Lonely Heart (21 page)

“All rise,” the bailiff announced, breaking my thoughts.

I did, adjusting my tie. Fernando bumped me with his elbow to get my attention. His expression was as strained as my own.

“You may be seated.”

“Mr.’s Alvarez, Mrs. Alvarez, and Mr. Rodriguez.” The judge, an older woman in her early sixties, peered at us over her glasses. Her expression, one of disdain, remained the same as when she entered the courtroom the first time. “I’ve reached a decision regarding the estate property of Mr. Alejandro Alvarez, deceased. Before I announce my decision, I have a few things to say.” Her attention turned to the prosecution’s table. “I’ve listened to a ton of estate cases, yet it never ceases to amaze me how much greed exists within families. Instead of mourning the loss, whole families literally go to war over the simplest things, like rabid dogs over a bone.”

I grimaced, glad her scathing glare and words were directed to the other side of the room. I risked a glance at Fernando. He stared forward, but there was a crinkle of amusement in the corner of his eye.

“What makes matters worse is you dragging your grieving mother here, threatening to take away what is your father’s legacy, something your mother no doubt supported him in building. You have family willing to put their names, reputation, and financial portfolios on the line to keep what should be your family business alive in memory of your father and continue to support your mother, which was your father’s will. Your poor father is probably turning over in his grave right now, God rest his soul.”

Fernando and I glanced at each other; his expression was one of hope.

“With that said, my judgment is in favor of the defendants.”

“Yes!” I hissed under my breath while patting Fernando on the back as he grasped my hand in a vigorous handshake.

“What?” The outburst came from the other side of the courtroom.

The judge banged her gavel. “Mr. Peterson, if you don’t subdue your clients, they will be fined. Believe me; the urge to do it for the pure stupidity of their claim is beyond tempting.” She waited until they settled down. “As I was saying, the defendants will retain ownership of the location. Based on the will of the deceased, Mrs. Alvarez, the widow, may disperse the percentages in the way she feels will work best. Mr. Rodriguez, the agreement set between the two of you still stands. Mr. Javier and Ramon Alvarez will retain their designated portion. If at any time they decide they don’t want it, they can sell it to the remaining parties for no more than what it is worth. My decision is final.”

The gavel banged and the judge disappeared behind the door of her quarters.

Fernando and I congratulated each other, hugged his mother, and shook the hand of the attorney. We were going over a few details when my cousins and their attorney disappeared out of the courtroom.

Ten minutes later, I headed towards the doors and into what I expected would be an enthusiastic smile, hug, and kiss from Kaitlyn once I shared the good news.

What I saw beyond the doors stopped me in my tracks.

Kaitlyn stood, eyes narrowed, her posture defensive as she argued with the plaintiffs’ attorney.

“I want to see my daughter, Kaitlyn.”

I looked at the guy again, really looked at him. He had eyes like Chloe’s. That’s why he looked so familiar.

“Luke, why now? After months of makin’ arrangements and cancelin’ on me? Is that all Chloe is to you, some random thing on your to-do list shot to the top because you run into me by chance? What about all the phone calls you ignored?”

I scowled at the back of his head. So this was Luke, the asshole who abandoned his daughter.

Kaitlyn’s glare shot over his shoulder and connected with mine. Her eyes grew wide. “Oh God…” Her hand went to her forehead.

Luke turned and noticed me standing behind him; his eyebrows creased.

I ignored him, walked over, and placed a hand on Kaitlyn’s shoulder, deliberately putting myself between the two of them. “Are you okay?”

“Look, man, your case is over, you won, now mind your business.”

“Kaitlyn is my business. So is Chloe.” I was unable to hide the anger in my voice.

“Antonio…,” Kaitlyn warned.

I faced the guy, not caring he was at least three inches taller. I scanned him. Pure arrogance in a tailored suit. There was a moment of satisfaction when his eyes narrowed at my comment.

“Antonio, let’s go.” Kaitlyn tugged on my arm. I didn’t budge.

“What do you mean she’s your business? Kaitlyn, how do you know this guy and why does he know my daughter?” He eyed me as we sized each other up.

“That’s none of your business, Luke. You gave up the right to have anythin’ to say about Chloe when you stopped carin’ about the pregnancy. And for the record, she’s
my
daughter.”

When Kaitlyn realized I wouldn’t budge, she released my bicep and walked away, leaving us to shoot daggers at one another.

“Stay away from her,” Luke said through clenched teeth.

“From who? Kaitlyn or your daughter?” I huffed. “Like she said, you have no say.” I followed Kaitlyn as she disappeared down a flight of steps.

“Kaity, wait!”

The screech of Antonio’s truck tires as he slid into the parking space next to mine made my skin crawl. He’d followed me from the courthouse. I should have stopped when he called my name then, but this conversation about Luke was not about to happen in the courthouse parking lot where he could come out behind us.

I’d jumped in my car and drove like a bat out of hell.

Antonio followed, calling my cell phone the entire time. I was too pissed off to answer. Plus, I needed to think. Never in a million years did I expect for Antonio to meet Luke this way. In fact, I never thought they would ever meet.

Avoiding this subject couldn’t go on forever. I pulled into the community park the minute I saw the sign.

“God damn him!” I slammed the door of my car and started walking, not caring what direction I went in.

“Kaity, wait!” Antonio grabbed my arm as he caught up to me. “Why are you running from me?”

I forced myself to unclench my jaw and face him. “I’m not running.”

“Could have fooled me! Why didn’t you answer the phone? I didn’t do anything to hurt you, Kaity, so talk to me, right now, ok?” His grip tightened when I tried to pull away.

Anger burned in my chest and my throat tightened. I swallowed hard; I was so mad I could cry. “It’s just…I can’t believe Luke was there!”

“Neither can I,” Antonio murmured, his fingers loosening as he massaged his brow. “Come on, let’s sit down.” He linked our fingers and led me to a vacant bench. “Was this the first time you’ve seen him in a while?”

“Yes…no…,” I sighed, exasperated. “Remember when I said he came by one or two times after Chloe was born and gave me fifty bucks?” He nodded. “That was it. Our only communication since has been maybe once a month on the phone. I moved on with my life.”

“When was the last time you talked to him?”

“A month ago.”

“About the time we got together,” he surmised.

I nodded.

Antonio appeared thoughtful as he stared ahead in silence.

I sighed and put my head in my hands. “Let me guess, you believe I’m wrong for givin’ up on him. I can’t keep doin’ this, Antonio. I can’t spend the next eighteen years chasin’ him down. Luke made it clear what he wants.”

Antonio faced me with a raised eyebrow. “That’s not what I heard.”

“You weren’t there for the entire conversation.” I snapped back, then sighed and stared out at the empty park, which was vacant for this time of day.

“So, fill me in.” He sat back, stretched his arms along the back of the bench, his legs in front of him, giving me his undivided attention.

I studied him; cool, calm, and as always, in control of his emotions. Everything about his body language said Antonio was serious.

“Why do you care what he said?”

“Because, Kaity, I’m a part of your life now. Chloe’s wellbeing means as much to me as it does to you.” He shrugged. “Like it or not, he is her biological father. You guys may have some lingering issues from the past, but if he’s asking to see her now, you should let him.”

My lips tightened. Where was this coming from? Okay, so we never really talked about Luke, but Antonio made it known he didn’t like the way he treated either one of us.

“So wait, you’re takin’
his
side now?” My blood boiled.

Antonio sat forward, placed his elbows on his knees. “The only side I’m on right now is Chloe’s. She has a right to know her father. It doesn’t matter if he’s a few months late or a few years.”

“You’ve got to be kiddin’ me.” I stood up and stomped towards my car.

“Kaity, hold on.” He caught up to me in a few strides. “I’m sure you expected me to say something else, and quite frankly, I’m surprised myself. But let’s be real here. Luke is a lawyer.”

“He practices probate law, not family.” I rolled my eyes.

“So? He works for a firm and knows other lawyers. Is it wise to keep his daughter away from him if he’s asking for her?”

Luke didn’t just work for a law firm; his father and brother were lawyers, and his father a partner.

My teeth ground in frustration. What he said made sense.

“With your new job, you don’t have time to spend in court,” he continued. “Your job is what makes taking care of your daughter possible. You know I’m here, too. Why start something if you don’t need to?”

I peered at Antonio through slanted eyes. “And you became a lawyer when?”

He chuckled, pulled me into his arms, and kissed my forehead. “Never in a million years.”

I melted into his body, pulling some form of sanity from his strength. “Seein’ him just threw me for a loop. Sorry for overreactin’.”

“Hey, that was a crazy way of meeting him. I imagine having us both in the same place at the same time was a shock. But as Abuela says, sometimes, things happen for a reason.” He pulled back and looked down at me. “I’m in love with you; do you know what that means?”

I gazed into the comfort of his brown eyes and felt my heart race a little faster. Hearing him say he loved me would never get old. “It means more?”

A half smile spread across his face. “I haven’t explained my intentions yet have I? Guess now would be the time.” His voice took on a playful tone, but his eyes remained serious. “First, do you love me?”

“Yes.”

“Say it.”

“I love you Antonio Rodriguez.” I spoke in a tone as playful as his, yet meant every word.

“Prove it,” he wagged his eyebrows.

I stood on my tip toes, kissed him deeply, not caring who saw us.

“Mmm…now that’s what I’m talking about.” He licked my lipstick off his lips while I laughed. “Now, the benefits of accepting my love… are you ready for this?”

I laughed. “Yes!”

“Free foot massages and back rubs followed by mind blowing sex.”

I pumped my fist in the air. “That’s what I’m talkin’ about!”

“Oh, I’m not done. This also comes with a large extended family full of drama.”

“Bring it on!”

“Glad you’re liking it so far. Next, my support in helping you fulfill your dreams…unless they are over the top or to the point you’d make an ass of yourself.”

I feigned thought. “I could see how that would be beneficial. Is that what you’re doin’ right now?”

“Pretty much. Next, and this is a big one. When we’re both ready, I want to make our relationship official.”

My eyes widened. “You what?”

The playfulness in his voice dissipated, replaced with seriousness. “I want a family with you, Kaity.”

My mouth parted, but before I could speak, he put a finger across my lips. “And as a part of that, I want to make Chloe mine, officially.”

“Adoption? You want to adopt my daughter?” I pulled back in disbelief, but Antonio’s firm grip wouldn’t let me go far.

“Yes, if you let me.”

“I don’t know what to say…”

“Don’t answer now, just think about it. There are some things that need to happen first. That’s why you need to see this thing with Luke through. If he wants to be there for her, we need to know now. If he decides it’s not what he wants, fine. It will make getting his consent on the paperwork easier.”

For the past month, our relationship went from friends to couple status. But this revelation took things to a whole new level. It was scary to say the least.

Since leaving Luke, the idea of finding a man who wanted to be a part of my new life was the last thing on my mind. But Antonio was more than anything I could have asked for. Not only did he love my daughter, he wanted to adopt her.

“You’ve thought about everything, haven’t you?”

“I try. Why don’t we check on Chloe?”

I pulled him in for a kiss. “I really do love you.”

He smiled against my lips. “I know. Let’s go.”

****

Antonio followed me from the park to my apartment complex and parked beside me. He got out and waited for me in front of my car. We walked hand in hand to my apartment.

“Oh crap,” I stopped in the middle of the walkway.

“What?”

“With everythin’ that happened, I didn’t ask what the judge said.”

“We won,” he grinned.

“So it’s yours? The shop, everythin’?”

“Yes, and Fernando, and my aunt. The judge was pretty pissed with them and their lawyer.”

I smirked. “Well that explains it…”

“Explains what?”

We started walking again.

“Why Luke jumped on my butt the minute he saw me. He’s a sore loser.”

I glanced at Antonio. His mouth was open as if he was about to comment, but he stopped not only his comment, but walking as well. His lips tightened slightly. I followed his line of sight.

“You’ve got to be kiddin’ me,” I hissed.

Luke stood in front of my apartment. The minute he saw me, he walked towards us.

He’d taken off his suit jacket and tie. The top two buttons of his starched white shirt were undone and his sleeves rolled up, his expression clear as day; he was pissed. Luke’s glare went from me to Antonio.

“What are you doin’ here?” I spat.

“Kaity,” Antonio squeezed my hand in warning.