Page 1 of Cross My Heart
Prologue
Dexter - 2 years ago
“Hey, Dad, it’s me again. The doctors and nurses don’t know if you can hear me but said it’s worth a shot. You were in a car accident almost two weeks ago. Drunk driver. You never even saw him coming.” I can’t help the deep, painful sob that escapes from my soul.
I feel the heavy hand on my shoulder, already knowing it’s my best friend, Trevor. I’ve known him since kindergarten and he loves my dad like he is his own. I raise my head and see my other friends, Preston and Loki, on the other side of the bed.
“We know you said you would do this alone, but we are here for you, man. Mr. Cross?” Trevor asks, “I can promise you, Dex and his family will never be alone. We will always be here for him.”
Loki and Preston nod in agreement.
“Loki and I are also here, sir.” Preston makes his presence known.
“Dad, the doctor told me you are not going to wake up. I have to say goodbye, except, I’m not ready. I need you. Anna was just here in the hospital too. She had an ultrasound and we found out the twins are both girls. We already named them Harper and Sara after your mom. Anna didn’t mind either way, and I thought you would like that.” I break down with my hand in his hand and cry, “You’re never going to meet them. You’re never going to know my daughters. You’re not going to see Tate grow up. I love you so much, Dad. I’m so sorry there isn’t anything I can do.Please know, I love you.”
I hang my head once more and cry with no shame as if I have never cried before. I give the nod to Trevor, who calls the doctor in from the hallway. When the doctor comes in, we all say our goodbyes. He is gone within the hour.
“Dex, you want us to take you home to Anna? I mean, I know she hates us,” Trevor tries to joke, “but maybe you need someone?”
I shake my head, “Thanks, I’m alright. I’m sure it will probably be best for you to wait and come over later.”
“Okay, I’ll stay close by. If you need anything, text me. I know this is hard, but the girls and Tate are going to need you. Two girls, Dex. I can’t wait.” Trevor hasn’t even met the girls yet, and he loves them as much as I do.
Eyes red and puffy, I try not to vomit as I make my way home. I pull up to our house, taking only a moment to collect myself. I open the car door when a man in a designer suit exits my home. I know I should wonder who he is, but my brain is too tired to think much of it.
Searching for Anna, I walk through the garage to our kitchen. On my way, I pass through the mudroom and take a minute to study all of Tate’s shoes, jackets, and hats spilling out of every bin in here. I smile when I realize it will soon be covered with pink too.
I find her sitting at the island, so I lean in for a hug, hoping she will comfort me just for a minute. That way, I can care for her and our children in return. I just need this moment with my wife, except, she is stiff and not looking at me.
I sit beside her, “Anna, is everything okay?”
“I’m sorry about your dad,” she says while frowning out the window.
“Me too. Are you nervous about the girls? The doctor said everything is looking great.”
Anna sighs. “No, Dexter, I’m not upset. Here.” She hands me a manila envelope, and as I turn it over, my chest constricts more than I thought possible. “I want a divorce. I’m sorry to do this now, but it’s best for everyone if I just leave before anyone gets attached.”
Gets attached?I want to yell, but my mouth feels like it's full of sawdust, so she uses my silence to continue. “I had these drawn up about three-months ago. I’m not asking for anything but a little money to get me on my feet…”
I interrupt her, finding my anger. Anger at her in this situation. Anger that my father died less than an hour ago. Anger that nothing will ever be the same again.
“You are not taking my kids away from me. Do you hear me, Anna? You will not take them.” I scream.
“Dexter, if you will calm down and look at the paperwork, you will see all I’m asking for is ten-thousand. You will also see I have signed away all parental rights to you. I have a ride waiting. I ask that you give me a few hours alone later this week so I can collect the rest of my clothing,” she says coldly.
That’s when I notice the suitcase at her feet. “You have a ride?There’s someone else, isn't there?” She doesn’t have to answer; I can see it in her face. “What are you going to tell Tate?”
“I texted Preston’s mom. She came and took him to the park for a few hours. I’ll be gone before he returns.” Anna turns to stare at me, “You can still be involved in this pregnancy if you’d like to be, Dexter. I’ll keep you updated on all appointments, and as soon as I give birth, I’ll walk away.”
I don’t recognize the woman before me—the woman I met when I was sixteen. This woman is cold, unfeeling. She is exactly who my friends saw when they first met her.
“You don’t even have the courage to say goodbye to Tate? Don’t do this to him, Anna. Please don’t.” I plead. “You know how my mother left. Don’t do that to him too.”
I’m numb.
Anna shakes her head, then turns and walks out of our lives while I slide down the wall to the floor.
How am I going to do this? My dad is gone. My wife is gone. I have a four-year-old and twins on the way. Just before I have a heart-wrenching breakdown, I text Trevor.
