Page 82 of Peaches & Pistols

A situation comes to mind that’s inherently similar to her own and may be the simplest way to introduce her to what I’m about to propose.

“Jane Doe comes to me because she’s ready to leave her abusive husband, John. John’s a respected member of the community, and his crimes have gone unnoticed for years. In a situation like this, I provide help before requesting any information as payment. I get her to a safe place, out of her husband’s grasp.” Mia’s azure eyes flash with something I can’t name.

“Say I’ve been gathering information on John Doe for quite some time. He enjoys gambling but is terrible at it. John comes to me asking where his wife is. I tell him it’s not his concern anymore, and if he knows what’s best for him, he’ll let her go. He refuses. So, I exchange favors with the sheriff’s department, the judge, and his bookie.

“Jane confirms key movements throughout John’s day that I pass along, allowing the bookie to collect, or for the sheriff to show up at an inopportune time for John. The judge throws the book at him, and he gets locked up.

“Suddenly, he’s much more agreeable to cooperating in exchange for quietly giving Jane a noncontentious divorce and generous settlement.”

Mia’s mind is working overtime; I can see the pieces clicking together.

“So, when you said you’d help me get away from Carter…” She pauses, her unasked question hanging heavy over the chocolate cake.

“I meant it. I’ll do everything in my power to get you and Everly away from him, permanently. I’ll call in every favor, grease every wheel, and get my hands as dirty as necessary to protect you, honey.”

I wait for her to cry, or grow afraid, but instead, she giggles.

“What’s so funny?” I chuckle.

“You’re like Batman,” she says, trying not to laugh.

I lean back in my chair crossing my arms across my chest—I can’t wait to hear this.

“Upstanding citizen by day, vigilante by night.” Her giggle soothes an ache I’ve carried since my dad died. Her joy is as infectious as it is healing.

“For you, honey, I’d light the match and watch the world burn if it meant keeping you and the girls safe.”

She composes herself and offers me a bite of the sinful dessert. I lock my fingers around her dainty wrist and pull the fork to my mouth. I lick it clean, my eyes never leaving hers.

“If you’re comfortable with it, I’ve got an attorney lined up with James as co-counsel, paperwork filled out, and a favor called in to the judge to expedite the proceedings. We’ll get you divorced as painlessly as possible. It’s up to you if you want to go for full custody of Everly or want to take more drastic measures.”

“What do you mean?”

“Depending on what leverage you have on him, we could try to get him to sign away his parental rights and you’d be rid of him for good.”

That’s what I want, but what I want doesn’t matter. This is about Mia reclaiming her freedom.

“Will I have to talk to him?” She shrinks.

“Not a single word. We can get him served with the paperwork by a third party and have the lawyers hash it out. The judge is ready to issue a no-contact order, so you never have to face him again. You tell me when, and I’ll pull the trigger,” I promise.

Mia’s quiet, processing everything I’ve offered and revealed. I need her permission to get the ball rolling, but if I have to, I’ll get her away from him at any cost.

“How did I get so lucky to find you? I can barely believe the lengths you’ve gone to protect me and Everly.” Her sweet voice cracks with emotion.

“You’ve got it all wrong, honey. I’m the lucky one. Let me do this for you.”

I’m hopelessly in love with this woman, and I’ll do any and everything to make her mine.

“Okay.” Her dazzling smile gives me the green light to bury Carter Whitaker.

“Mommy?” Harper asks tentatively. The girls are still adjusting to our new roles and titles in the family.

“Yea, pumpkin?” Mia responds without hesitation.

“I made you a valentine today at school.” The apples of my daughter’s cheeks flood red.

Mia kneels on the floor next to Harper at the dining table. The girls are eating their afterschool snack—which today, consists of fruit with yogurt dip and celery with peanut butter because they were pumped full of sugar at their class Valentine’s Day parties, and will be in a sugar coma after the party Cecelia’s throwing at the ranch.