Chapter 22

Gabe: Mom wants to know if you'll be joining us tomorrow.

Ameline: What's tomorrow?

Gabe: Breakfast at my parents followed by an entire day of fun with the entire Decker clan.

Ameline: Pass.

Gabe: What do you mean pass?

Ameline: Pretty self-explanatory . . .

Gabe: But they want to meet you.

Ameline: Let me guess, you finally told them you're married—right as you're about to get served with another round of divorce papers.

Ameline: Which you should sign this time.

Gabe: What happened with being a united front against social services and all that shit your boss said?

Ameline: Fitz Everhart's opinion doesn't count.

Gabe: How so?

Ameline: He's a biased party. I can't believe my boss is like an honorary Decker. You two have a special handshake and all that . . . why are you friends with him again?

Gabe: His husband has been best friends with my older cousin, Grace, since they were children. (shrugs innocently)

Ameline: I want a second opinion, seems like this whole ‘you need to stay married to become the temporary guardians or even adopt them' might not be true.

Gabe: You're a lawyer, I'm sure you can figure that out on your own. No need to involve more people. In my opinion we need to get this moving fast.

Ameline: Maybe the laws in Washington State are different.

Gabe: Can we focus on the kids first and then we'll discuss breakfast and dinner with the Decker family?

Ameline: Let me do some more research, but there's not much we can do until my sister wakes up. Fitz confirmed that there aren't any laws in the state of Washington that will punish her for substance use during pregnancy.

Gabe: That's good, right?

Ameline: Yes, it means we won't have issues sending her to rehabilitation for her physical and emotional problems.

Gabe: Good so that's on hold. How about breakfast at my parents?

Ameline: I don't want to leave Caleb alone.

Gabe: :thinking-face: emoji

Ameline: We're not moving him just because you want to please your family.

Gabe: Oh, I wasn't going to propose that. It's more like why didn't I think about that. I honestly wanted to bring the three of you with me, not just you.

Ameline: As I said, pass.

Gabe: I'll excuse ourselves, but don't be surprised if my family moves breakfast to the penthouse.

Ameline: So when are we moving to the house?

Gabe: It needs too many repairs to happen soon. We could buy a new one.

Ameline: You could still do a postnuptial agreement so I don't clean you out during the divorce procedures.

Gabe: No, I trust that you won't take me to the cleaners because you won't send me packing. :wink: emoji

Ameline: Still cocky, Decker.

Gabe: I already told you, it's hopeful.

Ameline: Cora is waking up from her nap. Talk to you later?

Gabe: Actually, I'm heading back home. Love you, baby.