Their Life As They Live It: (Perspectives #4) by A.M. Arthur

Author:A.M. Arthur [Arthur, A.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Briggs-King Books
Published: 2017-05-07T16:00:00+00:00

Richard stormed the house ten minutes later, his face a study of confusion and concern. Bear pulled him into his arms, needing his warmth and touch and steady presence. His scent. His wildly beating heart. They rocked a bit as the shaky foundation of Bear’s world settled once again, and he could stand on his own two feet.

“What happened?” Richard asked as he observed the disheveled household. “Were you robbed?”

“No. Gabriel fell down the stairs and broke his arm.”

“What? Is he okay?”

“He’s sleeping.”

“How did that—Debbie.” Richard clasped his forearms. “Tell me.”

Bear did, after they’d settled on the couch. Richard listened as Bear detailed his ordeal, from the moment he’d first heard Gabriel scream, to finally calling Richard for support. He didn’t censor his anger or his fear, and more than once Richard looked ready to commit murder on his behalf.

“I can’t stop thinking that I should have done more,” Bear continued, “or tried harder. Maybe he wouldn’t have been hurt.”

“This isn’t your fault. I know it feels like it is, but it’s not. This is all on Debbie. She set all of this into motion with that first fake pregnancy, and then she kept you trapped in your marriage for years, knowing you were unhappy. Drinking was her choice. Hitting you was her choice. You are not responsible for her choices.”

“I cheated first.”

“That first indiscretion is not cause for the years of abuse she’s heaped upon you, and by extension, on Gabriel.” Richard took a deep, cleansing breath that seemed to help settle some of his anger. “What happens now?”

“Depends on the judge she’s put in front of. The social worker said it could be jail time, or mandatory rehab and counseling. I don’t know. I told Judy about being hit, and she agrees I’ve got enough to file for at-fault divorce. I’m done with Debbie.”

“What’s your lawyer say?”

“I haven’t had a chance to call him yet, but this is probably the smoking gun he’s been waiting for. Drinking yourself into a dead-drunk while your four-year-old is in the house? The woman is unfit.”

“Agreed. May I peek in on Gabriel? I won’t wake him, I promise.”

“Go ahead.”

Bear watched him disappear into the little room tucked back behind the kitchen—the room that used to be Richard’s, a long time ago.

Jesus, when had five years become an entire lifetime? Those early months had been wonderful, having Richard in the room downstairs, always around for a chat or a late meal. Life had been great, until their feelings got the best of them. One unexpected series of hand jobs had ruined it all and set them on the path that had led them to today. A day that felt very much like the key to the prison that Bear had been stuck in since the day he said, “I do.” Five years of being a convenient dick and a paycheck, and he was almost free.

But why did it have to come at the expense of his son’s pain?

Richard returned, reassuring him that yes, Gabriel was fast asleep.

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