Chapter 25
Chapter Twenty-Five
Ridge
“I’m seriously thinking about bi-coastal living since my last film shoot in Atlanta,” I casually say to Arthur.
I stopped off at his LA home office on my way to Beverly Hills to see Roman.
On my flight home yesterday, my mind pushed into overdrive with thoughts of wraparound porches, meadow grasses and sunflowers, tire swings, out-of-tune pianos, and finally putting down roots away from the Hollywood chaos.
Buying Milton Farm is the first logical step.
And it’s only an hour from the airport and the Atlanta film studios.
“Bi-coastal living?” Arthur stares back at me for a beat before he relaxes and casually leans back in his office chair. A Cheshire-cat grin unfolds across his face. “So, your home on the West Coast and a second home on the East Coast?”
“Yes. I think it would be a good thing.”
“A good thing? Well, if you’re referring to being near our Lovely, I totally agree.”
I chuckle and squeeze the back of my neck. “I guess you saw right through me, didn’t you?”
Arthur laughs. “I know you better than anyone, Captain. And for the record, I approve.”
“Good.” I sit in the chair across from his desk, energized by my decision. “I need your help in securing a certain property in Heartsboro.”
Arthur links his fingers together on the desktop and grins. “Absolutely. But first, can you tell me what instigated this sudden interest in Georgia real estate?”
I nod. “Easy. Spending Thanksgiving with Beverly after our separation. She made me realize I’m ready to settle down and make some significant changes.
I want a different kind of fulfillment than what my bachelor life has provided.
Being with her has changed my perspective.
I want a more traditional lifestyle away from Hollywood. ”
“And you’ve already found a homestead you can both agree on?”
“Yes, and no.”
“Pardon?”
“Yes, she’s already had her eye on a place she’s fallen in love with.
It’s down the road from her sister and brother-in-law.
She showed it to me while I was there. You should’ve seen it, Arthur.
The property reminds me of a movie set out in the country with a two-story farmhouse, wraparound porch, and grassy fields as far as the eye can see.
It was quaint and unpretentious, private and peaceful.
I want more than anything to give it to her.
I’m hoping I can surprise her by Christmas or the New Year. ”
“How romantic, Captain. An entire farm as a holiday gift. How will you ever wrap it up?” We both chuckle.
“I haven’t gotten that far yet. I just know I want to give this to her. Other than my son, I’ve never been in the position where someone else’s life is infinitely more important to me than my own. I can picture us living there.”
“You and Beverly?”
“No. Me, Beverly, and Roman.”
Arthur tilts his head, a look of concern marring his face. “How will you ever get Whitney to sign off on such an arrangement?”
I interlock my fingers and rest my hands on my head. “Like I said, I haven’t gotten that far.” I close my eyes. “But I can envision us living there as a family. And Roman will instantly have a new best friend. Beverly’s sister, Madison, has a son named Joey. They’re the same age.”
“Oh, my. How serendipitous.”
“It is. I noticed a tire swing out back when Beverly showed me the property. I could envision both boys a little older and playing on it. Am I crazy?” I earnestly stare back at him.
“Not crazy. You’re passionate. You, my friend, are a true romantic.”
I laugh out loud. “Isn’t it ironic? I’ve been this notorious bachelor my entire adult life, telling the world I’m never getting married. Never having kids. That I love my work and hanging out with great friends. Looking back, I thought my life was incredibly full, and that I was doing well.”
“And now?”
“Now I realize I didn’t know how un-full my life was until I met Beverly. Everything has changed.”
Arthur opens his desk drawer and pulls out a legal pad. He flicks his wrist and aims a ballpoint pen at the blank sheet of paper. “Well then, first things first. Who shall I ring about securing the deed for this farm?”
I’m stoked and lean across the desk with excitement. I knew I could count on Arthur.
“Her name is Keri Clayton at the Heartsboro, Georgia, Real Estate Office. There’s only one office in town.”
Arthur scribbles the information on the pad and nods. “I’ll get right on this.”
“I’m willing to pay full price. Money is not an option. The property isn’t even on the market yet. And please let Keri know I want to remain anonymous. This is a surprise.”
“I understand.” He sets the pen to the side and looks right at me. “And Whitney?”
I run a hand across my stubbly chin. “I’m heading over there now to see Roman.
I’m hoping we can talk through some things and I can get her to agree to joint legal custody.
She knows how I feel about being involved in his life.
She can either agree to a parenting plan, or I’ll have to file a custody case and let the court decide. ”
“I do hope you can resolve things without having to go to court.”
“Me too. Things could get incredibly messy. But I know what Whitney really wants—what she needs.”
“What’s that?”
“Money. If I can sweeten the financial pot, I think I can get her to agree to joint custody. This is crucial for Roman’s welfare. I don’t want him being raised by the nanny.”
“Absolutely not.”
“He needs stability and love. And I’m not saying Whitney doesn’t love Roman.
She does. But she’s young and more interested in her career and her image.
This would free her up to do location shoots or travel the world if she wanted to.
Things she normally couldn’t do having full-time custody of a child.
Whether she admits it or not, I’ll be doing her a huge favor. ”
“I do hope she’ll come to her senses.”
“I know. What happened between us shouldn’t have happened, but it did. And now, I’m trying to make things right. I believe getting our son out of Hollywood for half the year would be a great start. And Beverly would make an amazing stepmother.”
“Stepmother?” He’s totally surprised, putting two and two together. “Are you and Beverly talking about marriage?”
“Not yet, but soon, I hope.” I exhale a deep, wistful sigh. “She’s the one, Arthur. I know this to my core. I told her I love her.”
“Congratulations, my friend.”
“Thank you. I wish you could’ve seen her with her nephew.
She’s nurturing, comforting, and shows amazing unconditional love.
And I know she’ll be just as caring with Roman and totally respect Whitney as his mother.
She already told me she wants to build a positive relationship with her. It’s who she is.”
“Are you sure about that? Whitney is, how shall I say this? She’s a prickly pear.”
“True. But I think Beverly will bypass the prickles over time, especially if it frees Whitney up to get back out there doing what she loves.”
“It sounds like you’ve got this all figured out, Captain.”
I harrumph. “I don’t, really. I know there are unique dynamics in a blended family.
But I’m trying to stay positive and work to create a harmonious environment for us all.
” George Jamison’s face immediately comes to mind, and I smile.
“A wise man recently told me to find my peace and allow it to strengthen me. Beverly and Roman bring me peace, and I’m willing to do just about anything to keep it. ”
***
The two photographers I spot camped out on the street waiting for an opportunity to snap my picture as I drive through the iron gates don’t even surprise me anymore.
It’s par for the course now that everyone knows Whitney is the mother of my child.
Besides, she seems to enjoy the attention, lavishing in her good fortune on the world’s stage.
I just hope she’s in a good mood as I trot up the front stairs and ring the bell.
“Hey, Ridge,” Mira says, answering the door.
“Hey.” I step inside. “Is she in the great room?”
“Yes, she’s been waiting for you.”
“Cool.”
“I’ll bring Roman down soon. He really is taking a nap right now, I swear.”
I chuckle. “I believe you, Mira. Thanks.”
I walk through the foyer and enter the room where Whitney elegantly stretches out on the chaise lounge as she reads a magazine. Her posture reminds me of Cleopatra waiting for one of her servants to feed her grapes.
“Ridge,” she purrs.
“Hey, Whitney. How are you?”
“I’m good.”
“Where’s your mother?”
“She’ll be down in a few. I told her I wanted to talk to you first, and then we can have our official family introductions.”
“Okay.” I bristle at her use of the word “family.” We will never be a traditional family.
She pats the open area in front of her. “Sit.”
I roll my eyes and grab the same chair from the game table I used the last time I was here. I straddle it, my arms resting on the back ledge. “I’m sitting. How was your Thanksgiving?”
“It was lonely.”
Her glossed lips glint in the chandelier light as she pouts. I sigh. “Whitney, how many times do I have to tell you, I’m seeing someone else? You and I are friends and co-parents only. We will never be a couple, understood?”
She scowls and says nothing.
“What is it you wanted to talk to me about?” I say.
“Christmas.”
“I already told you I’m down for whatever you plan.”
Her features soften into a rare smile. “Good. I want to do it here, with a huge Christmas tree and lots of presents for Roman. You know, the works.”
I nod. “Okay. Great.”
“And I want you to spend the night in the guest room on Christmas Eve and for us all to wear matching pajamas while we eat junk food and watch holiday movies.”
I shrug. “If that’s what you want.”
“It’s what I want.”
“Done. Now, I’d like to talk to you about something.”
“Do you have a family Christmas tradition you’d like to add to the festivities? I don’t mind at all.” She seems eager and ready to please, and I hesitate for half a second.
“No, it’s not about Christmas. I want to talk about Roman.”
“What about him?”
I clear my throat and get right to the point. “I want joint custody.”
In one fluid motion, she sits up and grips the upholstery, her bracelets jangling. “Have you forgotten that you didn’t want to have anything to do with Roman for the first three months of his life?”
“No, I haven’t forgotten, and I’ve told you repeatedly how sorry I am for that. I want to be a full-time father to him. I want him with me part of the year, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”
She cocks an eyebrow, taking my bait. “Whatever it takes? So you’ll move in with us?”
I make a horrible face and shake my head. “No, Whitney. I’ll give you what you want financially.”
She slowly folds her arms against her chest, her reply curt. “I’m listening.”
“Think about your lifestyle and what you need. Come up with a number and either agree to a parenting plan or I’ll have to file a custody case and let the court decide.”
“You’d put a price on our son?” she sneers.
“No, it’s not like that. I’m offering a price to you, so we won’t have to go to court.
This money will free you up to travel and audition, or whatever else you can think of.
I also have several industry friends whom I can refer you to if you’d like.
I want to be a hands-on dad. I wanna be all in for the rest of his life.
I’m not playing around. This is a wonderful offer, Whitney. ”
She stands and comes nearer to my chair.
Even seated with her glaring down at me, I’m not intimidated.
I know I have the upper hand. She’s broke and trying to find her way back into the Hollywood scene.
I’m her only hope. I know it’s a stretch that she’ll agree to my terms, but the peace I covet with my son and Beverly is worth a hefty payout.
“You know you want to get back out there,” I whisper.
“And just think, you won’t have to worry about anything while Roman is with me.
You can trust me. I’ll continue to pay for everything you both need.
This house, the car, clothes, vacations, plus whatever monetary number you come up with as a token of my gratitude for not having to drag this out in court, I promise. ”
I don’t know what she’s thinking, her expressionless face not giving away any clues. Her eyes rake over my countenance, and I flinch when she runs a finger across my lips. She leans forward, and I can smell whiskey on her breath. Warm and sweet.
Dangerous.
“I’ll think about it. But first, I want you to meet your new mother-in-law.”