47
JASON
“Jason, what’s your favorite color?” Presley asks. We’re sitting in one of the girls’ favorite parks in town, just her and me. We got breakfast to go, and are sitting at one of the picnic tables coloring in her favorite coloring book while we wait for court to finish. Presley still doesn’t know what’s going on today, only that her mom had a meeting, so I got to take her out for some one-on-one time.
She practically squealed in excitement, and was even more excited when we told her that Lennie will get to spend one-on-one time with Fallon later this week to make it fair for both of them.
“Hmmm,” I ponder. “Green. What about you?”
“Purple,” she answers instantly. “One day when I get married, I’m going to wear a pretty purple princess dress. That way everyone knows how much I love purple.”
“Wow, I bet you will look beautiful, sweetheart,” I respond. I can’t help but think about a wedding that might happen sooner than hers. I know that someday, I will marry Fallon. It might not be right away, but it will happen. I love her, something I haven’t even told her yet, and for that, I’mregretful. I know I need to soon, but I didn’t want her to be stressed over the court hearing and say it back to appease me when she doesn’t really mean it.
“When you and my mom get married, can I wear purple?” Presley asks, peppering me with questions. I should have known that was where her brain was heading when she brought up weddings, but I’m not mad about it.
“Sure, kiddo. But remember, we aren’t getting married yet. Maybe not for a while.”
“But someday?” she asks, a shining glint in her eyes, the eyes that match her mothers.
“Yeah, kiddo. Someday.”
She squeals, and gets back to coloring the page in front of her. The kid is a true artist. I’ve seen her freehand a few things, and she’s a natural. I can’t wait to watch her talent flourish.
I love my daughter, but art is not her forte. She has skills in other parts of her life though, and I can’t wait to watch her grow and develop them.
My phone buzzes on the table, and I glance at it, figuring it’s work, or my brothers. To my surprise, it’s Fallon. Court was only scheduled to start fifteen minutes ago, so there is no way they are already done. Right?
“I gotta answer this call, okay kiddo?” I ask Pres, and she nods, engrossed in her work. I stay seated across from her and swipe to answer the call.
“Hey, sunshine. Are you done already?” I ask, my heart pounding as I stare down at Fallon’s little girl in front of me. The little girl whose life might have changed and she doesn’t even know it.
“Yeah, I’m done,” Fallon answers breathlessly. “The judge denied his petition, Jase. It’s done. He can try again in two years if he back pays child support, and continues topay and shows an effort, but the judge called it within ten minutes. It was over and done before I even had a chance to truly freak out.”
“Are you serious?” I ask, my heart beating faster, this time in excitement, rather than anxiety.
“So serious. Haley said it was so cut and dry, she barely had time to blink or start taking notes.”
“Now what?” I ask.
“Now, we get to live our lives as normal,” she breathes, and I can practically hear the anxiety that’s been holding her hostage for the last few weeks melting off her.
“Sunshine, that’s amazing news,” I say.
“I know. In a way, I feel guilty for being so happy, I mean, Presley should get to see her dad, right? But then again, he never fought before, why now?”
I nod, though she can’t see me. “I’m so proud of you. Presley and I are hanging out at the park, but we will see you at home, okay?”
“Okay,” Fallon takes a deep breath. “Can I talk to her quick?”
“Of course.” I hold the phone out to Presley. “Kiddo, your mom wants to say hi.”
Presley holds the large phone to her ear. “Hi, Mom,” she says, continuing to color with her right hand, her left holding the phone.
They talk for a few minutes before Pres passes me back the phone. “I’ll see you guys in a bit,” Fallon says.
“Alright, see you soon. Lo—” I stop myself before I say the words. I do not want the first time I say I love you to her to be over the phone. “Lunch?” I try to play off.
Fallon softly laughs. “Sure. Pick up pizza? I can go get Lennie from your mom’s and we can eat outside.”
