Page 12 of Face Off

Chloe’s eyes widened. “What?”

“How?” Taylor gasped. “Can he even do that? I thought the parents had to be neglectful or not pay child support or something.”

“In Colorado, he can, but he needs me to sign something to prove I agree with his decision.”

“But you don’t.” Chloe sighed.

“I’ve already told him I don’t want or expect anything from him. We figured out custody during the divorce. I have full custody, and he doesn’t have to pay child support. I agreed to that so he could at least stay in touch with Sadie, but he doesn’t even want that now.”

Taylor’s shoulders sagged. “I can’t imagine having a child and not wanting to ever see them again.”

“He never wanted children. He made that clear before we got married, and I agreed.” My throat tightened at the thought of not having Sadie. “I was only twenty when we got married, and he was twenty-seven. He was just beginning to establish himself, and he wanted to focus on his career. I was happy working and traveling with him, so I wasn’t even thinking about kids. I got pregnant on accident. He accused me of lying about taking my birth control and said I was trying to trap him.” I shook my head. “Even though, up until that point, I thought we were happy. He moved out before I had her and didn’t come to the birth.”

Chloe made a low sound, almost like a growl. His leaving had been the tipping point. I’d hoped that he would change his mind, but after that, I knew it was over. I couldn’t raise a baby in that environment.

“I filed for a divorce as soon as I could afford to since Peter, my ex, was too focused on ignoring reality to do it himself. Once it was finalized, I decided it was time to get a fresh start.”

“I can’t believe you went through all of that.” Taylor sighed. “You and your daughter deserve so much better.”

“If you ever, I mean ever, need anything, you tell us, okay?” Chloe swallowed. “We take care of our own. If you need a babysitter or legal help or someone to pick up groceries, literally anything, just let one of us know.”

Taylor agreed. “We’re the village it takes to raise a child. We’ll be here for you.”

I bit down on my bottom lip. They were going to make me cry. I wasn’t sure when the last time was that I felt this much support. My parents tried, but they lived in Oregon with my three younger siblings. My mom had been there for Sadie’s birth and a few weeks after, and my dad came to help me pack up and drive here, but for the most part, I was on my own.

“Thank you.” I finally got the words out.

“Why don’t you and Sadie come over tonight?” Chloe asked. “You can meet Reese and Jason. Erik and Madi would probably come too.”

“I really appreciate that, and next time I’ll definitely take you up on it, but we’re still struggling to establish a routine here. I want Sadie to get more settled and feel comfortable before I change things up.”

Chloe nodded. “I completely understand. Maybe this weekend or next.”

“That would be great.”

Taylor looked between us, grinning. “We should have a team dinner night, so you can meet everyone. Then Sadie will have some kids to play with.”

“Good idea.” Chloe reached for her phone, and I had a feeling there was no stopping them now.

“Okay.” I checked my watch. “Oh, I need to go pick up Sadie.”

Taylor jumped up with me. “I’m late too. See you guys tomorrow!”

“Bye,” Chloe called with her phone up to her ear.

The drive to Sadie’s school was much smoother than it had been in the morning. I didn’t get cut off, and when I walked inside, it took her a minute to even realize I was there. She was so absorbed in playing with her friends, she didn’t hear me or Marcy calling her name.

As she said bye to the group she was sitting with and got her backpack, Marcy stepped closer. “She did really well today. She made friends easily and was great with sharing and rotating between activities. Some of the kids struggle with giving up one thing to move on to the next station, so that’s a great sign.”

“That’s good to hear. Thanks so much.” It was a huge relief to know that Sadie enjoyed her time here. I didn’t want preschool to feel like a punishment. It helped minimize the mom-guilt, even though it was still there. It always was, especially since the divorce finalized and her dad’s family cut us out of their lives. Now, it was only the two of us, and I hated how that might impact her. I wanted her to feel loved and supported, and I felt inadequate. How could I be enough to provide all of that for her when it was meant to come from a dad and siblings and grandparents and aunts and uncles?

The last thing I ever wanted was for her to suffer because of my mistakes, my poor choices.

“Mommy!” She ran to me with her arms up. I caught her and picked her up, kissing her cheeks.

“Hi, sweetie. Did you have fun today?”

She nodded and pointed to the group of children she’d just left. “Those are my friends.”