Friday's Child by Kylie Brant

Author:Kylie Brant [Brant, Kylie]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance
Publisher: Silhouette
Published: 1998-12-01T06:00:00+00:00

They found a cafeteria on the bottom floor of the office building, and Michael bought two coffees, which remained untouched between them. As his ex-wife smoothed her hair and adjusted her earrings, it occurred to him that she was nervous. Deanna didn’t fidget. She was always calm, always collected and never at a loss for words. Her constant composure had irritated the hell out of him on more than one occasion.

“Look, if this is about the medication, I have to tell you, I’m not ready to make that kind of decision yet,” he said bluntly. “I need time.”

“It’s not that,” she denied, folding both hands in front of her. “I wanted to ask to have Chloe tonight.”

He studied her. “Something special going on?”

“No, not really. Actually, we haven’t spoken about her summer arrangements, and we need to get that ironed out, as well.” Her voice tapered off in a very unusual way, and Michael’s eyes narrowed. Something was bugging his ex-wife, and it was something big. He’d never known her to be shy about stating her needs. She’d even announced she was leaving him and taking Chloe in that same cool, well-bred voice he’d grown to detest.

“Why don’t you spit it out, Deanna?” he said deliberately, knowing she’d hate his plain language and not caring.

“There’s something bothering you and you might as well just say it.”

Her chin came up, the only visible sign of her displeasure. “Very well. I’d like to modify the custody agreement for Chloe.”

Michael went absolutely still. Every nerve, every muscle were sheathed in ice. She wanted Chloe back. He’d known it could happen, actually should have been expecting it. She still had primary custody, with him supposed to be sharing a few days a week. A few days weren’t enough, especially now that he’d had Chloe for so much more. He hadn’t been able to change the judge’s mind when his daughter was three, and he doubted he stood a much better chance now, despite Chloe’s apparent happiness with the new arrangement. Old bitterness surged up inside him, and his hand on the table was clenched.

“Mind telling me why?” His voice managed to stay soft, revealing none of the rage and fear churning within him.

“Actually, I’m getting married.”

Shock twisted through him, penetrating the haze of resentment. “Married? To whom? Chloe never mentioned anybody from her visits with you.”

That nervousness was back, barely perceptible. “Chloe hasn’t met Jeffrey yet. His schedule is unpredictable, and the timing was never right.”

“You’re expecting to take Chloe to live with you and a man she’s never met?” The anger burst forth now, despite his efforts to control it. “What in God’s name are you thinking, Deanna? Did you ever once consider how this would affect her?”

“Yes!” she snapped. “I’ve done nothing but consider Chloe. That’s why I’m suggesting that we modify the arrangement so she can stay here with you, instead of my taking her out of the country.”

Her words acted like a one-two punch on Michael’s emotionally charged state, and it took several seconds to assimilate what she was saying.

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