Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

After Chloe had taken Oscar to school, she hurried down Main Street. Mabel and Allan Terry were in the general store, changing the front window display. She waved at them, then smiled at the black toy cats and Jack-o’-lanterns surrounding the tools, oven mitts, and other household items.

It didn’t surprise Chloe that Mabel was the first to get her store ready for Halloween. She wanted to lead by example, and there was no better way than preparing her store for the tourists coming here for the holidays. When the other business owners saw what Mabel had done, they’d soon fill their front windows with orange lights and special gift ideas, too.

Her friend Paris stopped beside her. “I haven’t seen you in ages, Chloe. Isn’t it incredible to see Halloween decorations going up? It only seems like yesterday that I packed my ceramic pumpkins away.”

Chloe smiled. Paris owned The Flower Cottage, one of two gorgeous flower stores in Sapphire Bay. “Before you know it, the entire street will be decorated. I love the holidays.”

Paris sighed. “So do I, but this is the beginning of our busiest time of the year. We’re sending twenty fall wreaths to The Christmas Tree Farm today and Ben’s ordered another fifty Christmas wreaths. We aren’t even in December!”

“That has to be good for business.”

“It is, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But it’s so hectic.”

Chloe grinned. “That’s what you get for being incredible at what you do. Can I catch up with you later in the week? I need to visit The Welcome Center before I start work.”

Paris gave her a quick hug. “Later in the week sounds wonderful. Have a great day.”

“You, too.” As Paris hurried toward her store, Chloe moved her tote bag onto her other shoulder. Inside was a neatly organized folder containing the first five chapters of Liam’s book. She’d spent the last week editing it and adding her thoughts to the stories he’d documented.

Liam’s description of the book had fascinated her. Now she was obsessed. She’d stayed up late the past few nights, engrossed in the manuscript, eager to read more. She smiled as she thought about the people who’d transformed their lives by doing something so daring or outrageous that it had never been the same again.

She checked her watch, then kept walking. She’d texted Liam before she left home to let him know she was on her way. Hopefully, her feedback would be useful and he wouldn’t mind her scribbled notes in the margins.

When she arrived at the center, Liam was in the dining room at a table near the window. His laptop was open and he had pieces of paper scattered around him. Trixie was curled at his feet, snoozing in the morning sun.

“Good morning.” Chloe’s smile widened as Liam looked up.

He stood and returned her smile warmly. “Hey, Chloe! I can’t believe you’ve finished so much of my book.”

“Your stories are incredible.” She handed him the folder. “I felt like I was traveling with you to each town, but my favorite chapters are the ones about Sapphire Bay.”

“Were there many issues?”

“Just a few typos and some suggestions here and there,” she replied. “But honestly, your manuscript’s in great shape. I can’t remember a time when I’ve laughed and cried so much.”

A slight flush colored Liam’s cheeks. “I’m glad you like it.”

Chloe smiled. “Editing your manuscript reminded me of my time at the museum. We organized so many interesting projects and exhibitions that I’d go home each night excited about the next day.”

He tilted his head thoughtfully. “Does it make you want to go back to the Smithsonian?”

Chloe shrugged. “Maybe someday but, for now, Oscar and I love living here. If I’d stayed in Washington, D.C., our lives would be completely different. Living in Sapphire Bay gives me more time with Oscar and a more balanced life.”

“That’s a good way of looking at it. Are you heading to the café now?”

“I am,” she replied. “My shift starts soon. If you’ve got more chapters ready for editing, I’d love to read them.”

He handed her another folder. “I’ve added some information about a woman called Eleanor Whittaker. I think you’ll enjoy reading about her.”

“If her story is as interesting as the other ones, I’ll be reading about her during my lunch break.”

“As long as her story doesn’t keep you awake at night, that’s okay. I should have lunch at the café today. I’ve been meaning to buy one of the new muffins everyone’s raving about.”

Chloe laughed. The community Facebook page was full of people talking about the muffins Kathleen had started baking last week. “We’ve been selling out of the Halloween muffins by eleven o’clock most mornings. Do you want me to put one aside for you?”

“That’d be great. I don’t mind what flavor it is.”

“I’ll put one of the banana one’s behind the counter for you. They’re my favorite.” Chloe wasn’t sure whether it was the muffin or the delicious chocolate skeleton on the top of each one that bought new customers into the café. But, either way, she wasn’t complaining.

As a group of children hurried through the dining room, Chloe remembered what she’d been meaning to tell Liam. “I’m talking to my lawyer this afternoon.”

Liam’s gaze softened with concern. “How are you feeling about it?”

“I’m a little nervous, but I need to know what I should do about Paul.”

He nodded. “If you want to talk afterward—I’m here.”

She met his eyes, grateful for his support. “Thanks, Liam.” Trixie made a snorting sound and Chloe reached down to give her a pat. “It looks like someone else wants to offer me their moral support.”

Liam chuckled. “She’s a good listener.”

“I can see that.” Standing up, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I should get going before I’m late.”

“Before you go—would you and Oscar like to grab an early dinner tonight? We could buy a pizza and sit by the lake.”

She considered the invitation, but shook her head. “I’d love to, but I can’t. Oscar has a rehearsal for his school production and I promised I’d be there to fix any costume issues. By the time we’re finished, Oscar will be tired.”

“That’s okay. We can have dinner together another night.”

Chloe nodded. “Sounds great. If you have any questions about my edits, let me know.”

“I will. Thanks again for helping me.”

Chloe slid the new chapters into her tote bag. “I’m enjoying myself. I’ll call you after Oscar’s rehearsal.” As she left the center, her mind wasn’t on the café or Oscar’s school play. All she could think about was her lawyer.

The prospect of speaking with her was daunting, but she had to do it. The last thing Chloe wanted was for Paul to have custody of Oscar.

Five hours later, Chloe sat at her small kitchen table, staring at her phone. She’d left work early to call her lawyer, but she was doing everything she could to delay the conversation.

Biting her bottom lip, she checked the time. If she didn’t call Laura’s office soon, she’d miss her appointment time. So before she could second-guess herself, she took a deep breath and pressed the call button.

As the phone rang, she glanced at a photo on the refrigerator. It was a picture she’d taken last weekend of Oscar building a fort with fallen branches and a pile of leaves. Seeing how happy he’d been brought a fleeting smile to her face. It was a reminder of the simple joys she cherished and the sacrifices they’d made to be here.

“Good afternoon. This is Ms. Henderson’s office,” came the professional voice on the other end of the line.

“Hi, this is Chloe Anders. I have an appointment with Laura,” Chloe said, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Yes, Ms. Anders. Please hold while I transfer you.”

A soft click and then the familiar voice of her lawyer greeted her. “Chloe, it’s good to hear from you. How are you?”

“Hi, Laura. I’ve been better, to be honest,” she admitted, fiddling with the edge of a notepad on the table. “I received some texts from Paul.”

There was a brief pause. “I see. What did he say?”

“He wants to talk to me. It’s been over a year since we’ve heard from him, and now, out of the blue, he’s reaching out.” Chloe tried to keep her voice steady, but she couldn’t help the panic underlying each word.

“Did he mention any specific reasons for wanting to reconnect with you?” Laura asked.

Chloe’s grip tightened on the phone. “He just said it’s been too long and that we need to talk. I’m worried, Laura. I don’t know what he wants or what his intentions are.”

“They’re understandable concerns,” Laura replied. “First, let’s address the legal aspects. As per your custody agreement, you have full legal and physical custody of Oscar, correct?”

“Yes, that’s right. Paul didn’t contest our agreement during the divorce proceedings,” Chloe confirmed.

“Has there been any change in his circumstances that you’re aware of? Employment, living situation, anything that might show he’s in a better position now?”

Chloe shook her head, even though Laura couldn’t see her. “I don’t know. We haven’t been in contact since the divorce was finalized. The last I knew, he was still struggling with his gambling addiction.”

“That could help us,” Laura said thoughtfully. “Given that he relinquished custody and hasn’t been involved in Oscar’s life, any request for visitation would need to be formally addressed through the court. He can’t simply demand to see Oscar without going through the proper legal channels.”

“That’s a relief,” Chloe said softly. “But what if he takes legal action? Could he get visitation rights?”

“It’s possible,” Laura acknowledged gently. “Courts generally favor keeping both parents involved in a child’s life unless there are obvious reasons not to. However, given Paul’s history—especially if there are concerns about his ability to provide a safe and stable environment—we can present that information to argue against unsupervised visitation.”

Chloe sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I don’t want Oscar to be hurt. He’s finally settled here. And he’s happy and thriving. I don’t want Paul disrupting his life.”

“I understand,” Laura assured her. “Our priority, and the court’s, is Oscar’s well-being.”

“I don’t think Paul’s filed anything yet,” Chloe said. “Do you think I should respond to his texts?”

“It might be wise to acknowledge them, but keep it brief,” Laura advised. “You can say you’re open to discussing matters but prefer to do so through legal counsel. That sets a boundary and shows that you’re handling this responsibly.”

Chloe nodded, making a note on the pad in front of her. “Okay, that makes sense. Should I be documenting all communication with him?”

“Yes, absolutely,” Laura emphasized. “Keep records of all texts, emails, and calls. It could be important if the situation escalates.”

“All right,” Chloe agreed. “I just feel so unsettled. After all this time, why would he contact me now?”

“It’s hard to say,” Laura said sympathetically. “Sometimes people reach a point where they want to make amends, or there could be other motives. Regardless, we’ll handle whatever comes next.”

“Thanks, Laura. You don’t know how much that means to me.”

“It’s what I’m here for. In the meantime, try not to worry too much. Focus on your life with Oscar. The holidays are coming up—are you two doing anything special?”

Chloe managed a small smile. “We’re helping with the Christmas events in Sapphire Bay. Oscar’s excited about the Santa Parade.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Laura said warmly. “Keep enjoying those moments. I’ll let you know if I hear from Paul’s lawyer.”

“That’d be great. Thank you.” After she ended the call, Chloe set the phone down and slowly exhaled. It was good to know there was a legal process to protect Oscar, but the emotional turmoil was hard.

With a sigh, she picked up her phone and found the text Paul had sent her. Keeping Laura’s advice in mind, she typed:

Paul, I received your messages. If you want to discuss anything to do with Oscar, please have your lawyer contact my lawyer. Chloe.

With her heart pounding, she read the text twice before hitting send. If she knew Paul as well as she thought she did, dealing with anyone in authority would be the last thing he wanted.