Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58051 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58051 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
I felt heat flame my cheeks at her unasked question, and shook my head as I made a beeline for the coffeepot. “We had a bit to drink, and it was safer to stay at Derek’s place in the city than drive all the way back here.” That was my story and I planned on sticking to it.
“Well his house in the city must have the most luxurious bed on the planet.” At my shocked look, Mom let out a short bark of laughter. “Oh honey, your face. Priceless. I take it the date went well?”
I finished fixing up my coffee and took a seat at the table across from Mom. “Yes, the date went well. Better than I imagined.” And the strangest part of all was that it was a real date, and it was all Derek’s idea. “He isn’t what I thought he was, at least not anymore.”
“People do grow and mature, honey. You went away and came back a different woman.” She reached out to touch my hand with a wistful sigh. “I just wish your brothers and sisters could see you now.”
I nodded. “Me too, but I think it might be too late for that.”
“I don’t think so honey, but one of you will have to make the first move to make things right.” She gave my hand another squeeze and an understanding smile. “It’s all right that you like him Bella.”
“I know.” And logically, I did know that. But it turns out that past trauma isn’t quite so simple to get over. “I don’t trust it, but I’m trying.”
“Good things happen to good people, and you are very good people, Bella. Believe it.”
I wanted to believe it, but I didn’t know how to let myself believe it. “I’m working on it,” I told her just as the phone trilled at the other end of the table. “But things with Derek didn’t start out in the most traditional way.” Was his desire for a real date based on the success of our fake relationship? Would he drop me as soon as he no longer needed the good press? “It’s Ian.”
“Answer it,” Mom encouraged. “Now.”
I picked up the phone and held my breath. “Hello?”
“Bella, it’s your favorite lawyer, and I’m calling with good news.”
I sat up taller in my chair and waved a hand at my curious mother to quell her nonstop questions. “That’s my favorite kind of news.”
His chuckle was one of deep satisfaction.“The good news is that the hearing next week has been called off.”
“Um…,” I hesitated because that did not sound like good news.
“The great news is that it was called off because there’s not a snowball’s chance in hell that anyone will take Everest from you. His grandparents forfeited their arguments against you when they attempted to abduct him. The judge refused to hear their petition, so this mess is over.”
Over. That word sounded so final, but just like with Derek, I couldn’t quite believe it. “You sure?”
“Yep. Everest is your kid, now and forever, just as his mom wanted. Good luck with everything Bella.”
“Thank you, Ian. For everything.”
“My pleasure. I hope we never have a need to cross paths again, but if you need me, I’m just a phone call away.”
“Thanks for that Ian. Good luck to you.” I ended the call and sat still in my chair to soak in the good news. “It’s over,” I said eventually to my mom. “The custody case is over. Everest stays with me.”
“Oh honey that’s wonderful news!” Mom shot out of her seat and wrapped her arms around me, practically squeezing the life out of me. “We have to celebrate.”
I laughed. “Always a reason for a party, huh?”
“Of course. Every accomplishment, every victory must be celebrated. That’s just good living.”
I rolled my eyes. “Fine Mom, we can celebrate, but let’s keep it small this time. I don’t want to embarrass Everest.”
“Embarrass me how?” He entered the kitchen with his hair standing in all directions, pajamas rumpled in every possible way.
Mom shot up and went to Everest to wrap him in her arms. “Such good news. Tell him honey.”
“Ian just called, the custody fight is over. You’re stuck with me kid.”
He perked up. “Yeah? I won’t have to visit them or anything?”
“Nope. It’s me and you and our crazy family. Not to mention this entire town.”
He laughed. “You’re a lot, all of you, but I couldn’t wish for a better second mom, or a more awesome grandma.”
At those sweet words, Mom squeezed him tighter as tears trickled down her cheeks. “I love you both. Now come on, Ev, we have a party to plan.”
He groaned. “Another party? Can I drink?”
Mom laughed. “Sure, in about eight years, the first round will be on me.”
Everest’s shoulders sank with disappointment. “Aw, man. But I’m gonna hold you to it.”