Smoke And Mirrors
Chapter 19
authors note : My readers. I have to thank all of you. I'm so humbled by the support.
don't understand how quickly we get
right back in our rhythm without missing a step
and logically the last thing i should have on my mind
but i want you there sometimes.
Nathan asked for the card of the lawyer. Then left the mansion.
He decided to meet up with Rachel. Knowing he had allowed their boundaries to be blurred for far too long.
And because of that. She was given the freedom to openly flirt and throw herself at him.
When Rachel got to their agreed upon meeting place.
She was thrilled. She enjoyed any opportunity to see him.
"Rachel this can't keep going on."
"The flirting. The touching. All of it."
"We share Dawn and that needs to be the only reason we communicate." Nathan explained.
"Sure Nathan whatever you want." Rachel replied.
Nathan knew there was more. There had to be.
"I met a guy. You know online. The only reason i stuck around here."
"Is for Dawn and you. At this point. I don't have either. So there is no reason to stay in town." Rachel explained.
"I've never been yours. But what about Daw.?" Nathan asked.
Rachel sighed deeply. Going into her purse and pulling out a form that was already signed and dated.
She handed it to Nathan.
He read it slowly. His eyes going wide.
He swallowed hard. Handing it back to her.
"Reliquishment of parental rights papers."
"You can't be serious." Nathan proclaimed.
"Look i was never the mother type. I think we both know that."
"I would rather get out now. Soon enough she'll forget about me and move on. It's better for everyone this way." Rachel explained. Before leaving.
...
"Where do you think the problems in you're marriage began.?" The therapist asked.
"Me going on tour. Chris Keller. When i got back."
"Nathan made me jump through hoops. He acted like i cheated on him. Because i decided to follow my dreams. And after we got over that."
"Our daughter was the main focus. And i thought everything would be okay."
"But i was wrong he revealed he had another daughter with a woman i hate."
"It's been years and that lie is still causing hurt and disconnect."
"Our son is 4 years old."
"We haven't acted like a couple in love for years now."
"And i miss that. Being so connected. Knowing what he feels and thinks."
"I gave up music singing. For my marriage thinking it was the problem. But i'm finally really starting to realize."
"Our problems are because Nathan doesn't trust me."
"He didn't trust me to be alone with chris during the tour. His secret daughter."
"He says he loves me. But if that is the case."
"Why do i feel so alone in marriage.?"
"I put my husband. My kids. Before myself."
"And now it's just me and i don't know who i am." Haley admitted.
...
Awhile Later
"Momma!" Nadia and Austin exclaimed. As they raced into Haley's hospital room.
Haley hugged them and kissed. Her heart overflowing.
"We missed you so much." Nadia stated matter of fact.
"When are you coming home.?" Austin questioned.
Nathan lingered off to the side.
He decided to leave and let them have a private visit.
Once they eventually finished a couple hours later.
Nathan gave them money for the vending machine and gift shop.
While he took the opportunity to visit with Haley.
"You look healthy. Strong. Beautiful." Nathan proclaimed.
Haley looked to him not sure how to respond.
"Thank you for bringing them. I can't wait to leave here."
"And go home." She replied.
"About that. I thought we could head to the beach house."
"Regroup and connect as a family."
"I want us to get through this rough patch. I miss you Hales."
"You've been keeping me at arms length. She i deserve."
"It's my fault. Almost losing you. I wouldn't know how to live breath. I'm sorry." Nathan said. The emotion in his voice thick.
...
"I want to have Deb and Dan's grandparents visation rights. Along with everything else connected to our kids to be terminated." Nathan explained to the lawyer.