Or if their relationship was going to suffer if he had to spend more time in Boston.
“Yeah.”
They were quiet for the drive through the docks and into downtown.
“Your attorney is part of Bond Law?” she asked. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Because it’s not Hailey,” he said, turning to look at her. “Just one of her staff. I was able to get in quickly back then and wanted the best.”
He thought the name would carry enough weight. He paid through the nose for it, but his daughter was worth every dime.
“You’ll get the best here,” she said.
They found parking and walked the block to the law office. He knew what it was like here. He didn’t miss one bit of this life and the thought of Becca having to grow up here or moving back and forth on the ferry made him ill.
They passed through security and were waiting by the elevator when Alana’s name was called.
She turned her head. He didn’t know who the guy was coming toward them.
“What are you doing here, Alana?”
“I’m with Brennan. Brennan Austin, this is my cousin, Roark French. He’s an attorney here.”
“Nice to meet you,” Roark said. “I heard about you.”
“Have you?” he asked.
“Sorry,” she said. “In my family there aren’t a lot of secrets. Especially if someone is in a new relationship.”
The elevator doors opened and they all got in.
“Nothing horrible,” Roark said. “Alana, if you need anything expedited, reach out.”
They got to the third floor and got off, Roark going up higher.
“What did that mean?” he asked.
“It means that your attorney most likely doesn’t know who I am or that I’m related to Hailey and Roark. Not that the person won’t do a good job, but thinking the boss might look at this will get things done faster or as a priority. That is your choice if you want me to do it.”
“You would? Or they would?”
“Absolutely,” she said. “Brennan. In my family, the parents don’t spread word of relationships unless it’s serious. No one knew about Jonathan and me for well over a year and even then, not everyone.”
“You were young,” he said.
“That means nothing. My parents told me after the fact they never cared for him. I wish they’d told me earlier.”
He snorted. “My mother did the same. Now she’s not so afraid to voice her opinions.”
Alana cringed. “Has she said anything bad about me?”
He reached for her hand, needing the comfort. “No. She likes you and Becca loves you. It’s all good.”
“I’m glad. This is going to be too,” she said.
When they left an hour later, he felt more relaxed. Not confident that this was a slam dunk. He didn’t need to be told what Alana had brought up either, but he’d provided all his documentation for the past three years to have on file.
Short of a temporary order, their custody agreement was lock solid and would take time for Rene to get it changed.
