“How long were they married?”
“For twenty-five years.”
“Any kids?”
“Due to the client’s medical condition, they didn’t have kids of their own, but they legally adopted twins as babies who are now in their first year of college. The other woman came to the funeral with the child and made a spectacle of things. It was the first time the wife knew of the other woman or the child’s existence. A few weeks later, she was served papers. The mistress feels that since her child is biologically the man’s only true offspring, she and her child deserve everything and is taking my client to court to get it.”
After taking a sip of her tea, she asked, “Does she have any chance of winning?”
“Obviously, her attorney thinks so. They plan to present documentation that my client’s husband planned to ask for a divorce, but he never got around to doing so. That’s not my client’s fault. And they claim the child has medical issues, so they are trying to garner sympathy.”
“That’s an interesting case, Matt. I hope you win for your client.”
“I do, too.”
A half hour later, they were leaving McKay’s to pick up the banners. Iris enjoyed sharing lunch with Matt. During that time, she was introduced to various facets of Matthew Caulder, from his handsome appearance to his roles as the best friend of Dominic Saxon, father of Deena, the biological son of Sid Roberts, and a dedicated attorney.
And, she thought, he definitely looked good in the pair of dark slacks and pullover sweater he was wearing. Like she’d told Pam yesterday, she couldn’t wait to see him dressed as a cowboy.
Chapter Six
Matt smiled upon opening his cottage door. “Well, hello there, stranger.”
Deena threw her head back and laughed as she entered. “I guess I deserved that since this is the first you’ve seen me today. I checked here during lunchtime, and you were gone. I asked around, and someone said they thought you took Iris to town.”
Closing the door, he said, “I did. I drove her to the Denver Museum to see an Egyptian exhibit, then we had lunch before she had to pick up an item for tomorrow’s party.”
“Hmm, sounds like a nice date,” she said, sliding down on the sofa.
“It wasn’t a date, Deena. At least not a real one.” He eased down on the barstool at the counter to face her.
“Did she tell you she had broken up with her old boyfriend?”
“Yes, she told me.”
“How did the topic come up?”
He chuckled. “Why do I feel as if I’m on a witness stand?”
“I’m just curious, Dad.”
“Well, all you need to know for now is that she told me.”
“Did she also tell you why they broke up?”
He wasn’t ready to get into details about the reason. Every time he thought about it, he felt angry. “There were issues surrounding their long-distance romance. It didn’t work out for them.”
She nodded, thoughtfully. “Long-distance romances can be somewhat challenging, which is why Alisdare and I decided to just be friends. He introduced me to his parents and sister earlier. His dad said he knows you.”
“He does. Quade introduced us a few years ago. I’ve gone on several fishing trips with Dare, his brothers and cousins. I’ve also joined them in a few of their poker games. Small world.”
“You’re right about that. Did you ask Iris on a real date?”
“No. She just got out of one relationship, and I don’t want to rush her into another.”
“That’s thoughtful of you, but you don’t want to give her too much time.”
He chuckled, not believing his daughter was giving him dating advice. “Why not?”
