Stay {BWWM} C.Evans

Chapter 26

Author's Note: Rated R for mentions of sexual content, language and adultery.

"Unfortunately, my client won't be able to attend our meeting. He sends his apologies."

Simone stared ahead at Eric's lawyer, fury burning in her brown irises. "He had a three week warning for this meeting and suddenly, 'something came up'?" She questioned. "This is absolutely ridiculous. I'm about to have a child, I want to settle whatever this is before that child comes into the world. I need an answer, because I'm tired of being jerked around when it comes to my son."

"I understand, Ms. Ray—"

"It's Mrs. Evans. And no, I don't think you understand. I think you're more worried about your paycheck than the people you represent. This man has made my life a living hell. Either he signs over full parental rights to me and my husband or I will sue his ass into the ground."

"For what?"

"I'll figure it the fuck out."

"Monie," Chris whispered, touching her hand gently. "I've pushed through papers to adopt Tyler but I can't put the final touches on it without Eric's consent. He hasn't seen Tyler in years. He stopped sending money, as far as I'm concerned he has no reason to continue having parental rights over Tyler if he's not supporting him what-so-ever."

"You have a point, Mr. Evans, yes, but the fact of the matter is—"

"The fact of the matter is," Simone cut in. "You tell your client to sign me over full parental guardianship of Tyler or I'll get a judge to do it." She stood up and let out a sigh, putting her purse on her shoulder and walking out of the office. Chris stayed behind to pick up any paperwork and shake the other man's hand as a gesture of politeness, then followed his wife out. He found her sitting in the passenger seat of their car, crying her eyes out.

"Hey, baby." He whispered, squeezing her hand. Chris pushed the key into the ignition to get the air conditioning started and Simone took in a deep breath. "You alright?"

"I'm fine." She nodded, wiping away her tears. "I just needed to have a tiny freak out."

"Are you sad or frustrated?"

"Both." Simone admitted, resting her hands atop her belly. "I didn't want to bring this baby into the world without all this being settled and I know now that's not gonna happen. I think Eric's doing that on purpose because he knows I want this resolved before I have my baby."

Chris leaned back in his seat with his hands on the wheel and took in a deep breath. "Fuck." He wheezed. "Listen, I don't want you to stress about this right now. Okay? You need to focus on the baby. Focus on us. I'll take care of this."

"It's my issue—"

"You're my wife. It's our issue." He took her hand and squeezed it gently with a smile. "I love you, Monie. I'm here to help. Let me help."

"Okay."

"Let's go home and get you set up on the couch. You hungry?"

"Yeah, but we have leftovers in the fridge. Let's do that for dinner tonight—when does Tyler get back from the beach trip?"

"Tomorrow afternoon." Chris stated. His sister had taken all the kids in the family to the Evans' family beach house a couple hours east. "I called him while you were getting ready, they're havin' fun."

"Good." She smiled, running her palms up and down the swell of her belly. "Ugh, god. I'm so gassy and bloated today. I forgot how horrible the last few moments of the pregnancy are—then there's labor."