Chapter 12 - THE DIVORCE DECREE ON THE KITCHEN TABLE
The divorce became final in early spring.
I walked out of the courthouse carrying a folder that weighed almost nothing and represented everything I'd been fighting to resolve.
Rebecca stood beside me.
“How are you feeling?”
I considered.
“Sad.”
She nodded.
“Anything else?”
“Relieved.”
She smiled.
“Both are allowed.”
Daniel was waiting near the exit.
He looked older than he had at the baptism.
His hair was slightly grayer.
His expensive suit seemed less important than it once had.
“Jennifer.”
I stopped.
“Daniel.”
He looked toward the courthouse doors.
“I know I haven't made this easy.”
“No.”
He swallowed.
“I'm sorry.”
I waited.
He continued.
“For the affair. For the savings. For the way I spoke to you when you asked questions.”
My eyes filled.
“And for making Lily's baptism about myself.”
For a moment, I couldn't speak.
It was the first time he'd admitted that particular truth.
“Thank you for saying that,” I whispered.
He looked hopeful.
Then caught himself.
“I know it doesn't change anything.”
I nodded.
“It doesn't change the divorce.”
He looked down.
“But it can change how we work together as Lily's parents, if you follow through.”
Daniel nodded.
“I want to.”
“Then start with consistency.”
That evening, I set the decree on my kitchen table.
Next to it was Lily's latest photograph.
She was smiling in a yellow dress, her hands covered in mashed banana.
I laughed.
My mother entered carrying a bag of groceries.
“What's funny?”
I showed her the picture.
Mom smiled.
“She's just like you.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“Messy?”
“Determined.”
I looked toward my daughter.
Then toward the legal papers.
For months, I'd thought I was fighting to recover what Daniel took.
May you like
Now I understood I was also building something new.
A home where Lily would never have to wonder whether love meant staying quiet when someone treated her badly.
