“You think so?”
“I know so.”
And I believe him. “I’ve missed you.”
I look up at him. His eyes are filled with tenderness and desire. “I missed you more. And though, I’d love to kiss you. I won't do it. We’re waiting until this nightmare is over, okay?”
“Thank you for coming.”
“I might not be right beside you, but I’m watching over you, babe.”
“Why are you so good to me?”
He shakes his head. “I’m just a man trying to do what’s best for his family.”
Those words undo me. At the end of the day, I remember why I want to be beside him, loving him and being loved by him. I fear we’ve been holding back, but after this long absence and knowing that everything can end within seconds, I promise myself we won’t hold back. Never again.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Autumn
After the cemetery, Zach stays away from us. He claims it’s just one day and a few hours. Friday arrives too late or maybe too soon. I don’t think I’m ready for judgment day. I bet if this was my last day, God would be more merciful.
Thankfully, Nyx convinces the court to interview Matilda at our apartment where she can be comfortable. She knows what’s happening, and she’s sad that her grandmother wants to take her away from me. Before we start anything, Nyx requests if I can read—out loud—a letter from Matilda to her grandmother.
Dear Grandma Megan,
I wish I could meet you in person one day. Not today, because I don’t like you a lot. For years, I’ve been sending you Christmas cards, birthday cards, and pictures of me during my birthday. I waited for a letter back or a thank-you note. Mom always makes me write thank-you notes when I receive a letter. She says we always have to be grateful to those who are nice to us.
I hope that your heart softens. You can read How the Grinch Stole Christmas so you can learn. I asked Mom’s lawyer if she can demand a picture of my dad from you since I don’t have any and I already forgot his face. Mom reminds me of his love and tells me I have his eyes and his compassion. I had to search for the word compassion in the dictionary. Since your son had it and I have it, maybe you have it too. Look deep inside your soul.
One day, when you learn to be nice to others, please look for me. I’d love to hear stories about my dad. Moms usually know the best ones. Since you were his mom, maybe you can tell me those. Did he like waffles like I do?
I don’t know what’s going to happen today. Mom says it’s up to the judge. I hope the judge is wise because I don’t want to leave Mom. I’m all she has. Last year, I tried to find a way to make her happy, and it didn’t work. If she loses me, her sadness might take over, and I won’t see her smile again. She’s a good mom who tries her best even when some days I get to be a little extra.
If you don’t respond to this letter, it’s okay.
Sincerely,
Matilda Blackthorne Wickerton
I clear the tears as I finish reading the letter. Matilda made me promise I wouldn’t open it until the judge allowed it.
“If I hadn’t seen her video, I wouldn’t believe she wrote it. You raised a thirty-some-year-old girl, Ms. Wickerton,” the judge says.
I grin. “She’s a good kid.”
“And you’re a good mother.”
“Is there something your client would like to add to the case?” the judge asks the Blackthornes’ lawyer.
He leans closer, and they talk amongst themselves, then he shakes his head. “No.”
The judge nods. “I understand why this case ended up on my desk. Your legal team tried to make a compelling case against a working single mother. If you want your granddaughter in your life, go knock on her door and offer an olive branch. This isn’t the way to have a family. The state of Washington isn’t in the business of destroying people’s lives. You wasted the resources of the state for your gain. I’ll make sure to bill you for all the man-hours spent on this ludicrous case.”
“She’s an unfit mother. She killed my son.”
The judge shakes her head. “Case dismissed. If you appeal this case, you’re only going to hurt your relationship with your granddaughter. She’s the most affected.”
Nyx is the first one to hug me. “We did it. It’s time to go home and hug your little girl.”
“Thank you. I owe you and Pierce my happiness.”
“Nah, it was an easy case. She didn’t have anything. By the way, we’re settling the lawsuit against them. They offered ten million dollars to make it disappear. As you requested, I agree as long as they sign that they’ll never bother you again, and only contact Matilda if they’re willing to have a healthy relationship with her.”
I sigh with relief. “You know what to do with the money.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to keep any of it?”
I shake my head. Fifty percent is going to a trust under Matilda’s name. The rest will be given to a nonprofit that helps single parents who can barely pay for their rent and have other expenses. When I get out of the room, Aiden and Miranda are there.
“Is everything okay?” my brother asks.
“Yes.”
He hugs me. “Thank fuck. I was starting to plan a trip to the Cayman Islands.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Nah. Zach might do it, though.”
I look around and he’s nowhere to be found. I frown because I really thought he’d be here. Teddy is in Silver Lake with Matilda and Mom. It’s partially disappointing not seeing any of the St. Jameses with me. They’ve been so supportive, and the day when I need them, they’re not here.
My phone buzzes. It’s a text from an unknown number.
Unknown: Have you listened to my podcasts lately?
A link pops up almost immediately. I don’t want to click on it because what if it’s a scam. Nyx walks by and says, “You’re still here?”
“Was I supposed to leave?”
“I thought you would after listening to the podcast.”
I show her my phone. “This isn’t a scam?”
Nyx reads it and rolls her eyes. “Fuck, she did make it sound fishy. It’s my sister.”
My heart stopped because the last time I listened to her podcast, my child was involved.
Podcast Week 3 Season 10
“Hello, all you beautiful people. I’m Persy, and this is Life with Persy. Each week, I answer your questions about your relationships with your cat, your significant other, your parents, your siblings, and your roommate, to name a few.
“Need to get along with a nosey neighbor from hell? There’s always a solution.
“Did you marry the grump next door, and he’s driving you crazy? I have a trick or two to tame your man.
“Does that cute guy from Tinder come with more baggage than you bargained for? We’ll talk it up and dish it out here.
“I’ll offer advice, tactics, and tools that you can use in your daily life to create your slice of happiness.
“Just a reminder, this podcast is not suited for work, but you can play it almost everywhere else on your favorite podcast listening devices.