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“Yes. I should probably get out of your hair.”
“Stay another twenty minutes, just to be sure.”
“Unfortunately, I do need to get going.” I pointed at the divorce papers. “I’ll take these with me. And I’ll talk about it with Nick.”
But even as I said the words, I realized there was nothing to talk about, was there? He and I were having a great time together. But we’d never, not once, even alluded to the fact that we’d continue after the battle was won.
“I wasn’t expecting this to go so fast,” I admitted.
“If they hadn’t dropped the case, it would have lasted a while longer. As it is, they did us a favor. No judge will ever seriously consider them again if they change their minds. You really have nothing to worry about.”
I realized on the spot why he was repeating this. He probably thought I wasn’t 100 percent elated because I was still afraid they could come after me. But I wasn’t—I believed him when he said they stood zero chance. All my thoughts were consumed with Nick.
“I’ll put those in a folder for you,” he said, correctly interpreting the fact that I was still too lost in my worries to even go through the motions.
“Do you have any plastic?” I asked, regaining some of my wits. “That’s more flexible, and I can keep it in my bag.”
“Sure.” He opened a drawer under his desk and put the plastic folder on the table. With trembling fingers, I set the divorce papers in it.
I couldn’t believe it. Divorce.
This is what you signed up for, Allison. Come on, don’t waste the man’s time anymore.
My hands were shaking even more as I shoved the folder into my bag and then rose to my feet. “Thank you for everything.”
“No worries.”
“Your invoice—”
“Forget about it. Nick has taken care of everything.”
“But this ismycustody battle, and I can afford to pay,” I assured him.
“I know you can, Allison. But if Nick wants to pick up the tab, why not let him?”
Because I already owe him so much.
I’d discuss this with Nick.
“Right, I’m going to go, then.”
“Sure. And let me know when you two are ready to sign those papers.” He seemed to hesitate on the words for the first time, then frowned.
I nodded. “We will. Thank you.”
I felt as if someone was squeezing my insides, especially my heart, and I was about to implode. As I left his office, that feeling only intensified. When I got into my car, I dropped my bag on the passenger seat. My eyes were burning.
Damn it, Allison, you’ve got custody. This is what you wanted. That’s why you and Nick got married in the first place. You should be celebrating right now.
But I wasn’t in the mood for that at all. Quite the opposite.
Chapter Thirty-One
Nick
I was ecstatic. I’d been in celebratory mode ever since Hugo told me that Bob and Sophie had canceled their case. I was going to celebrate with Allison tonight. I’d braced myself for a much longer fight.
I’d messaged Allison to congratulate her, but she hadn’t replied yet, which wasn’t such a surprise. I knew she had a full day. But tonight, once the twins were in bed, she was going to be all mine.