Page 117 of Backup Plan

“Are you hungry?” I ask, and when she nods, we find a place to order from.

An hour later, we’re sitting at my kitchen table enjoying Chinese food as we talk about what kinds of questions we think we’ll be asked at Dad’s trial on Tuesday.

“Are you going to Penny’s divorce trial on Monday?” she asks.

I glance at her, and I twist my lips.

I’ve put a lot of thought into that, and I’ve come to a decision.

“Yes. But only if you go with me.”

Her brows pinch together, and then I fill her in on my plan.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she says softly, and she reaches over and grabs my hand.

I think maybe, just maybe, I’m going to figure out how to make all of this work.

CHAPTER 37: Penny Calloway

Fair and Reasonable

My hands are shaking as I take my spot in the courtroom beside Alexander Voss and Kelly Pierce, and while it’s terrifying to be up here alone with them, this is it.

When I married Brent Calloway, I never saw it ending like this. When he kissed me at the altar and promised me forever, I didn’t imagine he’d cheat on those vows. When we agreed to raise kids together, I couldn’t have in my wildest dreams believed he’d be so willing to give up his rights to them.

But here we are. Believe it or not.

Sammy and Benji are with my mom today, and she’s taking them to their favorite trampoline park. She wanted to be here, but I told her it was more important that she was with the boys today than with me. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

They have no clue that when I come home today, the dissolution of my marriage to their deadbeat father will be official. They have no idea what this day means for me…or for them.

Despite the nerves, I’m ready for this chapter to be over. I’m ready to move forward with my life, whatever that may look like.

I glance across the aisle and see Brent there, and his eyes briefly meet mine.

I don’t see the man I married anymore. I see a person I spent a lot of time with but feel like I never really knew. I guess my hope is that he gets what he wants out of life. We only get one, and I can’t say I’m proud of the way he’s choosing to live his. But I also see my past now when I look at him.

I’m not sure what my future holds just yet. My heart keeps telling me one thing, but my brain keeps saying something else.

The judge nods to the bailiff to proceed.

“Case D 417424, Penelope Wade Calloway versus Brent Calloway,” the bailiff says, and both Brent and I go up with our attorneys in tow.

“Good morning,” the judge says. “Please state your names for the record.” He nods to me first.

Alexander says, “Your Honor, Alexander Voss and Kelly Pierce on behalf of Penelope Wade Calloway.”

He nods toward Brent next, and his lawyer responds. “Your Honor, Harrison Billings for Brent Calloway.”

“Raise your right hands,” the judge says, and both Brent and I do. “Do you swear the testimony you’re going to give is the truth?”

“Yes,” we say at the same time.

“The petitioner may proceed first,” the judge says.

Alexander nods and turns to me, and he coached me on this before. It’s like we’re having a conversation. Tell the truth, nothing more, and answer with one word where applicable.

“Please state your name,” he begins.