Chapter 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
FERN
I have a big family. Dad was one of eight children too.
Uncle James and Aunt Ari have been like second parents to us, and their children like big brothers and sisters.
Since I don’t want the entire family to know what’s happening with me until I know what I’m going to do with my future, I call June to ask for help.
After all, she got knocked up by her landlord and married him. The story didn’t exactly go like that but that’s how she likes to tell it to shock people. It’s a family trait to play with appearances and make others feel uncomfortable.
“Are you keeping them?”
“We still don’t know if they’re one or three. Remember, I was supposed to be a twin.”
“Let’s not digress, Fern. Are you planning on keeping them?”
“Definitely.”
“How do you feel about the father?”
“He doesn’t want a family or children.”
She gasps. “Oh sweetie, you’re in love.”
“I never said that,” I almost screech.
“It’s not necessary. I’ve heard that voice before. It’s okay to be in love with the father of your children. Tell me why you think he doesn’t want children.”
If it were someone else, I’d just change the subject. June knows me well and I trust her. After I’m done with my story, I’m almost crying. “I’m pathetic, aren’t I?”
“No. You’re searching for what every human in the world needs, love and companionship.”
“And every time I do, I end up hurt and miserable. Though, this time I also got a little souvenir.”
“A precious one and we’ll love them so much, they’ll never know their father didn’t care for them. One day, you’ll find him. The love of your life.”
She says it with such ease that I want to believe her, but I can’t. “Do you know of a good lawyer that might be able to help me? I don’t want to use Aslan’s guy. He’ll tell my brother.”
“Of course. I know just the man. Remember Fitz? The guy who helped with Mae’s custody battle? He was at Gatz’s wedding and the gala too. Lovely man. He’s getting married soon—if I can just snatch a wedding invitation.”
I burst into laughter. She might not be working, but she still likes to be a social butterfly jumping from one event to another and meddling in people’s lives. “I remember him. Please, send me his number so I can call him right away—if I get an invite to the wedding, I’ll bring you as my plus one.”
“If you need anything, call me. We’re here for you. All of us.”
“Don’t tell anyone yet, please?”
“Trust me and reach out. I love you.”
“Love you too, June.”
After leaving a message with his assistant, Fitz calls me. More like he sends me an invitation for a virtual meeting, but close enough.
When he comes to the screen, he grins. “I snatched another Spearman as my client. What can I do for you?”
“I hope you can help me. My cousins say you’re the best for what I want.”
“They better be singing my praises. I’ve saved their asses more times than they can count. So, tell me your situation.”
My shoulders tense. Am I really doing this? There’s nothing wrong with discussing my options with a lawyer.
“Where do I start?” As I stare at him, I realize that not only have I seen Fitz Everhart a few times in the past few months—Gatsby and Maia’s engagement party, their wedding, and the gala—but at all those events, I saw him interacting with Elliot.
Do they know each other?
That shouldn’t matter. If there’s a problem, I can try to look for someone else. But who? My gut churns. I don’t know if I can do this. I have to, for the babies.
“The first consultation is free, but I can’t help you if you don’t talk,” he says, almost laughing.
“Okay, so, I hooked up with a guy and I’m pregnant. I know for a fact the father doesn’t want a family. He likes children but the farther they are from him, the better. I’m going to tell him about them—out of courtesy. I think he has the right to know, but I want to be ready with options.”
He quirks an eyebrow. “Options?”
“Papers where he can rescind his paternity rights. We can get it over with quickly and I can move on with my life.”
“Are you afraid that he might try to get some of your family money by asking for custody and child support?”
“Not at all. If anything, he has more money than I do. You have to remember that my family has money, not me. I’m doing this because he doesn’t want children. Before I tell him, I want to know how to assure him that he doesn’t have to be involved.”
He nods. “Do you even have to tell him about them? It was a one-time thing, and you won’t see him again.”
I glare at him.
He shrugs. “I have to play devil’s advocate.”
I take a deep breath. “We worked together on a couple of projects. We might cross paths again, but even if that wasn’t the case, I think he deserves to know. If my brothers knocked up a girl, it’d be unfair if she never told us that we have a niece or a nephew.”
He nods. “That’s fair. Your case is simple.
We draw up a contract where he terminates his rights.
Send me an email with his name, his phone number, his address, and…
that face concerns me. Do you have any information about him?
Or do I have to get my man to do some digging on this guy?
I thought you said you worked with him.”
“Yes… no, I have Elliot’s information somewhere. He used to work for me. Unless the address he gave me is for a North Bay property and not his. Would that matter?”
He stares at me. “Wait, you’re talking about Elliot McPhee? The guy who’s been working for your foundation?”
“Yeah?”
He begins to laugh. “This is precious. You’re having McPhee’s babies?”
“Uh-huh.”
He mutes the microphone, stops facing the camera, and…
I think he’s cackling. What did I say? Once he moves his attention back to me, he says, “This would be funny if it wasn’t interesting.
” He scratches his right eyebrow and then looks at me.
“I’m going to text you the name of another law firm, Aldridge, Brassard & Associates.
They’ll be able to help you more than I can. ”
“Why can’t you help me?”
“I’ve been McPhee’s lawyer for several years.”
“Can you just tell him about this and do it yourself?”
He shakes his head. “It’s not that easy, and I’m not getting in the middle of this.” He whistles. “He’ll take responsibility and love them. Maybe they’re what he needs.”
“My children? What does he need them for?”
“To come back to life,” he answers.
“You’re wrong. He’s going to drift away and come by once every two years. I don’t think that’s fair to the kids.”
He looks at me and nods. “Probably. I see your point. Talk to Nyx or Pierce, they’ll get your paperwork going.”
And somehow his confirmation about my biggest fear withers my heart.