Disclaimer: I own nothing...
Hope you enjoy! Sorry for the short chapters.
One week later, Jase sat in his grandma and grandpa's living room, playing on the floor, quietly, with a train set. Emma sat at the kitchen table, periodically watching him, as she discussed important things with the lawyer she had hired.
"Miss Nelson, I'm afraid this will probably work out in Jay's favour. Most judges in family court look favourably upon fathers who want to take an active role in their children's lives. On the upside, we can petition the court for back child support, for the four years he was delinquent."
"That's the upside?" Emma asked. "Look, if the judge rules in Jay's favour, what can I expect?"
"Court appointed visitation. No way around it. You would do better to work with Jay, to come to an agreement on visitation," the lawyer informed her.
Emma rubbed her temples. "So what? I'm expected to put Jase on a plane, by himself, to come visit Jay? How often?"
"That would depend on the two of you. Emma, from one mother to another, you have to face this head on. You can be angry with Jay, but that won't get you anywhere with the courts. Talk to him. Work this out together. You never know what you might face if you don't."
Emma walked her lawyer to the door, slamming the door shut behind her. In another week she was going to bring her son home, but for how long? First Jimmy and now Jase? I'm losing everything.
"Mommy?" Jase asked.
"Yeah, honey?"
"If Jay's my daddy, why don't you want me to see him?" Jase asked, looking up at Emma.
Emma bent down to take her son into her arms. She hugged him tenderly, making sure not to squeeze too hard. When she finally let him go, she placed a kiss on the top of his head. "You don't even know Jay."
"But he's my daddy. I love him," Jase smiled.
Emma returned his smile and shooed him away. He went back to his toys, while Emma walked to the phone. She picked up the receiver and dialled Jay's cell phone.
"Yeah?" Jay asked.
"Jay? Um, it's Emma."
"I know. You think I don't know your voice?" he smirked into the phone.
She was shaking her head and then became aware that her actions were going unnoticed by an oblivious man. "I thought that maybe we should meet. You know, to talk about this whole issue."
"Oh, you mean the custody 'issue'?" Jay asked sarcastically.
Emma sighed. "I don't want to fight, but you're backing me into a corner here, Jay."
"So I should bring my lawyer to this little meeting?"
"Forget it!" Emma exclaimed. "Just forget it! We'll settle this in court."
Before Emma had a chance to hang up, Jay said, very quietly, "Emma? I'm sorry, okay? I would really like to get together and talk things through, without the lawyers. Can we do that?"
The sincerity in his voice made Emma want to believe that he was being honest with her. Her tough exterior melted away as she found herself offering, "Would you like to get together for dinner?"
Jay smiled. He closed his eyes tightly. Holding the phone loosely, he answered. "I would really like that. I can pick you up at seven?"
"I have my own car. How about we just meet at the restaurant? Where would you like to go?"
"How about good ol' McDonald's?" Jay suggested.
"You really know how to impress a girl, don't you?" she joked.
"I was thinking you could bring Jase. I miss him. He can play in the playland area while we talk. Unless you were expecting something a little more... intimate?"
He was teasing her, but Emma still found herself blushing like a little school girl. He always had that effect on her, but now things were different. She was going to have to straighten up. Letting Jay know that he could still get to her would not help her case. She swallowed down her embarrassment and said, "Can you be serious for just one minute?"
Jay sat up straighter. He could tell that she was flustered and he smiled, showing his happiness. All he had to do was get her to melt away that cold exterior and things might just work out in his favour.
"Jay?"
"Oh, uh, sorry. So, McDonald's? Seven?"
Emma smiled. She looked in on Jase. Holding the phone away from her ear, she asked, "Jase? Honey? How would you like to go to supper with Jay tonight?"
"With Daddy?" Jase yelled, hopping to his feet. "Can I, Mommy? Please?"
Emma nodded her head. She spoke into the receiver, telling Jay that they would meet him for seven. Just before she said goodbye, Jase asked, "Mommy? Can I talk to Daddy?"
Emma handed the phone to Jase. She stood in the kitchen, listening to Jase talking to Jay. He was so excited just to spend a few hours with his dad, how would he feel about only getting to see him once or twice a year? Panic hit Emma as she realized that if Jase had any say on the matter, he may choose Jay over her.
R&R!!