“Alright, folks.” Frank claps with a wide grin as he settles in his chair. “Let’s get down to it, shall we?”
Georgia straightens so fast it’s like someone pulled a string. Her expression shutters, mouth flattening into a tight, professional line. And me? I’m still trying to remember how to breathe without her scent invading my sinuses.
She taps something on her laptop, posture perfect, tone crisp. “Of course, Your Honor. I have the documentation ready.”
Frank waves her off.
“No need for formalities here. This isn’t a hearing, or the big city. We do things differently in Summit. Just a chance to sit down, go over what’s been filed, and make sure everyone’s on the same page for the sake of the baby.”
Everyone. Like we’re a team. Like I didn’t just meet her a week ago and spend most of that time wanting to slam the metaphorical door in her face.
Georgia clicks a pen. My eye twitches. “I’ve compiled my findings based on my initial intake, a home visit, and a conversation with the probate attorney’s assistant.”
Romero nods. “Go ahead, Ms. Walker.”
“If we’re being informal, you can call me Georgia.”
She shoots him a kind smile. My eyes narrow, and I shift uncomfortably.
“Mr. Archer had no prior knowledge of the child, Aurora Vernal, until my visit. According to the will filed with the probate attorney, the Vernals named Mr. Archer as Aurora’s legal guardian following her birth. While Marlee does have a living relative—her younger sister, Oakley June Parker—she is only eighteen years old. Per the attorney’s notes, Mrs. Vernal explicitly stated that she did not want Aurora placed with her sister, leaving Mr. Archer as the sole designated guardian.”
I swallow hard, my fists clenched under the table.
What the fuck, Marlee?
“She and Mr. Archer were previously involved, I believe,” Georgia continues, her brows furrowed. “Though, I was unable to determine the extent of the relationship—”
She trails off and glances at me as if she’s hoping I’ll fill in the blank.
I don’t. Won’t.
I’m not going there.
We stare at each other, the silence thick as hell. I do all I can to let my unspoken words fill the space between us.
You’re gonna have to try harder, sweetheart. I’m not breaking first.
Georgia looks damn pissed as she huffs, “Can you help me out here?”
“No,” I mutter. “Should have done your research better,Georgia.”
“Youcan call me Ms. Walker,” she says sweetly, flashing a smile that’s all teeth. “And I’d really appreciate you filling in the blanks, Mr. Archer. Though my search was extensive, there’s only so much I can verify without turning to the rumor mill, and that’s just not something I believe in doing.”
Interesting—and appreciated. I can only imagine what the old biddies in Heart Springs have to say about me and Marlee May, or the way things ended. Ten plus years, and I’m positive no one’s forgotten a damn second of it.
Maybe they should have hit the whiskey harder. Worked for me.
Looking her straight in the eyes, I say the honest truth, “I have no interest in walking down memory lane.”
“But—” Her hands flap at her sides. “I can’t do my job if I don’t know all the facts, and unfortunately, a big part of this story sadly passed away, and you’re all that’s left.”
“You want the story?” She nods. My brows hit my hairline as my gut twists. “Marlee and I fucked for years, but that was a longass time ago. The baby isn’t mine. Marlee isn’t mine. And this?” I start to stand. “This is a mistake—”
“Kade!” Frank chides. I slowly turn to look at him, and his expression has me dropping back down. He reminds me of my dad. “This’ll only work if you want it to, son. You gotta put the past hurt where it belongs and handle what’s in front of you for the people who can’t speak for themselves. Can you do that?”
I hear what he’s not saying. This isn’t just about me. It’s about Aurora and her parents.
It’s about Marlee.
