“I had every right to talk to an attorney,” Donny said.
“All the times I’ve shown you grace, and this is how you repay me? By making demands and threatening me with legal action?”
Sophia stormed toward the front door and wrenched it open. “Go, Donny. Leave. Right now. I don’t want to talk to you. I mean it.” The tone of her voice brooked no argument. He knew she wasn’t playing around.
Donny walked over the threshold and out of the house. After walking a few feet away, he turned around and said, “This isn’t over, Sophia. Lily’s my daughter, and I have rights that I fully intend to exercise.”
She went back into the house and slammed the door, dissolving into tears as soon as she was alone. Donny had sounded serious about seeking joint custody. She had never imagined this day would come. And she couldn’t imagine sharing custody with Donny. He was irresponsible and completely undependable. He knew nothing about Lily’s daily routine, the names of her best friends, or her favorite stuffed animals. Donny had been breezing in and out of her life ever since the day she was born.
What was behind this sudden desire to be more present in Lily’s life? Shared custody? If it wasn’t such a serious situation, she might laugh at his audacity. She didn’t even know where to go from here. Should she retain legal counsel to advise her? Not that she could afford it, at least until she started her new position with Yukon Cider. Maybe this was just a passing fancy with Donny. All she could do was hope that in a few days he would reverse course and drop this nonsensical plan.
Leave it to her ex to ruin a perfectly nice day.
CHAPTER NINE
Monday morning dawned bright and beautiful. Streams of light trickled through Caleb’s bedroom window, gently waking him up so he could greet the day head-on. He wasn’t sure that he would ever get used to the sight of the majestic mountain peaks looming in the distance. He had to hand it to Alaska. The views were spectacular. After a quick shower and getting dressed, he headed down to breakfast. Sitting down for a meal with his brothers and Hattie was always a highlight of the day.
“What do you look so chipper for?” Xavier asked as Caleb sailed into the dining room in a burst of energy and excitement for what lay ahead.
“It’s going to be a wonderful day,” Caleb announced. “I’m going to be Yukon Cider famous.” He grinned at his brothers as he ran a hand along his jaw.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Xavier said, shaking his head. “That’s when things go wrong. Trust me on that.”
“I was joking,” Caleb said. “Where’s your sense of humor? Lighten up a little.”
“I’m good,” Xavier said. “Just be careful not to get an inflated ego over being in the spotlight.”
He knew exactly what Xavier meant. Caleb was aware that he’d gotten a little too gassed up about himself after being cast onLove Him or Leave Him. He had been of the belief that his star was on the rise and nothing could stop him. It had all come to a grinding halt when the show aired and he was vilified by the public. His reputation had been in tatters. And he had never quite recovered and restored what he’d lost.
“I’m curious. Did you get enough beauty rest last night?” Landon asked, unable to hide his smirk.
“Actually, I did. I used one of those face masks before bed and then I put on a gel eye mask. I’m also trying out this hydrating moisturizer. I think it’s going to become my new routine,” Caleb said, filling his plate with fruit and protein. He didn’t want to feel stuffed to the gills for the photo shoot. If he’d had a few more weeks to prepare, he would have hit the gym a few times a week. They were just test shots, but still, he wanted to make a good impression.
“Look at you,” Xavier said, “Caleb Stone. Alaska’s next top model.”
Landon chuckled along with Xavier.
“Laugh all you want, but this is exciting for me,” Caleb admitted. “It’s a chance to get back to doing what I love. I can’t tell you guys how much I’ve missed it.”
“We’re happy for you, Caleb,” Landon said. “It’s nice to see you smiling the way you used to before you were on the show.”
Xavier grinned at him. “That’s right. We won’t ever stop rooting for you, Caleb. We always want to see you shine. You’re going to rock this campaign.”
“I hope to make all of you proud, including Mom,” Caleb said. “I already miss her.”
“She’s been proud of you since the day you were born, Caleb,” Xavier said. “She would be proud of you if you ran butt naked through Moose Falls.”
“Don’t give me any ideas,” Caleb said, causing his brothers to burst into a fit of laughter. Within seconds they were all letting out belly laughs and clutching their sides. Caleb wiped his eyes with his sleeve as his laughter subsided.
“So, I hate to get heavy, but I think we should all check in. Any thoughts on what to do with our inheritance?” Xavier asked, his gaze narrowed as he looked back and forth between them. “I’m good with both scenarios since I’ll be permanently living here with True.”
“I’m on the fence. It’s too soon for me to make an ethical decision,” Landon told them. “It hasn’t been lost on me that Yukon Cider is our legacy.” He shrugged. “But I’m a scientist.”
Caleb was taking it all in. Being in Moose Falls was complicated. So far he was enjoying the experience and soaking in the wonderful aspects of Alaska. But he had no clue as to what they should do. “I need more time,” he admitted. “My natural inclination is to sell, but like Landon said, it’s so tied up with Hattie. I can’t imagine letting go of all that.”
“Hey, where is Hattie?” Landon asked, looking toward the door. “She’s never late for breakfast.”
“You’re right. Maybe she’s just sleeping in,” Xavier said.
