Epilogue
Maggie
I walk through Jack’s door and almost immediately collapse into his arms.
He rubs my back soothingly. “That bad?”
I shake my head. “It actually went better than I could’ve hoped.
But mediation is stressful. Especially when I really wasn’t sure how stubborn he’d decide to be.
It seems that he’s come to see reason. I could wish that he wanted to be a more involved father, but at least he’s willing to acknowledge the limits of his willingness and abilities and that it’s not fair to constantly bail on Liam and leave me to pick up the pieces.
” Stepping back, I give Jack a smug smile.
“It helped a lot that I brought my records of all the times he’s canceled or ended his time early.
The mediator took that to him and basically told him that I had him by the balls.
That he could make this easy and be reasonable by agreeing to my very generous offer, or he could drag us all back to court where the judge might decide he’s an unfit parent and give him nothing.
Or only supervised visitation, which would cost him a lot more money in the long run than just increasing his child support and actually showing up when he says he will. ”
A low laugh rumbles in Jack’s chest, but his face still projects his concern. “At least we’re not the only ones who thing your ex is a deadbeat.”
I chuckle, leading us to the couch. Jack’s in sweats because he went to morning skate today and has a game this evening, but luckily it’s a home game, and I got done early enough that I could just come straight here as planned.
I took the whole day off of work, which Molly assured me wasn’t a problem even though I’ve only been with the Emeralds for a little over a month now.
“Anyway,” I continue, “he agreed to continue following through the way he has since I filed the petition to revise our order. And he agreed to a substantial increase in child support to go along with the official increase in my parenting time.” I shrug.
“Part of me still wanted to go after him for backpay for the years that he spent having fifty-fifty on paper but leaving me to shoulder the full time and expense of raising our child. But it’s better this way.
And Liam’s been happy about getting to see his dad more regularly.
” I hold up one hand, my fingers crossed. “Hopefully that continues.”
Jack gives me a doubtful look. “I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you.”
I hold up my hands palm up. “No one knows better than me how good Kyle is at saying what he thinks everyone wants to hear and then doing whatever the fuck he wants in the end anyway. But I think he also realizes that I’m not just going to let him get away with his bullshit forever.
If he wants to reduce his time from twenty-five percent to ten, then we’ll do it through the courts and he’ll have to pay more in child support.
If he wants to keep child support where it is, he needs to be consistent with actually taking his parenting time. ”
“That’s good, I guess,” Jack murmurs, pulling me close. “At least if he’s consistent, we’ll get more time for the two of us.”
I grin at him. “I know. Though Liam loves the nights you come over too.” Despite my initial hesitation, seeing the way Liam blossoms under Jack’s attention has made me decide that it’s worth having them spend time together, even if it still seems early.
We’re all happier with Jack around—including Jack, I think.
He tugs me into his lap, and I lean my head on his shoulder, just enjoying being here with him.
Then he clears his throat. “Um, I know it’s a bit early to be talking about the holidays, but I invited my mum here for Christmas.
I know your parents are here too. Would you feel okay about all of us doing Christmas dinner together?
Or would you be willing to maybe do Christmas Eve with my mum and me and the day with your parents?
” He cringes a little. “Or, it hadn’t occurred to me, but do you have Liam for Christmas this year? ”
Grinning, I nod. “I do. And I think doing Christmas dinner all together sounds lovely. I look forward to meeting your mom.”
He lets out a contented sigh and tips my head back for a kiss.
My own sigh escapes at the feel of his lips on mine.
Between the care he shows my son and the way he always makes sure I’m okay, I can see Jack and me lasting for the long term.
After the dissolution of my marriage, I wasn’t sure I’d ever think about spending a lifetime with a man again.
It was nowhere on my list of priorities.
But then Jack appeared, cutting through all my preconceived notions and ideas of what it means to be in a healthy, loving relationship.
And I couldn’t be happier.