Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 57908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
I also loved the soft, sweet side of her. Waking up next to her and seeing her sleepy smile in the morning. The welcoming light in her eyes as I would close the distance between us and make love to her. She was addictive, and I found I missed her on the mornings when I woke up alone. My bed felt empty. A day wasn’t complete unless I talked to her. Shared part of my day with her. Listened to her voice telling me an amusing story about the girls in the salon or a funny customer.
I pulled up in front of the building where Halton was having his group meeting today to help dads like me. I felt nervous, wiping my hands down my jean-covered legs as I headed to the door. I wasn’t used to talking about Josh. Sharing my story. I always had a feeling of shame—as if I hadn’t done enough. Halton assured me I needed to hear other stories and realize how much I had in common with other men who found themselves in the same boat.
“You’re not as alone as you think you are in this situation,” he assured me.
“Dom?”
I stopped walking, turning to face the voice, shocked to see Cherry waiting by the door.
“Cherry G?” I asked, confused.
She stepped forward, looking nervous. “Fiona called me and said Halton thought you might need a little support today. I, ah, took the day off. But if you don’t want—”
I cut her off, dragging her into my arms and kissing her. “I want,” I insisted. “Thank you.”
She smiled up at me. “Good. I want to be here for you.”
Footsteps behind us made me look up. Halton and Fiona were coming toward us, both smiling.
“Ah, the cavalry,” Halton said with a wink. “I thought you might need your own backup.”
“I was confused since I thought it was dads only,” Cherry admitted.
Halton shook his head. “Fee comes with me a lot. The men love her. I have a feeling they’ll love Cherry too. You ladies can offer insights I cannot, and frankly, you are both a lot prettier than the ugly mugs I have to stare at around the circle.” He laughed with a wink. “Present company excluded, of course.”
He held open the door. “Ready?”
I took a deep breath, holding Cherry’s hand tightly. “I guess so.”
Two hours later, I sat across from Halton and Fee, sipping a cup of coffee and eating a sandwich. The group had been enlightening. I was shocked to hear the same stories play out over and over. Men like me, who wanted to be part of their children’s lives and were shut down at every turn. Listening to their pain reflected in their voices was an eye-opener. They felt the same way I did. The worry and fear they weren’t doing enough, yet trying every possibility, searching every avenue open to them. Halton sat among them, his attention focused on each man as he spoke. He offered advice, encouragement, handed out business cards of other lawyers, his own, various agencies the men could try to use. He often touched Fiona, holding her hand or resting his palm on her swollen stomach, as if needing to assure himself his child was there, safe and close. The small group of men were all friendly and cordial. They welcomed Cherry and me, and I wasn’t surprised that they responded to her warmth. She was empathetic and listened to them, more than once wiping away a tear. One man, Hank, described finally getting to see his daughter after six months of fighting with lawyers and his ex.
“Nothing can compare to the feeling of her arms around my neck and hearing her call me Daddy,” he said quietly. “To hold her and let her know how much I missed her.” He had drawn in a deep breath. “Thanks to Halton, I got that chance, and I have managed to get visitation again. His advice and the help of a different lawyer made all the difference.”
As I had learned the hard way, the right lawyer made a huge impact. If I had a plumbing problem, I wouldn’t bring in a bricklayer. Not all lawyers were one-size-fits-all.
Halton chewed the last of his sandwich, wiping his mouth and picking up his coffee. He eyed me over the rim. “So, I have some news.”
I sat up straighter, my hand immediately going to Cherry’s leg and gripping it.
“I have a motion to reopen your visitation.” He paused. “Your ex isn’t happy, but the judge we got is known for agreeing with the experts that a child should have both parents in their life. He reviewed the files I gave him and agreed to a meeting.”
All at once, I felt cold and hot. Worried and excited. Scared and jubilant.
He held up his hand. “It could be supervised at first.”