Page 52 of Forgotten Desires

“It went well,” I say, because that’s about all I can say.

“I’ve gotten four calls from your ex-wife’s legal team. All stating that this is a sham of an engagement, and she is going to be working to ensure you’re not allowed near Layla until after the custody hearings due to your upcoming nuptials.”

My vision has a red haze over it, but I keep my composure. Brynn’s fingers lace through mine and she squeezes lightly.

“On what grounds?” she asks Ms. Banks.

“Stating that you are going to be too upsetting to Layla.”

Brynn clears her throat. “I’m sure you informed the former Mrs. Knight that she cannot control who Layla interacts with during Carson’s allotted visits? If that was the case, Carson would be well within his rights to demand the same thing, and since it’s been . . . alluded to, that she’s dating someone, he’d be able to restrict her life as well.”

Ms. Banks grins. “I did, in fact. However, as happy as I am for you both to have found love again, it’s going to enrage her, and I don’t doubt the games she plays will be something we will have to combat.”

“I’m not sure Carson has told you, but I’m also a lawyer who worked in family law for a short while. I’m very aware of what we need to do to make this easier for everyone. Layla is our main concern. Her safety and well-being are the only things the two of us want more than anything. Last time we saw her, she was terrified because her mother is drinking constantly and screamed at her, and the nanny has even written a report. We need to get Layla out of her unstable environment.”

My fucking God. The way her voice never wavers, how she holds herself, makes me want to lay at her fucking feet and worship her. I squeeze her hand, lifting it and kissing her knuckles.

Her eyes find mine and she smiles a little. “I just want her safe.”

I can’t speak because I’ll say all the things I promised I wouldn’t. Brynlee’s speech from last night, the way she explained the pain I caused has me staying silent.

I won’t make this harder for her. No matter how I feel. She is giving me everything and I can give her the one thing she asked for.

Ms. Banks clasps her hands, placing them in her lap. “We all want the same thing, and the news of your engagement is being received well in the press. It’s a love story that people will talk about, and that’s what we need. Good press. It doesn’t hurt that you’re a lawyer who is practically a saint.”

“I wouldn’t . . .”

She cuts Brynn off. “I would. You run an animal sanctuary in a small town, took care of your niece, put yourself through law school, and just started your own company. Now, I’m not a complete fool, it’s clear that this moved incredibly fast and I’m going to assume the story is not entirely true.”

“Parts of it are embellished,” I admit.

“This will quell the rumors and the case that your ex-wife has created. There will be no playboy image withLittle House on the Prairiebeside you. Whatever the terms of your agreement are, don’t tell a soul. Not me. Not friends. Not family. No one can know, and if it is this grand love story, then . . . congrats.”

She stands, and Brynn and I do as well, and she leaves without a backward glance. Brynn turns to me.

“Anyone else I’m going to meet where I might need a change of clothes?”

I stare at her in confusion. “Change of clothes?”

She flops back on the couch and sighs. “From sweating. So far, everyone I’ve met has been terrifying. I’m just wondering if we can get it all out of the way in one day.”

“Well, we have to pick up Layla in an hour, so I’m going to say we have more to go.”

Brynlee groans. “Great. I just love crazy ex-wives.”

I laugh, squatting down in front of her. “Then you’re in luck. I have one of those.”

fourteen

BRYNLEE

The first time I met Layla, I knew she was amazing, even though it was just a few minutes.

We’re now at the table, coloring, and she’s telling me all about her school, and I’m head over heels for this little girl.

“Can you color this page?” she asks, batting her long eyelashes.

“I can.”

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