Page 13 of Mad Love
It’s probably another hour before he tries to talk to me again and I’m grateful for the reprieve. I need the time to process…I think I’ll need a lot of time.
“Did Sasha and Caleb live with you?” he finally asks.
I nod.
“Do you rent or own a place?” he asks.
“What does that have to do with anything?” I frown.
He takes a deep breath and runs his hand through his hair. It falls perfectly into place again. When he looks up and his eyes lock with mine, I freeze, my heart taking a dive into the ground.
I just know I’m not going to like what he’s about to say.
“I’d like the two of you to come stay with me for a few weeks.”
My mouth drops and then I’m shaking my head. “Absolutely not.”
“Hear me out,” he says, holding up his hand. “I don’t know how to take care of a baby yet. You do, and Caleb is used to you. I have a big place. Six bedrooms. You could pick out which one you want—I’m not picky. It’s on a few acres. A swimming pool, pool house, a lake beyond that with a bridge crossing over the water. The place is big enough that you wouldn’t have to see me all the time. We’d be sharing a kitchen, but I’d respect your space and we could figure out times to have it to ourselves if you don’t want to see me. And we’d both be able to see Caleb whenever we want.”
“I want to see him all the time,” I seethe.
“So do I.” He scowls at me, and it’s the first time he’s really shown his temper to this extent.
“I want to see himwithout you around,” I reiterate.
“Look, I’m not thrilled about seeing you either, but it’s either that or I take him home with me when he’s discharged, and at the most, you get periodic supervised visits.” He puts his hands on his hips and sighs, his hands dropping in exhaustion. “That’s not what I want, Sadie. But I will if you force me. I don’t know why Caleb was kept a fucking secret from me, but you’re not getting rid of me, so either learn to deal with it,” he says between his teeth, “or get yourself a good lawyer.”
I step back like I’ve been hit, feeling like all the air has just been let out of me. The backs of my knees hit the couch and I fall onto it, suddenly cold and shaky.
He might not have wanted Caleb before, but he wants him now, and if he decided to take me to court over this, I wouldn’t stand a chance in hell against the great Weston Shaw. He’s Caleb’s biological dad, he has more money than God, and all he has to do is smile that supermodel smile and flash those arm muscles and he’ll get whatever he wants.
I’ve seen him practically charm the pants off of everyone who’s talked to him so far.
“I want it in writing that I’ll always be a part of his life.” My voice is so soft I clear my throat and say louder, “Before I’ll agree to anything.”
“You don’t get to make the rules here, Sadie.”
His tone is so much sweeter than his words that it lulls me into a false sense of security at first…until I digest what he’s said.
“I can’t stay with you. It’s too far to go back and forth from here to Silver Hills. I’m a waitress and take double shifts all the time?—”
“I’m giving you my word that I want you to be part of Caleb’s life,” he says. “I’m giving you my word that I’ll take care of both of you. We can talk about specifics once we get to the house.”
He holds up his hand and taps his fingers one by one with his next words.
First finger: “But your sister kept my child from me.”
Second finger: “You are not his mother.”
Third finger: “And I’m not playing any more fucking games here.”
He licks his lips and I watch the movement, suddenly so tired I can’t think straight.
“These are your choices.” Again, his tone is so deceptively kind. “We can take this to court, or you can stay with me and we’ll come up with a peaceful way to get along, for Caleb’s sake.”
The room is silent for a few long moments.
“I love him so much,” I say, my voice breaking. I lean my head back, staring at the ceiling and trying not to cry. “I’d do anything for him.Anything.” My lips tremble and I press them together. “The night I found out my sister was pregnant, I told her to tell you right then. I never thought it was right to not tell you. And I don’t know if you’re lying to me and you really didn’t know.” I turn to look at him now. “Or if she lied to me when she said she tried again and again to reach you.” I angrily swipe away the tears that keep falling. “But I know I can’t win against you.” My voice breaks and I lower my head, my shoulders shaking as I cry.