I couldn't believe that Dalton had to go through this all the time. I could see why he let her do what she wanted up until now. It was easier than fighting all the time. At least I was here to occupy Lilliana so they could hash it out.
Lilliana happily played with her toys, and I breathed deeply, trying to calm my nerves. But it seemed impossible. I wouldn't relax until Oakley was gone.
A few minutes later, Dalton appeared in the doorway, looking as harried as I felt.
"Sorry, I thought it would be a good idea to remove her from the situation," I said, lowering my voice.
He leaned a shoulder against the doorframe, his gaze on Lilliana. "Oakley's gone now. I'm sure we'll need to schedule a time tomorrow to take Lil back. But I'll handle that. It's not your responsibility to deal with her mom."
"What should I do if she comes and you're not here?" I couldn't help but ask.
"I wouldn't answer the door. But if you can't avoid it, tell her to call me. That no decisions are made without me."
"I can do that. Did she say anything more about me being here?"
"No, but I have a feeling she will. She said she was talking to her lawyer again."
"She's said that before though, right?"
"Yeah, but I've never stood up to her like this. Then again, she never said she was taking Lil out to a restaurant at this time of night. Technically she can do whatever she wants with her when she's in her custody. But right now, she's in mine. And I don't think it's a good idea."
I sighed. "You need a schedule."
He nodded, pushing off the doorframe and coming farther into the room. "I think it's worth the risk to fight for one."
The risk was that a judge would give him less time than he had now. But Oakley shouldn't just show up at his door demanding Lilliana. "I think so too."
"Do you mind if I take over?" Dalton asked, kneeling on the bath mat.
"Of course not," I said, brushing off my legs and standing up.
Dalton didn't say anything more, and I had a feeling he just needed to be with his daughter. He was probably as unsettled as I was.
I sensed that this was a preview of things to come. Oakley wouldn't give up without a fight, and I wasn't sure what that would mean for me.
I was growing more protective of Lilliana and Dalton. It was a dangerous situation because I liked him more each day. I admired how he was with his daughter and how he handled Oakley's demands. I had no right to feel this way though.
Chapter Seven
Dalton
After Oakley showed up at the house, I'd texted her to see if she wanted me to bring Lilliana the next day, but she hadn't answered. It was starting to feel like she only wanted Lilliana when it was convenient for her, when she wanted to prove to someone else that she was an attentive mother.
Otherwise, it was fine for me to have her. I couldn't complain about getting more time with Lilliana.
But I was on edge, waiting for Oakley to do something, and I didn't like it. So I scheduled another appointment with Ashton.
Ashton folded his hands on top of the desk. "Oakley's attorney said you refused to give Lilliana over the other night."
"She hadn't called ahead to let me know she wanted Lilliana, and we were in the middle of eating dinner. Oakley wanted to take her out to a restaurant with her friends. But it was time for bath and bed. I told her I'd call her the next day about taking her back, but she never responded to my text. Was that the wrong way to handle it?"
"You did the right thing. Are you ready to file a complaint for custody now? I don't think we have a choice. I know you wanted to wait a few weeks, but I think we need to make our move now. The court requires the parties participate in mediation before a trial is scheduled."
"Let's file it."
"She's also complaining about your nanny. Blake sounds great on paper, but you know how court cases can be. Oakley might try to dig up anything she can on her."
"I don't know of anything bad in her past, and she's great with Lilliana." She'd been a calming presence when Oakley was in my house, taking Lilliana away from the situation. She had Lilliana's best interests at heart, which was more than I could say for Oakley.
