Kyle was setting Ruthie up in her swing. She was patting her hands on the little tray in front of her.
Mitch smiled at her. “Morning, Ruthie. And Kyle.”
Kyle laughed. “I see where I rank.”
“I love you both, but she’s cuter.”
Kyle straightened. “She’s cuter than all of us.”
Mitch refilled his cup, glancing over at the stove where Joyce was working. “Eggs and sausage?”
She nodded. “And toast.”
“Sounds good.”
Kyle opened one of the cabinets. “I’ll set the table.”
“I’m going to my office for a few minutes. Yell when it’s ready.” Mitch slipped off to his office, putting his journal away and sitting down to check email.
There was only one in his inbox that gave him pause. The attorney he’d hired to deal with Kyle’s ex, Addison, and the issue of Ruthie’s custody.
The note from the attorney, Peter Looper, was short and sweet.I’d like to schedule a phone call at your earliest convenience.
There was no way it was because he had good news to share. Mitch knew that without hesitation.
He wrote back.Give me a time that works for you, and I’ll make it happen. The sooner the better, as I’ll be out this afternoon.He signed it and hit Send.
The email went off into the ether, taking his good mood with it. Addison must be fighting the custody request. He’d known it was a possibility, but he’d also been hoping that her complete disinterest in Ruthie would work in their favor. Hoping that she’d simply sign the paperwork and let them get on with their lives.
Free of her.
Now it didn’t seem like that was going to happen. He put his hands behind his head and stared up at the ceiling. Well, if Addison wanted a fight, she was going to get one.
He was not going to lose Ruthie. He wasn’t going to put his son through that, either. Whatever it took to secure Ruthie’s future with them, Mitch would do. Whatever amount of time or money.
He had both.
More importantly, they had Ruthie. Addison couldn’t get her hands on the child.
A new thought came into his head. He picked up the phone and dialed the guard gate at the entrance to Hideaway Bay.
“Good morning, this is Jeremiah. How can I help you today?”
“Jeremiah, this is Mitch Ripley.”
“Morning, Mr. Ripley. What can I do for you?”
“I need to add a name to our No Access list.”
“Yes, sir, I can take care of that for you.”
“Great. That name is Addison Keeler. She’s not to be admitted under any circumstances.”
“You got it, Mr. Ripley. I’ll put it on the hot sheet, too, so everyone knows.”
“Thank you. You have a good day.”
“You, too.”
