Chapter -2 4
“Then I have to ask you again, why?”
“Does it matter?”
“It might. What if I said my client is afraid for her and her daughter’s safety?”
“I never…I would never hurt them,” Lucas declared his eyes darting from the lawyer to Sarah to see her fidgeting and biting her lip as if fighting tears. Wait…what was she thinking about?
Lucas frowned. His mind raced searching for any memory of raising a hand to her and found none. Granted he was never supportive and he had insulted her but he never caused her physical harm. Why then did she
seem afraid of him?
Tailor watched him carefully gauging his response not just his words but body language as well. There was no doubting his agitation but his confusion seemed genuine. Could it be he didn’t know what his family had been doing?
“I swear, I will never hurt Sarah or Zoe,” Lucas finally said. “I’ll keep them safe. I just…want my family
back.”
“If that is the truth then you won’t mind proving it.”
“What?” Lucas looked at him.
Tailor slid a piece of paper toward him, “Sarah and Zoe will be in town for the next two weeks until her new
book launches. You have that long to prove your sincerity. Fail and you will relinquish any and all parental
rights to Zoe and you will not seek them out again.”
Lucas’s heart beat in his chest at the lawyer’s declaration. What the hell was he talking about? Why would he
give up his parental rights? What kind of proof did they require?
Sarah still refused to meet his gaze forcing him to read the paper he had been handed. There weren’t many provisions but what was written cut him to the bone.
First, he would make no announcements or official statements concerning the state of their relationship or of
Zoe’s status.
Second, he would avoid any rumors that indicated the presence of a mistress or infidelity. [Wait, did Sarah believe he had cheated on her too? Was that why she left?]
Third, Zoe was to have no contact with any member of his family without the expressed consent of and under Sarah’s direct supervision. [What exactly did she think his family would do?]
Fourth, he would reveal to no one Sarah was Rosemary Thomas (present company excluded) nor would he participate in any rumors or debates concerning her identity. [Well, he didn’t care about that anyway.]
Considering their discussion the stipulations were rather simple but they only left him with more questions, the second and third especially. Sarah was smart, surely she wouldn’t be taken in by rumors circulating
bout him and Madeline: She couldn’t believe they were true. Could she? And what did she have against his family? Sarah never spoke to his sister or mother. The only time they had contact was on holidays. Then why
It just didn’t make any sense. And he only had two weeks? That wasn’t nearly enough time to convince her to stay especially as she wouldn’t even look at him unless…
“I’d like to add my own stipulation,” Lucas said.
Tailor raised an eyebrow but didn’t protest. Lucas took his silence as permission to continue.
“I want Sarah and Zoe to come home and stay with me.”
Sarah finally stirred staring at him with an expression of shock. Did she really think he wouldn’t make this request? That he would tolerate them to stay anywhere else?
“I won’t comment on our relationship but I will be her escort to any events she plans on attending.”
Sarah shook her head ready to protest but remained silent as Tailor set his hand on hers. She gave him a questioning look as he quietly said, “I think you should consider this.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Rumors are already flying about Rosemary staying in this hotel,” Tailor warned. “It’s only just started but in a
week you may find yourself in an uncomfortable position: you and Zoe. And if you are staying with him you
can be assured of number two.”
Sarah bit her lip. Tailor did make good points. No doubt people would soon be looking for a woman and child
with a dog. She certainly didn’t want people harassing Zoe. Keeping Rosemary’s identity secret was also
imperative to the publisher. Their whole advertisement for the book hinged on the big reveal. But the very
idea of being in the same room as Lucas…
“How are we supposed to stay in a cramped condo?” Sarah finally spoke.
“I don’t have the condo anymore,” Lucas said. “I live in the villa in Astoria. I have for years.”
Sarah blinked. For the first time since he appeared in front of her she looked genuinely stunned. Her brow
furrowed no doubt wondering why he chose to live there. Finally, she seemed to come to a decision.
“Fine. I’ll stay in one of the guest rooms.”
Lucas wanted to protest but held back. He had to be smart and not push her too hard. The fact she agreed to
stay with him was a huge step forward. At least they would be under the same roof and he could be certain they were safe. Reluctantly, he nodded.
Tailor glanced from one to the other seemingly amused before saying, “Very well. I will add your
stipulations.”
He took back the paper and made notations. Lucas watched him anxious about what that paper meant. He
couidn’t lose his custody rights, not now, not ever, not when he had only just met Zoe.
“Do you have plans for dinner?” Tailor asked.
Lucas’s brow furrowed in confusion. Why was he asking that?
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“Ruth was taking us out, Sarah said.
Tailor nodded before looking at Lucas.
“No.”
“Then shall we all meet at Good Eats?” Tailor asked. “I will draft an official document for both of you to sign.”
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Sarah hesitantly met Lucas’s gaze before nodding. He had no choice but to agree. Satisfied Tailor stood squeezing Sarah’s shoulder in comfort before seeing himself out. Lucas breathed easier but Sarah only seemed more rigid. He was beginning to understand the difficulties that lay ahead.
