23. Holden

"Ouch," Lexi yelps, because I just smacked her ass in passing to grab a water bottle from the fridge.

"My hands have a mind of their own," I lie.

It took a few days after the party at the Dizzy Duck to have exhaustion disappear. Not that it stopped Lexi and me from fucking that night after the party. Something about the strong feelings involved and the need to be impeccably silent in the house only heightened the experience. Made it better, and the bar was already high.

But now it's a week later, and Lexi searches the kitchen with my face in her neck. I want to touch her indecently, and she's still trying to get accustomed to my kids catching us, even though I know the clues when to stop. "Harry could walk in at any moment and be grossed out. Let's not do that to him today. He already isn't looking forward to being dragged to the regional skating competition."

My lips quirk out. "You're right. We should probably get going." Lori is already there, as she practiced once more with her coach.

"Sure."

"Harry," I call out and hear a grumbled noise from upstairs.

Lexi is busy checking her purse, but she's a good multi-tasker. "I heard from the mayor, and he actually wants me to change the interior of his house now that he and his wife are heading into a new chapter with grandkids and have more need for guest rooms."

I walk to her to wrap my arms around her body from behind. "That's good. Keeps you around Lake Spark and available to occupy my bed," I tease.

"Funny," she replies.

The reality is that this solves a few of our concerns. There are only so many places to redesign in the area. One project at a time, I guess.

"Give me your credit card." Lexi indicates with her hand to hand it over. "I was going to take Lori for a spa day tomorrow post-competition."

My face screws up. "You do realize I own the place, so a card will not be needed."

She gives me an overdone smile. "I know, but it just sounded more fun to say it." Lexi pats my cheek and walks away to grab her phone. An elated smile hits my own lips.

I glance at the clock on the oven. "Come on," I yell again, and scrambling feet sound a few seconds later, scurrying down the stairs.

"Do I really need to go?" Harry grumbles.

I narrow my eyes at him. "Depends. Do you want me to take away your tablet or…"

"Fine," he groans.

"Good. Because next week when you have the science fair, then Lori will tag along for that."

Harry stomps away to the garage, and Lexi attempts to keep her smile to herself. Just a usual Saturday morning for us.

The car ride to the ice rink is a breeze. No need to drive slow, as not a duck or deer in sight near the road, and no complaints of hunger since we had donuts and eggs for breakfast. This is our new routine, and it's perfect. The way it should always be.

Today, we've all gathered our energy for a new milestone, Lori's big day.

We got settled in our seats and endured the skate routines of the girls ahead of my daughter on the program, but then my girl shone. Not one little mistake, every jump landed, and her spins stable. I guess I don't get to watch her enough, because in a way, this all surprises me, her talent. I believe in it, just never saw it in live action. She's been working hard for this, and when she skated off the ice after her stellar short program skate, I whistle and clap having watched my little girl amaze the audience.

Lexi squeezes my arm tighter in complete excitement. "She rocked it. I bet she'll get a high score."

"Otherwise, I'll fire her coach," I deadpan but don't mean a word. Lori could get a low score, yet I would still think she's amazing. It's a junior regional competition, but in a few years, she can move into senior, and that's fast approaching. Only if she wants it.

The applause for her performance wears off, and we anxiously wait in our seats behind the boards for her score. Even Harry is invested in this afternoon. Lori sits with her coach, and then again, we find ourselves cheering, because when the numbers appear on the board behind the ice, we have more reason to celebrate.

I can't wait to see her after the competition. We'll have to have a special dinner or something.

The rink grows quiet as the next girl appears on the ice. We're going to have to watch the rest of program until we know who in the end is going on to the next round of competition. Plus, Lori has to sit with the rest of the skaters from her club to show good sportsmanship, which I fully support.

My eyes travel around to observe the crowd, finding it humorous and understandable when I see parents clenching one another with fingers crossed. We're at the age when decisions between parents and daughters need to be made if this will be a hobby or a serious sport to follow.

Harry next to me breaks out his book because that's what he does to pass time when he's bored.

"Hey, maybe show a little more respect to those on the ice and pretend to be interested?" I suggest.

My son looks up with a scowl. "You got me here, I invested full attention to my sister, now let me be."

Lexi's face screws up, and she gives me an understanding pained look. Harry is not in the best of moods, and we shouldn't push.

"Okay then," I give up in defeat.

Lexi reaches over to squeeze my arm. "Not long to go," she reminds me.

I wobble my head gently, internally reminding myself of our schedule today. My eyes scan the rink and the people sitting in the rows before us. A little boy runs from the entrance of the lobby to our section of the stands, and past a woman. I can only see the side profile of the stranger, except she's too familiar, and I squint my eyes to get a better view.

But then something causes me alarm. Or rather someone.

It can't be.

I do a double take because the woman with light hair I notice standing next to the boards is someone unexpected.

This can't be happening.

No fucking way.

Lexi must notice my demeanor change from enjoying this afternoon to utter disbelief and anger. Her fingers touch my elbow from concern, but I barely feel it as my mind is about to combust from the thousands of thoughts running through it.

"Are you okay?" She lowers her voice as she leans in to me and not to scare Harry.

My eyes snap to her. "Just stay with Harry, I need to take care of something. Keep him occupied," my whisper is hoarse.

Even though confusion floods her eyes, she agrees, her head gently nodding. "Of course."

"I'll be right back, buddy. Just going to check on something," I tell my son.

"Sure." He shrugs.

I nearly bolt down the steps to where my dread is confirmed.

My fierce possessiveness for my kids kicks in, which is why I have no qualms about quickly and discreetly grabbing my ex-wife's arm.

"Ouch. What are you doing, Holden?"

With a fast pace, I drag us out of the rink to the lobby which only has a few people, and they're not taking much notice.

I let go of her arm. "Michelle, what the fuck are you doing here?"

She seems taken aback. Even though I know her ability to throw on theatrics and fake any emotion, there is a hint of authenticity shading her face. "I've come to see Lori."

My nostrils flare, and I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Like fuck you are. You happily gave me sole custody and haven't been in Lori and Harry's lives for years."

"People change."

I shake my head. "When it involves Lori and Harry, then you're actually going to have to tell the truth, because I won't let you waltz back into their lives only to leave."

Michelle steps closer to me with a sly line on her mouth. This can't be good. "Like I said, I came to see Lori. She's at that age when she needs a mother in her life."

My eyes bug out. "Oh… because all the years before didn't matter? And you keep forgetting that there isn't just Lori but also her brother. How did you know she would be here?"

She shrugs. "A little digging."

I glance over her shoulder to ensure nobody is in earshot. "Cut to the chase, Michelle."

Her eyes dip down, and she seems to be taking a breath for courage. "I saw a photo online of you and your new… girlfriend." She slowly claps her hands together. "Bravo for scoring a younger woman," she seethes, but then her own tone seems to surprise her.

"Don't even get me started. If that's the reason you returned, then that is a shitty reason," I grit out through my anger for this moment.

Michelle holds her palm up. "No." She sighs. "I'm not trying to… What I mean is that I really came for Lori."

I shake my head, still in disbelief that I'm even stuck in this moment. "Suddenly?" My eyes don't blink as I remain suspicious.

"Yes," she shoots back. "She is a beauty on the ice." I'll give her the credit where it's due, and there is a tiny ounce of admiration in her sentence.

Standing taller, a new wave of protectiveness comes over me. "Michelle, you signed that I get full custody and that you wanted zero visitation, even when I offered for the sake of Lori and Harry," I remind her.

"Look, I made a mistake, and I want to rectify it." She sounds sincere to any stranger, but I know her too well, and behind all these words is a flawed logic swirling in her head. "I want to see my kids."

"Not if it's only to abandon them again."

"I won't." She will, I can see it in her eyes.

My entire body tenses. "I need you to leave. They cannot see you until we talk about this further, otherwise you are completely disrupting their lives. If you are serious about everything you just said, then you would know that there is a better way to approach this. But here you are out of nowhere, not being responsible or practical." Her eyes grow anxious. "Now tell me, why the fuck are you here?" I force out.

That ridiculous over-the-top astute leer returns. "Fine. It's simple…" She steps closer, appearing as if she has the upper hand. "Why do you get to have a happy ever after with a woman and my kids? People change, and I also deserve a life fulfilled. And after the shit you pulled?—"

I nearly fall back from her twisted perception of history. "You mean, when you signed a legal document after you abandoned your kids and demanded a shit load of money. It's not just Lori you left but also the son that you never seem to mention." My fists form at my sides, doing my damnedest to keep my rage inside.

"I'm not okay with a woman being in your life since you've held off on that for so long. I have a right to see my kids, and it seems that I need to look into legal options to bring us back to court."

An inferno enlarges my eyes, and I snicker a sound. "Oh boy, blackmail. Should have seen this coming."

Michelle's smile is faintly fake. "I'm concerned for my children, and I'm sure a judge would like to evaluate that."

"What in the world would you even do if you got visitation? Actually try to be a mother? Unsettle their lives?"

"This is me being a good mother." She honestly believes that.

I rub my forehead. "Still delusional, great." I look up to the ceiling to gather an idea of what to do. "Just out to ruin our happiness or is there something else on your agenda?"

"Even though you probably owe me for emotional damage, I'm here because it's time to reconnect with them. Seeing you and your new family just gave me the push to do what has been on my mind for a while now. I have the courage now to do what I've been debating."

"You mean to blackmail me into seeing the kids, or is it money that you want?"

She doesn't answer.

My finger comes up to the air. "Ah, there it is. Money too. You think that I'm just going to fall to your requests?"

She brings her finger to her chin. "Probably. I'm definitely staying to congratulate my daughter."

I'm quick to reply. "No. Do not do that. You will play with her emotions."

"All the more reason she needs me, don't ya think? She's at a sensitive age. The judge will see it that way too. Lori is now old enough to make her opinion known, and the judge will want to hear that."

A groan escapes me. "Leave now and I will meet you tomorrow to discuss this. Can you at least do that?"

Michelle ponders for a second. "Fine. But we better speak tomorrow."

"I'm assuming you're not staying at my inn, as you are on the do-not-allow list." I wish it was sarcasm but sadly not. "So, my guess is you're staying one town over. If you have the same number, then I will text you tomorrow."

She brightly smiles. "Good." Michelle instantly turns and flicks her hair nearly the way Lori does herself.

My entire body continues to want to break down, unable to fathom what the hell to do. The fear in me is strong about what will happen to Lori and Harry.

A calming hand touches my back. "Everything okay? The results are nearly in."

My eyes lift only for a second to acknowledge Lexi. "It was my ex-wife."

Lexi seems unsure of what to say. "Oh… W-what did she want?"

Sharply, I turn to give her my full attention, even if my face is firmly stoic. How do I say that my ex-wife saw a photo of us and now she is attempting to uproot my life?

A fatherly instinct kicks in that I have two kids in there who need me calm.

"We'll talk later, okay?"

Her look tells me she grasps the seriousness of all this. At the same time, she's innocent but the catalyst to a problem.