Chapter 20 #2
An attorney, Thea’s from the looks of it, speaks first. “My client, Mrs. Taylor, was a stay at home spouse for the duration of their marriage, while Mr. Taylor served in the Navy SEALS. Given the circumstances surrounding the dissolution of this marriage as they relate specifically to Mr. Taylor’s infidelity, my client is seeking a larger share of the marital assets, as previously discussed.
” A wave of relief surges through me when she says that, because from the last phone call that Thea had with Lucas, it seemed as though it might not go in that direction, by the way he was trying to turn everything around on her.
I can see him on the screen, present in the courtroom, as he shifts but doesn’t argue.
There must have been sufficient evidence against him.
The attorney continues, “She is entitled to a portion of his military pension in an amount that is to be split fifty-fifty, as well as a one-time lump sum payout from their joint savings. In addition, both parties agreed that my client would inherit the family vehicle, and Mr. Taylor has agreed to provide spousal support for a period of three years so that Mrs. Taylor can establish financial independence. Mrs. Taylor has sacrificed her health insurance in addition to any claim on the marital residence.”
The judge nods and focuses his attention on Lucas and his attorney. “Do you acknowledge this provision?”
Lucas nods and his attorney speaks next.
“We do. Mrs. Taylor is also aware that she forfeits any right to VA benefits as they are not subject to division under federal law. Since the couple has no living children, child support is also not an issue.” I don’t miss the way she flinches when he says that, and my heart aches to go to her, but I do my best to listen to her wishes and remain where I’m at when I remember the coffee.
I quickly make her a cup before approaching her from her side, and set it down out of sight of the camera.
They drone on about other things until finally the judge says, “Is there any remaining dispute?”
“No,” Thea says. Lucas hesitates for a moment, before saying the same thing.
The judge picks up his pen and then his gavel. “Then, as of today, this marriage is legally dissolved. Court adjourned.”
There’s a moment of silence and Lucas looks directly into the camera as he speaks. “Take care, Thea.”
But she doesn’t give him the time of day and clicks the leave meeting button and then just sits there, staring at the blank screen.
I don’t say anything, letting her be the first one to break the silence.
Her shoulders rise as she takes a deep breath and releases it, before her hand reaches for her coffee, a slight tremble to her arm.
She takes a tentative drink before physically deflating and looking at me.
A lone tear trails down her cheek as her face shines with…
not sadness, but resolve, maybe? The look in her eyes is that of a hollow victory. “It’s over…”
I go to her then, kneeling below her and placing a hand on the armrest to steady myself. “It’s over. You did it.”
“I thought I’d—I thought it would feel different,” she whispers as she meets my eyes.
I tilt my head slightly. “What do you mean?”
She takes another drink of her coffee. “Just that I still wouldn’t feel so…so empty. Or like he still won and has me in his clutches despite the fact that I never have to see him again.”
“He hasn’t won, but walking away from something that broke you isn’t going to erase the damage, either.
The good news is that you have a choice now.
A choice to wake up tomorrow and every day after without thinking about him because he doesn’t get to take up space in your mind anymore.
That space is meant for you to fill with whatever the hell you want.
And the fact that you get to do that is a testament to how little control he has over you now.
Feel what you need to feel, but don’t get caught in the cycle.
” My hand moves from the armrest to her knee cap and electricity buzzes between us at the contact, but neither of us act on it.
“What is your plan for taking custody of everything you won in the settlement?”
“They’ll need an address to send me the checks for the money, but other than that I was considering having them ship me the vehicle and pay for it myself just so I don’t have to step foot back on that base and face him.”
I quickly shake my head. “No, you need to save your money, Thea. What if I went with you? That way we can kill several birds with one stone and get the checks in person, too, to make sure they won’t get lost in the mail.”
“I’m not sure that’s such a good idea…” she mumbles.
“Why? Because you’re afraid of what he is going to think seeing us together?
So what? What has he done for you recently to deserve your sympathy?
” I’m not saying it to be harsh or to make us seem like something we’re not, but I won’t lie and pretend like it wouldn’t give me a level of satisfaction to see the look on his face at the sight of the two of us.
She seems to contemplate that for a few moments before straightening her posture. “Fine. But promise me you won’t start anything? Please.”
“I promise to try. I can’t guarantee I can hold back if he’s an asshole to you, though.”
“Nathan, I appreciate it but I don’t need protecting.” She sighs as she lets her hair down.
I stand up and cross my arms. “I know you don’t. But it doesn’t mean you’re not worth taking care of.”
A few more moments pass between us before she dips her chin in agreement. “Do you think we could go Friday? I’m not sure showing up today would be the most appropriate, and I have work tomorrow through Thursday.”
Speaking of, she hasn’t told me about that yet.
I plan to ask her about it on the drive back to Norfolk, and also make it a point to discuss her healthcare.
She can’t just go without. “Yeah, we can. We will need to bring Claire with us, or see if Dylan and Fletcher would be willing to watch over her while we’re gone. ”