A few ended catastrophically. None of them felt like victory. Around midnight, his door opened quietly. Amelia stood there in pajamas, looking small and scared. “Can I” She stopped. “I don’t want to be alone.” “Yeah, come here.” She climbed into bed beside him, and Lucas wrapped his arms around her. They didn’t talk, just held each other while the house settled around them, and Monday crept closer with every passing minute. Morning came too soon.
Lucas woke to find Amelia already up, dressed in clothes that split the difference between her corporate armor and her farm comfort, nice but not intimidating. She was in the kitchen making coffee with shaking hands when he came downstairs. “You okay?” he asked. “No, but I’ll fake it until this is over.” Emma appeared, still in pajamas.
“Is today the day?” “Yeah, sweetheart, but you’re going to school like normal. This is just grownup stuff.” “I want to stay.” “I know, but you can’t.” Lucas crouched down to her level. “This is boring meeting stuff. You’d hate it. Better to be at school doing actual interesting things. But Emma, trust me, okay?” She nodded reluctantly.
Lucas got her ready for school, put her on the bus with extra hugs, and came back to find Amelia pacing the kitchen with Mason on her hip. “What if I make it worse?” she said without preamble. “What if Walsh takes one look at me and decides I’m proof you’re unfit?” “Then we deal with it.” “You keep saying that like it’s a plan.
” “It’s the only plan we have.” Jennifer Walsh arrived at exactly 2:00. Lucas let her in, Amelia standing in the living room with Mason, looking more nervous than he’d ever seen her. “Ms. Sterling,” Walsh said, professional and neutral. “Thank you for making yourself available.” “Of course.” “Why don’t we all sit down?” They sat, Lucas and Amelia on the couch, Walsh in the armchair, Mason playing on the floor between them.
Walsh pulled out her tablet and launched into questions. How long had Amelia been staying here? What was the nature of her relationship with Lucas? How much time did she spend with the children? What were her future plans? Amelia answered carefully, telling the truth without volunteering extra ammunition.
Yes, she was staying temporarily. Yes, she and Lucas were close. She hesitated over the word, then owned it. Yes, she spent significant time with Emma and Mason. No, she didn’t have concrete long-term plans yet. I’m glad it Can I ask about your current employment situation? Walsh asked. I’m the founder and former CEO of Sterling Enterprises.
Currently involved in legal proceedings to regain control of my company. And those proceedings are why you’re here, hiding from your board? Amelia’s jaw tightened. I’m not hiding. I’m taking space to build my case away from people trying to control me. And Mr. Hayes is helping you with that? Lucas has given me a place to stay.
That’s all. That’s not all though, is it? Walsh looked between them. You’re in a relationship, living together, co-parenting his children. I’m not co-parenting, Amelia said. I help when asked. That’s different. Is it? From what I understand, you’re involved in everything from homework to bedtime routines.
You cook, clean, participate in school activities. That sounds like co-parenting to me. So, what if it is? Lucas interjected. What’s wrong with my kids having another adult who cares about them? Nothing. Unless that adult is using them or you as a refuge from their own problems. I’m not using anyone, Amelia said, voice sharp.
I care about Lucas and his kids, genuinely care. Not because they’re useful or convenient, but because they’re good people who deserve better than what they’ve been getting. And what have they been getting in your opinion? A father who works himself to death trying to provide. Kids who’ve lost too much already. A family barely holding together because society decided single dads don’t deserve support.
Amelia’s composure was cracking now, real emotion bleeding through. Lucas is a good father. An incredible father. And he’s been doing it alone because everyone else either died or disappeared or gave up. So, yeah, I help because someone should have been helping all along. Walsh was quiet for a moment, taking notes.
That’s quite an assessment. It’s the truth. And when you leave, if your legal situation resolves, what happens to these children you care so much about? I’m not leaving. Ms. Sterling, I’m not leaving, Amelia repeated firmer. I came here to hide, you’re right. I ran away from a situation I couldn’t control. But I’m not running anymore.
I’m staying. I’m fighting. And part of what I’m fighting for is the right to be here. With Lucas, with Emma and Mason, because this is my home now. Lucas stared at her. She’d never said it that directly before, never claimed them out loud like that. Walsh looked between them again. Mr. Hayes, were you aware Ms.
Sterling felt this strongly? I Yeah, I mean, we’ve talked about it. And you’re comfortable with this arrangement? More than comfortable. I want her here. Even knowing it brings complications, corporate enemies, legal battles, people who might use your children to hurt her? Even knowing all that, Lucas said. Because the alternative is being alone again.
And I’m done being alone. Walsh set down her tablet. I’m going to be honest with you both. This is not a typical situation. Most of my cases involve neglect or abuse or parents who genuinely can’t provide for their kids. This is none of those things. What this is is messy, complicated, unconventional. But not dangerous, Lucas said. No.
Not dangerous. Walsh looked at Amelia. But I need to know and I need this on record. Are you planning to involve these children in your corporate battles, use them for leverage or publicity or anything else? Never, Amelia said immediately. They’re off-limits completely. Anyone who tries to hurt them to get to me will regret it.
