—'Cal doesn't want me to have a relationship with her,'" I say, quoting her words. "I'm not getting any younger, and strengthening my relationships with family is becoming more important to me the older I get."
"What are you saying, Dad?" she asks, glancing at her polished nails, her voice edged with curiosity.
"I want you to bring her for a visit next time you have her," I continue. "How often do you see her?"
She shifts uncomfortably in her chair, clearing her throat. "I hadn't had a chance to tell you," she says, finally meeting my gaze. "I'm going to file for custody. I want her to live with me. She's growing up, and I want her to be with me."
There it is. I lean back slightly, masking my reaction. "Isn't Cal getting married?" I ask, dropping my first card—it's my turn to control the conversation. I know more than she thinks.
The surprise on her face is telling. She eyes me warily, wondering how much I know.
"That's what I've heard," she replies, a flicker of unease in her voice. "How do you know?"
"That's not important," I answer, cutting off the question. "I don't think taking her from Cal would be what's best for a five-year-old who's always lived with her father. You chose this arrangement when you divorced him."
"I've changed my mind," she says dismissively, returning to her nails.
"Is it because you want to be a better mom?" I ask, pushing the issue. "Or is it because he's getting married?"
"I couldn't care less that he's getting married," she snaps, her voice sharp.
"Is it because he's marrying Elle Keaton, also known as Dani Hartman?"
Her eyes snap to mine, the distraction of her nails forgotten. "What?"
"Here's the thing, sweetheart," I say, leaning forward, my elbows on the desk. "Wanting full custody of your daughter because you can't stand the thought of not having her around every day is one thing. But wanting to take her away from the only parent she's ever known—just to get back at him for falling in love with one of your former wards, the one who caused you to lose your job—that's something else."
"She got me fired, Daddy!" she blurts out, her voice trembling with raw emotion. "There's no way in hell I'm just going to let this slide."
"And Hannah is the only way you can get them back."
"That's not what I said!" she exclaims, her control slipping entirely, her cheeks flushed with fury.
That didn’t take long.
“I know you’re upset, but you need to listen to me now,” I begin, keeping my voice calm but firm. "This isn't about you. This is about what's best for Hannah. She's thriving in her home life with Cal. Yes, you've been spending time with her, and that has helped to fill the very void you created."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Her voice cracks as she struggles to regain her composure. "I'm a good mother."
