Chapter Thirty-Four
Colton
I pace in front of the collectables cases at Golden Age Collectables, trying to pick a gift for Bailey. Bailey is coming over tonight for her first night with me and I want to get her a little gift, but I am feeling completely lost. Lucy and I came to a custody agreement as part of our divorce. I get Bailey every weekend and when I’m not working, she’ll spend the afternoons with me. Never in a million years did I ever think I would find myself getting a divorce and negotiating custody terms. Then again, I never thought I would lose my memories and end up living someone else’s life either.
My father demanded a full-scale investigation in my case. It was discovered that the triage doctor that mixed up my tags was already on thin ice for fucking up medical records because she couldn’t keep her patients straight, so she hid her mistake to cover her ass. She went as far as switching our personnel records and finger prints, which was why a red flag didn’t pop up in my background check when I applied to become a fire fighter. All of that just to keep the lie going. She caused a lot of people to get hurt because she couldn’t come clean about what she had done. Getting a dishonorable discharge and having her medical license stripped from her wasn’t punishment enough in my eyes. She destroyed my life. One bright spot, she is being prosecuted for malpractice for few other cases, one including killing a patient by administrating the wrong medication, that the patient was allergic to. The lawyer representing other families affected by her gross incompetence contacted my attorney to see if I would be willing to testify against her, and I said yes without hesitation. With any luck, she’ll be living out her days in a prison cell.
I’m trying to keep my focus on starting my life again here in Seattle and getting to know my daughter. My transfer to Engine Company 21 has officially come through. I found an apartment just a few blocks away from Lucy’s house, so Bailey can come over whenever she wants. Everything is coming together, but it still feels like something is missing and I realize that missing piece is Kara. Telling Kara I was moving to Seattle was the hardest thing I had to do. But I am happy she is coming to spend Thanksgiving with Bailey and me. It gives me hope that she is not going anywhere. She’s willing to give me the time I need.
“Found something yet?” Hunter asks, walking up behind me. I asked Hunter for his help with finding this gift for Bailey. Meeting Hunter was a little awkward at first. This is the man that is sleeping with my soon to be ex-wife. After seeing him with Lucy and Bailey, and seeing how happy he makes them, he was good in my book. Hunter is a great guy, and I know he is going to take good care of Lucy and Bailey.
“I’m struggling. I know absolutely nothing about my own daughter. Most fathers should know their kids favorite color and what toys they like.” I sigh, feeling frustrated and defeated.
“I know this is hard for you, but you are one of the lucky ones that gets a second chance at getting to be in their kids’ life. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t wish my mom was still here. Favorite colors, toys, books, will change. What matters the most is that you are here now. There are still plenty of big moments that you will get to share with Bailey. Don’t let what you’ve missed keep you from enjoying the present.”
“Thank you and you’re right. I do have plenty of moments to share with Bailey. I should also thank you for taking care of my girls.” I pause for a moment. “Not gonna lie, it feels a little weird saying that to the man who is sleeping with my wife.”
“It’s strange for me, too.” He chuckles. “This whole situation is a little strange to be honest. With that being said I will do everything in my power to take care of your girls.” I believe his promise.
“You’re a good guy, Hunter. I should probably hate you, but you’re too nice to hate.”
“Are we becoming friends right now?” Hunter chuckles.
“I think we might be.” This probably goes against divorce guidelines. Thou shalt not be friends with the man coveting thy wife, but this is a unique situation. If this is all going to work, Hunter and I being friends is our best bet.
****
“Hermione’s Time Turner necklace,” Bailey squeals and pulls the necklace from the small box and slips it over her head. “Daddy, I love it.” She leaps up from the couch and gives me a big hug.
“I’m glad you like it, Hunter helped me pick it out.” Hunter thought the Time Turner was a perfect choice, seeing as Bailey and I are getting our time together back. After we left the shop, Hunter filled me in on all things Bailey. From her favorite color, blue, to her love of Harry Potter, and that she needs the noise of a fan when she sleeps. I may have missed out on her discovering her first favorites, but at least I am getting the chance to be here now and watch her continuing her discovery of the world.
“It’s perfect Daddy, thank you.” She kisses my cheek before taking her seat back on the couch. She happily spins the pendent with her fingers while I grab her bags and carry them into her room.
“So, what do think of the new place?” I ask, sitting on the couch next to her. My apartment is a little sparse at the moment. I have a table and chairs, a couch, a TV and a couple of beds and a coffee table. It isn’t much, but it will do until I get the rest of my stuff shipped from Charlotte.
“I like it. I can help you decorate,” she says sitting back against the cushions.
“What would you suggest?”
“Maybe some pictures on the walls and maybe some blue pillows for the couch. Mom says decorative pillows can do wonders,” she says.
“Maybe we can ask Hunter to print out some of the pictures you have been taking that I can hang up.” I poke her side with my elbow and she shyly grins. Lucy told me Bailey has been getting photography lessons from Hunter. I’ve seen some of her photographs and she’s actually really good. “Maybe he could even take some pictures of us.” I only have the one picture of me holding Bailey when she was a baby that my mom gave me when I came home. I would like some new ones of us together.
“He would definitely help with that.” She grins from ear to ear. “One of Aunt Lucky’s paintings would look good in here, too.”
“Yeah, I don’t know about that. The last time I saw one of your Aunt Lucky’s paintings there was a little too much naked lady in it for me.” Bailey giggles.
“She doesn’t do those paintings anymore.” She giggles again. At least, not that Bailey knows of. Lucky has always been the wild one of Lucy’s friends. At our wedding, she drank my Uncle Patrick under the table, and this was a man who starting drinking whiskey at birth. But from what Lucy has told me, she has settled down since she married Ryder. I don’t know if you can tame a wild horse like her.
“She has one with blue flowers at Mom’s shop that would look perfect here.”
“You sure do like blue, don’t you?” I tease.
“It is my favorite color.” She shrugs.
“Why blue, don’t most girls like pink and purple.”
“Because Mom once told me that blue was your favorite color. Whenever I see blue it reminds me of you.” That hits me right in the heart. I tug her over to me and give her a side hug and kiss the top of her head.
“I love you, kiddo.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
Just then there is a knock on the door. “That must be the pizza.” I get up from the couch and walk over to the door. To my surprise, it’s not the pizza guy staring back at me, it’s Kara. “Kara, what are you doing here?” She wasn’t supposed to be here for another month.
Bailey appears at my side. “Hi, you must be Kara, my Dad has told me all about you.” She smiles up at Kara.
Kara holds her hand out to Bailey. “Hi Bailey, it’s nice to finally meet you.” Bailey shakes Kara’s hand while I stand there in shock.
Bailey turns her attention back to me. “Daddy, don’t be rude, ask her to come inside.”
“Sorry, please come inside.” I step aside letting Kara into the apartment.
“I’m sorry for just showing up like this, I didn’t know you were with Bailey. I can come back tomorrow,” she whispers.
“I don’t mind,” Bailey says, her eyes darting between me and Kara. “I’m going to go unpack my stuff, with my door closed, so you can talk grown up stuff.” Bailey smiles then turns on her heels and disappears down the hallway to her room.
“She’s beautiful,” Kara says, then turns back to me. “I’m sorry for just showing up like this. I couldn’t wait any longer to see you. You know me, I need to know you are really doing okay.” Protective Kara at her finest.
I relieve her anxiety and pull her in for a hug. She lets out a relived sigh as she melts into my arms. “I’m glad you are here. I’ve missed having my best friend so close.”
“Charlotte doesn’t feel the same without you.” She nestles against my chest. “I’ve missed you so much.” There is that sadness in her voice again. “I’ve been thinking about it and what if I moved to Seattle, just for a few months to see where this goes. Being in our old place without you feels so empty.”
I’m not the only one who has been feeling that emptiness. “I know that feeling, I’ve been feeling it too. Are you sure you want to leave your life in Charlotte for me?”
“There is no life there for me without you.” She looks up at me with tears in her eyes. “Colton, you are my life, and I will do whatever it takes to get you back. It doesn’t matter if you are Christian or Colton, I love the man that you are. I fell in love with your heart not your name.”
A flood of relief washes over me hearing her words. I love Kara more than anything. Lucy is right, my heart and soul fell in love with Kara, and to hear Kara say she still loves me, no matter what, gives me more hope than she will ever know. Having her in my arms again makes me feel whole again. My life isn’t complete if Kara isn’t in it. I will walk through fire to be the man she deserves and keep her by my side.
I take her face in my hands and look lovingly in her eyes. “I love you more than life, Kara. You are my lifeline, and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. You own every part of me, and I want you here with me.” I lean in and kiss her softly. From the hallway I hear little giggles. Both Kara and I look over to see Bailey with her head out her door watching us.
“Is Kara staying for dinner?” Bailey asks.
I look down at Kara and ask, “Would you care to join us for dinner?”
“I would love to.” She smiles up at me. This road isn’t going to be easy, but as long as I have Kara by my side, I can get through anything.