Chapter Seventeen #2
“You mean Christie?” Wyatt shrugged. “She’s nice—and of course she’s beautiful. But I don’t know; I didn’t really click with her.” He seemed to be thinking as he took a drink of his beer. “I don’t want to lead her on, so I probably won’t see her again.”
“You’ve had that problem a lot this past year.”
“I know, but it’s okay,” Wyatt said. “I’m really not looking for something serious right now. I guess I still have a bad taste in my mouth after Mandy.” He put his hand on Jaxon’s shoulder. “But you have a keeper, bro. Destiny’s a great person. I’m glad you’re seeing her.”
“You and me both. I just can’t help but worry about her, though, with Maria around.
I don’t trust that woman. I spoke with Maria’s dad last week.
I told him that it was obvious that she was dangerous.
He said she was his daughter and he wouldn’t turn his back on her.
She’d promised to go back to her therapist, and he’d made the appointment himself to make sure that she’d go. ”
“Well, that’s something, anyway,” Wyatt said. “I hope it helps.”
“I’m out of hope where that woman’s concerned. The only thing that’ll keep her away is a jail cell.” Jaxon took the last swallow of his beer, his stomach suddenly twisted in knots. What would it take to put her in jail again? Who would she hurt next?
Destiny dried her hands at the sink and picked up her phone as Jaxon rang her again. “Hi! I missed you last night. I can’t wait to see you this afternoon.”
“I missed you too. It felt weird staying overnight at the ranch. But I didn’t want to wake you up when I got in.”
“Did you have a good time?” She made herself a cup of coffee while Charlotte played with the contents of her drawer.
“I did. It’s been a long time since Wyatt and I have gotten together. But if you hadn’t insisted I go, I’d have gladly spent the evening with you.”
She loved the deep, sexy sound of his voice. “I’m glad you spent time with Wyatt. It’s important to keep up with special friendships.”
“I was worried about you being there alone with Maria free. Thanks for texting me to let me know that you were all right. It made me feel better.”
“Of course.” She brushed her hair back from her face. “I don’t want you to worry unnecessarily. I try hard not to think of her.” She usually wasn’t successful at it, but at least she tried.
“That’s good, honey, but be sure to keep your doors locked.”
“Oh, I do, don’t worry.”
Charlotte started banging a wooden spoon against another drawer.
“I hear someone’s busy in her drawer.”
“Yes, she loves playing with the stuff in there.” She loved the fond tone of voice he used whenever he talked about Charlotte.
“I don’t have to go anywhere today. It’ll just be me and Charlotte here cleaning house. Or at least, I’ll be cleaning. She’ll be messing things up behind me.”
He laughed. “That’s about right. I can’t wait to see you this afternoon, honey. Call me if anything happens.”
She shuddered at the meaning of his words. “Don’t worry. You’ll be the first person I call if Maria shows up.”
Charlotte walked over and grabbed Destiny’s knees. Destiny smiled and ran her fingers through the little girl’s blond curls.
By the time she’d cleaned the living room and the nursery, it was time for lunch.
After they’d eaten, Destiny changed Charlotte’s diaper and read her two books in the rocking chair.
She’d weaned her off being rocked to sleep.
When the books were finished, she laid her in her bed and quietly closed the door behind her.
In her bedroom, she took stock of herself in the mirror. She definitely needed work. She wanted to look nice for Jaxon when he came home.
After her shower, she took her time with her makeup until she was pleased with her appearance. Then she put on some of her nicest jeans and a pretty gold pullover and smiled at her reflection. She’d definitely do.
In the kitchen, she started the prep work for dinner. As she got the salad makings out, her phone rang. It was Edward. Her heart picked up its beat, and she sucked in a deep breath. “Edward? Have you heard something from Derek?”
“Yes, I have. His attorney sent me an email. He and Derek want to meet to discuss an open adoption. Derek wants occasional, scheduled contact with Charlotte. You would be the adoptive parent. He and his partner will be getting married, and, after much discussion, he feels that this is the best arrangement for Charlotte.”
“Oh my God, Edward. This is amazing! Schedule the meeting for as soon as you can. I’ll make it work.” Heart racing, she sat down at the table. With trembling hands, she called her mother and told her the good news.
“Oh, honey, that’s fantastic! I can’t wait to tell your father. I was so worried, but I didn’t want to say anything. I know you’ve been worried sick about it too,” her mom said.
“Now that’s all over with. We’ll have custody of our baby girl.” Suddenly she burst into tears. Saying it out loud had made it real. “Mom, nobody’s going to take her from us,” she sobbed.
“I know, honey. I know.”
Her mom’s soothing voice had a calming effect. Destiny swallowed hard and sniffed back her tears. “I’m so happy, Mom. I just can’t describe how happy I am.”
“I am too, honey. I understand.”
She wiped the tears off her face. “I’m going to hang up and call Jaxon now so you can call Dad. I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too, sweetheart.”
When Jaxon answered, she said, “It’s over. I’m getting custody of Charlotte!”
“What? That’s awesome news!”
“Derek wants an open adoption where he’ll have scheduled visitation. We’ll meet with our attorneys and set everything up. Oh, Jaxon, I’m so relieved. And so, so happy.”
“I know you are, honey. I’m going to leave now, and I’m coming straight home.”
“I can’t wait for you to get here. It almost doesn’t seem real.”
“It’s real, honey. Believe it. Look for me. I’ll be there as fast as I can make it.”
She put her phone down and felt tears welling in her eyes again. It was over. Charlotte was her baby forever. Nobody could take her away.
She put her face in her hands and let the sobs come. As her body shook, she felt the stress that had plagued her for months begin to lift. Smiling, she dried her tears and went to the sink. She had dinner to make for the special man on his way.