Page 88 of Crashing the Altar
Bex seemed to understand what I was implying. “They always used protection?”
I cleared my throat. “That’s right.”
“And you two . . .”
“Not once,” I confirmed.
“Got it. Can you do me a favor and text me pictures of the court order? Until I get a good look at it, I can’t offer much advice.”
“Sure. Hold on a sec.”
I pushed the door open, cringing when the squeaky hinges sounded. Thankfully, Penny didn’t stir, and I padded toward her purse and pulled out the manilla envelope before venturing back outside.
Arranging the papers on the hood of my truck, I snapped a picture of each one before sending them over to Bex.
“Hold on. I’m gonna put you on speaker so I can read over them with you still on the line. Tucker’s still here. Is that okay?”
“Sure.” Didn’t really matter. None of this was bound to stay a secret for very long.
Bex hummed as she read over the documents. “I didn’t specialize in family law, but from what I do know, this seems pretty standard. Penny has thirty days to comply, or else she’ll end up in contempt. It’s in your best interest to get this over with as quickly as possible to put it behind you. I can ask around with some of my old law school contacts and see if anyone can recommend a good family lawyer to represent you.”
“That would be great. Thanks, Bex.”
Tucker’s voice sounded. “If I can weigh in?”
“Go ahead,” I prompted.
“I get that this situation is upsetting, and you might want to procrastinate until the last minute to maintain your peace of mind, but she’s right up against that thirteen-week mark where the testing would become more invasive and present more risks to the baby. The sooner you get back here and get this handled, the safer it’ll be for Penny and the baby.”
This was a fucking mess. One that could have been avoided.
I could have pulled out that first night when I learned Penny wasn’t on birth control and hit up a pharmacy the next morning for a box of condoms—or ten the way we’d been going at it. But something inside of me liked the idea of putting a baby inside of her. It was a primal instinct I couldn’t explain. And look where it had gotten us.
“You okay, buddy?” Tucker asked when I remained silent too long.
There was no point in sugarcoating it. “Not even a little bit.”
“Do me a favor, will you?”
“What is it?” My energy levels were dropping fast. It wouldn’t be long before I conked out right alongside my wife.
“Keep your focus on Penny. She’s what’s most important right now. If this has been rough on you, it has to be ten times worse for her.”
I swallowed thickly, the image of her lying on the concrete, utterly broken, flashing before my eyes. For as long as I lived, I would never be able to erase that memory from my mind.
“I will,” I rasped out the promise.
“We’re here for anything you need, Tripp,” Bex chimed in. “Give Penny our love and take care of each other, okay?”
“Yeah. Talk to you guys soon.” I hung up before they could say their own goodbyes.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I allowed myself a single moment to feel all the emotions before locking them down tight, determined to take Tucker’s advice and be strong for Penny. She needed me, and I would rather die than let her down.
Chapter 23
Penny
Drippingsweat,Icollapsedback onto the bed, panting as I tried to catch my breath during the temporary reprieve.
