LITTLE BIT STRONGER | A COUNTRY ROMANCE

Chapter Twenty-Nine

From the moment she first suspected Brian of cheating, Kate's primary focus was to preserve Caleb's daily life and put him through as few changes as possible. She wanted him to know his father, to spend time with him.

For almost two years, she'd been as accommodating to her ex-husband as she could be despite her own anger and hurt. She never withheld access to Caleb, she worked with Brian to keep the child they'd created together on a routine, and never spoke negatively of the man she'd once loved.

But pretending he wasn't reckless, perhaps even dangerous, was gambling her son's safety. She would never choose Brian's comfort - or anyone else's - over her son's well being.

The day she'd received the photo that made her reevaluate everything, Roberta was hosting a small luncheon with some local business owners.

Kate appeared on her doorstep without warning, babbling about needing to protect Caleb.

Seeing how distraught she was, her cousin didn't hesitate to guide her through the house to her office library.

Meg hugged Kate tightly and said, "I'll keep everyone entertained while you talk. Take your time and let Bobbi help."

Kate explained Brian's recent behavior as quickly as she could. She ended with, "I might be overreacting..."

"No," Roberta interrupted. "You are not. You wouldn't be here if you didn't feel strongly - deep down in your gut - that something was wrong. Something that could no longer be ignored. The man is teetering on the edge and a man on the edge is dangerous."

By the time she left her cousin's home near dark, all Kate wanted was to drive to Josh's house and let him make her forget.

Instead, she drove to her parents' house, told them everything, and collapsed in exhaustion in her old room.

The next morning, knowing that time was critical, Kate returned to her apartment. She packed bags for the two of them and locked everything up for an indefinite period.

When Kyle brought Caleb to their childhood home Sunday afternoon, she hugged her little boy for so long, he started to squirm.

Leaning back, she held his face. "I love you. We're going to stay here for a little while. I brought some of your favorite things from your room."

"Lots of people are sick?"

"No. I thought it would be fun to spend time in the country. Tell me all about your camping trip."

Since Caleb adored his grandparents and the freedom to run wild on their property, he didn't pepper her with questions. Kate was grateful.

First thing Monday morning, Roberta filed a notice with family court for an emergency hearing.

Brian was served at his girlfriend's house. To say he was livid was an understatement.

Within an hour of receiving the summons to appear, he showed up at the hospital demanding to see Kate. The hospital administrator advised her not to go downstairs. Brian lost his temper and had to be removed by security.

An orderly brought her car to the front of the building when her shift ended so she didn't have to walk in the parking lot.

A mile from the hospital, Brian's car appeared behind her. Gripping the wheel tightly as her heart began to race, she called her mother. She had taken a few days off to help with Caleb after school.

"Mom. Brian is following me. He-he caused a scene at the hospital when I wouldn't talk to him."

"Stay on the line, dear. I'm going to call your father on the house phone. Don't stop anywhere. Come straight here."