I pulled up at the coffee shop a few minutes early. I ordered a pot of coffee, a few assorted cookies, and small unsweetened green tea. I thought I'd be nervous to meet Monica, but I'm actually totally fine. This is my element, my job is easy. A few minutes later, Steve walks over to the table with a thin native lady, with long beautiful black hair. She's beautiful and Tate's twin. I stand as she walks over and we exchange pleasantries, offering them drinks and snacks. Steve starts the conversation,"Alright Isabell. I've walked Miss. Long through everything. We just need to discuss custody and visitation." Bella nodded, turning to Monica. "Hi Miss Long,
would you mind if I spoke to you personally for a few moments?" She looked worried but nodded. Steve went inside to order. "Miss Long, I just wanted to let you know before this started that you may know of me. This is the most awkward conversation I've ever had so I'm sorry. Mr. Dutton, Kayce, I mean..." Monica cut me off, "Oh my god," she said sadly "you're Bella aren't you? THE Bella, Kayce's Bella?" I looked at her, "I'm not his anymore and I go by Isabell now but yes, we were together before the two of you were together. I just wanted you to know before we started this so you didn't feel blindsided. l also wanted you to know, I did this for John, but l also am doing it for you and your boy. I met Tate last night, and he is wonderful. You've done a great job." Monica looked sad,"Thank you, he is amazing. Also, thank you for telling me. I'm so sorry about everything that happened back then. But I wish you both all the happiness." Bella looked confused and then realized she thought they were back together. " Miss Long, no. We are not together, that won't happen again. But Kayce and I had a daughter for a little more than two hours, she passed away. I'm seeing someone, his name is Luke." Monica blushed. "Steve's on his way out, can we finish this after? Maybe we could chat some more? I'm sorry bout your daughter." Bella smiled and nodded. Steve sat down and we started the conversation we needed to have.
"Miss Long, I may be good but I'm also fair. So is there a reason you don't trust your son with his father?" Monica looked at me,"No, not at all. Kayce's a wonderful father. I know he'd do anything to keep him safe. But please call me Monica." I smiled, relieved. "May I ask why you wanted full custody? I don't mean to pry but again, your child's best interest is the only interest I care about." I responded. Monica sighed."It was selfish, I just want my baby with me. But I can't be selfish, his father is also apart of him. So what do we do about custody?" Bella smiled,"Thank you Monica, I'm very glad we could do this amicably. This paper here breaks it down. Mr. Dutton would like to have your son one week, and the next you'd have him. He's willing to cover medical insurance as well as dental and vision, if you cover the copays." Monica nodded in agreement. Bella started again,"Monica, I also know he's been sending you child support. with 50/50 custody, the state of Montana won't grant you any awarded support. Do you think you'll need that support?" Monica responded,"No, I have a permanent full time position at the university now, I won't need help. But thank you for checking, I appreciate you being on three sides, not just one." Bella smiled, "Monica did Steve let you know that l couldn't represent you both but he's here as your back up, to read over the contract to ensure it's right? l also am going to pay your legal fees today."
Monica started to refuse."Monica, I told you I was fair. I'm doing this because I'm doing this for free for Mr. Dutton as well, so it's only fair you don't occur any fees. It's no trouble to me, l promise. You can use that money for Christmas or savings, a 529 for Tate. Whatever you want." I said softly. She hugged me."Thank you,"Monica said breathless. Monica's lawyer read over the contract and walked her through the terms. She signed off, then Steve, then me. Mitch notarized the paper as I wrote out Steve's check and handed it to him. Steve said his goodbyes as Monica and I continued our talk.
Monica -"He's always been in love with you, ya know? It's like his heart beat for you. We were never in love. We got married for Tate, we stuck it out but we both became miserable. I knew he wanted to find you so I encouraged it. Then we both decided it was time to end the marriage. We didn't want Tate to think that's how love should be."
Bella-"I'm sorry to hear you weren't happy. I always wanted you all to be happy no matter what happened between us. I'm really sorry you didn't feel loved Monica. You deserve to feel loved, happy, and appreciated everyday. Life is too short."
Monica- "You really are the greatest, you're very kind. I'm sorry he broke your heart. I'm happy that you found someone after the heartbreak. Do you love Luke?"
Bella-"I do. After the breakup I promised I'd never love anyone the same way, you know that soul crushing, earth shattering love? So the love I feel is different, but I love Luke. He's good to me. Have you found anyone?"
Monica-"I have, I'm in a relationship and I love him. But Isabell, can I say something? Woman to woman? Ex-wife to love of his life?"
Bella-"Of course."
Monica-"If you wanted or needed my blessing to be with Kayce, you have it. I want him to be happy too. You and Tate are the only things that makes him happy, so if you ever do forgive him for breaking your heart just know there's no ill feelings here. You'll always have a place
in my heart and I'm sure in Tate's too. I do have to get going, I have a class at 5:30 to teach.
But I was wondering, do you think you could do pick ups and drop offs between houses? With dating, it gets weird with pick ups and I'd like to see you more. I like you."
Bella-"I appreciate the kind words. I can absolutely try to do all of them, it just depends on what days and if I'm in court or if you're both okay waiting for me to get out of court."
Monica-"Text me sometime. Kayce and I will work it out and let you know dates and times. It was a pleasure to meet you, I hope to see ya again."
Bella-"I will, and I hope to see you again as well. Let me know, have a good day!"
That went so much better than expected. I started my truck and made my way over to the court to copy and file the paperwork. I then went to the post office and mailed both Steve and Monica a copy. I decided I'll go back to the ranch tonight. It's been long enough,I can tell him about the baby. Just then Kayce called,"Hey baby, everything okay?" I let him know everything was fine, I had his copy and we'd discuss it in a bit. He sighed in relief and I said I'd see him in a bit. I saw a toy store and pulled in, heading in to grab Tate his thank you gift.
About 45 minutes later I turned into the Yellowstone. Everyone was in the corral so I got out and walked over to the corral with the paperwork. Lee saw me first as he was holding a calf down for Jaime to examine and he yelled,"God damn you might just be the hottest thing I've ever seen, with your fine ass." Everyone turned and I yelled back, "Hey cowboy. Lookin' mighty fine yourself. How about you take your clothes off?" Jaime yelled, "Hey what about me?" I laughed,"Now you Jaime, you're so hot I might faint, I'll think about you in my shower tonight" as I dramatically fan myself. Everyone laughed as Jaime yelled back, "Love you baby," I looked at Kayce who looked left out and sad. It's been a good day so a little compliment won't kill me. "Hey cowboy."Kayce looked up and pointed at himself. "Yeah you. Don't worry baby, you're still the one who makes my panties wet." Kayce smiled wide and yelled back, "Well baby, come on over and take your rightful seat... here on my face." You laughed as everyone around hooted and hollered as he galloped over.
"You're in a good mood."he said. I smiled, "It was a good day. Monica and I talked about stuff,
She's great. She wants me to do pick ups and drop offs for Tate. I think we could be friends." He looked shocked. l asked, "You done out here? We gotta go over this and I promised you a conversation. I'd like to be home by dark." He smiled and touched your cheek,"Stay the night, Tate wants to hang out. We can all have dinner and once he goes to bed we can talk."I looked up."No to staying over. But I'll stay late. But I have something for Tate." He smiled and said, " A sleepover is pending. We'll be up soon. We're almost done." I walked away and took a walk. I called Luke which turned into an argument. He didn't like I helped or that I was here.
I told him I'm fine and he yelled. I told him that I didn't deserve to be yelled at which he responded to do what I wanted but he knew Kayce would break my heart again,and I was stupid thinking I could be here and not want to be with him with the history. I reminded him that I left him the last time and I made a new life, I didn't want Kayce. Luke said I was stupid and lying, that I probably fucked him already and on my way to getting knocked up again so I broke up with him,telling him to go fuck himself.
