Page 41 of The Ex Next Door
“Well, hello, Naomi and David Holloway. Glad you could make it,” Michelle said. “Check out this incoming sunset!”
Beautiful bursts of yellow, red and dark blue framed the coastal skyline.
Amy turned to Michelle, speaking in a hushed tone. “I never had a chance to tell you, but thanks for referring Rob and me to mediation.”
They were one of Michelle’s first clients last year when she opened her own family-practice law firm. Thanks to her counsel, Amy and Rob saved money and grief by going to mediation, where they both made concessions. Michelle had advised mediation first for couples who had children and that all judges would require it, as they should. At least partly because Michelle found the perfect mediator, a kind middle-aged woman who reminded both of them of their mother, Amy and Rob were able to solve everything amicably.
“And how are you doing?” Michelle briefly touched Amy’s shoulder, and there was a world of concern reflected in her eyes.
Probably because Amy had been a walking disaster when she’d arrived at the La Croix Family Law Firm to hire Michelle. Later, Amy would learn Michelle had decided divorces would only be a small part of her practice, but she’d taken one look at Amy and ushered her inside. It wasn’t until she’d arrived home and looked in a mirror for the first time in days that Amy noticed her smudged mascara, red-rimmed eyes, her hair partially in a ponytail and partially hanging loose and unkempt. In addition to that, she had been wearing sandals that didn’t match. She’d let the separation from Rob come close to ruining her because she hadn’t seen it coming.
“Much better, thanks.”
“You look happy.” Michelle smiled and then her eyes found the children. “And the kids are doing okay?”
Amy followed Michelle’s gaze to where David and Naomi were watching Mr. Sheridan flip the burgers wearing an apron that said, “My Grill, My Rules.”
“I’m lucky. They’re the best kids in the world.”
“I agree. You had one of the best divorces I’ve ever seen, and they’re the proof. Just because two people decide they don’t want to be married anymore doesn’t mean they can’t successfully co-parent.”
“That’s the goal.”
To know that she and Rob weren’t ruining the kids meant everything to Amy. It came down to the fact that if they were okay, she was okay. Always.
Of course, it hadn’t been her decision, but over the last few months she’d started to realize their marriage had turnedinto a habit. They’d been in trouble for a while and Amy just hadn’t seen it. By the time she had, and wanted to save the marriage for her family, it was too late. She’d never make that mistake again.
Amy briefly glanced over at Declan and Finn, their backs to her, both so golden and beautiful in the fading light of the sunrays.
“Oh, wow,” Michelle sighed, also looking in the same direction. “Isn’t he gorgeous?”
Of course, Michelle was referring to Finn.
“Yes, definitely.”
Michelle laughed. “Actually, I meantFinn.”
“Oh yeah, so did I,” Amy lied, biting her lower lip to keep from smiling.
“Right.” Michelle smirked. “Sure you did.”
Amy was saved by dinner, which turned out to be hamburgers and hot dogs as predicted. The trimmings were a delicious ambrosia-style salad with chunks of pineapple and cherries, homemade French fries and sweet white corn on the cob. The kids ate surprisingly well for being picky eaters, and David asked for a second hot dog.
“Ah, a growing boy!” Mrs. Sheridan said. “Honey, give him two.”
There was plenty of talk of Finn and Michelle’s upcoming wedding and Naomi tentatively inquired about flower girl status. Amy pressed them on the story of Finn’s proposal, which apparently took place at the Salty Dog in the take-out lane. It was the site and one-year anniversary of their first date, and Michelle had arrived to stand in line and pick up their orders when Finn suddenly appeared behind her.
“I was so surprised to see him there I almost got mad. Like, you made me come and get dinner when you were already here? Why didn’tyouget it?”
“She almost ruined it,” Declan joked.
But then, surrounded by family and friends seated beforehand, Finn dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him.
“After that, I forgave him.”
The two kissed sweetly and Declan threw a French fry. “Get a room.”
After dinner, cleanup was a family affair and didn’t take long with everyone helping.
