Page 111 of Backup Plan

He stands up and walks over.

“Madden, meet Liora Isabella Bradley.”

“Beautiful name for a beautiful girl. The first niece in the family,” he says.

That’s true. Dex’s kid is a boy named Jack, and he didn’t even know he had a son for the first six months of the boy’s life.

But now he’s a Bradley through and through, and Dex has really stepped into the protective Dad role.

Just like I’m trying to.

We’re discharged the next afternoon, which means I’m heading home with a brand-new baby. It’s strange how they just let me walk out with her strapped into her new car seat like I know what the fuck I’m doing.

I don’t. I have zero clue.

But I’ve never wanted to learn anything more in my entire life.

CHAPTER 35: Penny Calloway

Just Tell Her

“What happened?” Alexander demands when I answer.

“I’m sorry?” I say. It’s Monday morning, and the boys spent the weekend at Brent’s. He picked them up from my mom’s house and dropped them off on Sunday evening, opting just to text me with arrangements, so we haven’t spoken.

He hasn’t brought up my proposition. I was frankly sort of surprised he wanted to spend this weekend with the kids. I asked the boys how their weekend was, and they both said it was fine. I decided not to pry any more than that. If they want to share something with me, they will.

“I got a call from Calloway’s team this morning.”

“And?”

“And I’ve been informed that you’re no longer seeking alimony or child support provided you’re granted full parental rights with a relocation clause.”

My chest tightens. “Did he agree to it?”

“They sent over the revised terms to me this morning, and once you sign it and turn it in, we’ll file it with the court so that your trial date becomes the date your divorce is finalized instead.”

I sniffle as tears start to stream down my cheeks. I can’t seem to form words.

“I have to warn you, though. I strongly advise you to seek equitable distribution,” he says.

“I don’t want his money. I just want my boys, and I just want this to be over,” I say quietly around the lump in my throat.

“You’re positive,” he says flatly.

I think he was planning to really go to bat for me. He seems like the kind of lawyer who enjoys decimating his opponent.

But I don’t want to decimate Brent. I just want to close this chapter of my life and move on to the next with my boys by my side.

“I’m positive,” I confirm.

“I’ll send over the paperwork later today, then.”

“Thanks, Alexander. I appreciate all you’ve done.”

“Can I ask you a question?” he asks.

“Of course.”