Leroy and Kaitlin spoke to an attorney about the terms of the divorce. He suggested they try to work it out with her husband rather than dragging it through court. The custody and child support arrangements offered by her husband had been generous and it would be difficult for any judge to rule in her favor. Generally, if the other parent wanted to be involved in their child’s life enough to pull up roots and move then that meant a lot, especially when they had been kept away from their children for two years.
Kaitlin was down after meeting with the attorney. “Come on babe, let’s just call him and see if he will give a little where Maddy is concerned, at least until she is a little older.”
Kaitlin let out a breath before responding, “I need to get this done so I can focus on the wedding. I'm going to lose Ben,” said Kaitlin her voice cracking.
Leroy handed her the phone. “Call him Kate.”
Kaitlin dialed. Newt answered and immediately agreed to meet her in the morning with Janet. He wanted this done as badly as she did.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They decided to meet at Leroy's house, soon to be rent house, so they would have some privacy. Newt and Janet arrived promptly and the four of them sat down together at the new dining table.
Once seated, Leroy started the meeting. “The reason we asked you over is threefold - One, obviously to discuss the terms of your divorce and the custody arrangements for Ben and Maddy, but two, since our lives are going to be joined by virtue of your children, we should get to know each other a little better and three, Kaitlin has some questions to ask Janet, and you too Newt, before she will feel comfortable signing anything."
Newt and Janet looked worried but seemed to find comfort in each other, much like Kaitlin found comfort in Leroy's presence.
Leroy had set the tone that this was Kaitlin's party so she took over. She could have just signed the divorce papers and been done with it but her conscience wouldn't let her. Kaitlin took a deep breath and addressed them both. “Newt, Janet, just so you know, I am okay with the terms of our divorce with the exception of Maddy. Ben knows you and wants a relationship with you, but Newt, Maddy doesn't even
know you. I know that you want a relationship with her, and I won't try to stop it, but she is only 3. She will have separation anxiety.
So, I want you allow me to retain custody of her and then we will work out suitable visitation. Maybe just getting to know her first, then when Ben goes with you, she can go too - for a few hours. When she gets older and understands what is going on, then I'm happy to revisit it.”
Newt looked dejected. “How old do you think she needs to be Kaitlin?” he asked..
“Can we give her a year? Please?" said Kaitlin fearing the worst, "Then we can see how she does overnight?” she added biting her lip to keep from crying. Just the thought of leaving her little girl in the home of a stranger made her physically sick.
Janet spoke up before Kaitlin could respond. She had the most charming Irish lilt to her voice, calming with it's sing-song tone. She was so different from anything Newt ever chased. Sweet, calm and down to earth. Maybe that's why they got along. Kaitlin immediately liked her.
“Kaitlin," said Janet and Kaitlin thought even the way she said her name was charming, "I know you don’t know me, but I plan to be there whenever the children are with Newt. We both'll be gettin' to know 'em. I would ne'er do anythin' that might upset Maddy. If she wants her mum, then we will bring her home. I wouldn’t expect to keep her overnight until we are livin' in the same town anyway.”
Newt smiled at Janet grateful for the clarification. “Janet is right," he said, "I am willing to give you custody of Maddy for the first year. Then after that it reverts to joint custody. Even so Kaitlin, if Maddy is still uncomfortable going with me for more than a couple of days, I'm not a monster, I
will give her more time.”
Leroy looked at Kaitlin surprised, “That sounds fair," he said, "Are you okay with it Kate?” She figured he was just as enamored by Janet as she was.
She wanted to believe Newt so badly. Janet was convincing enough and with Leroy's prodding, she heard herself saying, “I suppose. Newt, will you have the documents updated to reflect that?”
Newt looked relieved, even smiled. “Yes. It will take a couple of days. And don't worry, I won’t have them served again. I will come here and we can sign them together when they are ready. Then we can have your attorney file them,” he said sounding very business like as if he had just closed a deal. This was a new side of Newt had never seen in all the years they were married.
“Thank you," she said as she thought about the other questions she wanted to ask Janet, "but before I am ready to sign I still have some questions for you and for Janet.”
“Sure Kaitlin. What 'tis it you want to know?” asked Janet.
Her heart went out to her and she hated what she was getting ready to ask her. “You and Newt are together, dating, whatever you want to call it. Newt said you know why I took our 3 children and left him after 17 years of marriage?’ she said it as a question more than a statement.
Janet looked down at her lap.
Newt reached over and placed his hand on her arm, “It's okay Janet, you can say it,” prompted Newt.
“Aye, Kaitlin," she said softly still looking down, "I know why. He was abusive.”
Both women were holding back tears now. “And even though you know this," asked Kaitlin, "you still want to have a relationship with him?”
Newt jumped up before Janet could answer and exclaimed, “Kaitlin! That's enough! Is this really necessary. You are upsetting Janet! Of course she knows! I was a fucking asshole! But no more. Goddammit Kaitlin, I've worked so hard. Fuck. I'm sorry Janet.”
Leroy stood up too, ready to drag Newt out of the house.
Janet looked at Newt then at Leroy and finally at Kaitlin. It was her turn to comfort Newt. She placed her hand on Newt's arm and said, “It’s okay boys, Newt, please, sit down,” said Janet calmly. He did as she said and so did Leroy.
As soon as both men were seated she replied, “Newt's learnin' how to control himself. I'm goin' to his therapy sessions with him. His doctor says he's ready and he’s been nothin' but kind and respectful towards me. Even now, he is just tryin' to protect me. Kaitlin, we have safe words to use just in case anythin' starts to escalate. But we have ne'er had to use 'em. Newt has ne'er given me a reason to be afraid.”
Janet looked at Newt to get confirmation that she could say more. “We plan to be wed soon as the divorce is final. I love him and I know he loves me too. He's a good man and has put much work into betterin' himself - and he did most of that before we met.”
Married? Kaitlin stole a glance at Janet's hand, and sure enough she had on a diamond engagement ring. Kaitlin got emotional. “Promise me that if he lays even a finger on you that you will leave and tell me. I'm getting ready to allow him to be alone with our children. I need to know they are safe,” said Kaitlin tears running down her face.
Janet looked at Newt again. He looked miserable. She smiled at him with confidence. “He won't, but I will promise anyway if that gives you comfort. Your children will be safe. It will be good for them to get to know their father as someone lovin', not someone they have to fear.”
She had a point thought Kaitlin. Janet was sweet and gutsy at the same time. That plus the Irish lilt to her voice and she was perfect. And it was obvious that she loved this new and improved version of Newt and that he was just as taken with her. "Thank you Janet," she said, "I didn't mean to upset you."
Kaitlin turned her attention back to Newt. She didn’t know if he had told Janet anything about his father’s business. She hoped he would just walk away. Janet seemed so sweet, she didn’t want to see her get involved in anything illegal. She braced herself and asked the question, “Newt, what about employment?”
Newt looked nervous. “Janet and I want to move near you so it will be easier on the kids - we won't have to shuffle them back and forth. I was going to buy out Reid's bar but Leroy got him released. Leroy, I never thanked you for that and I should have. So - thank you."
Newt paused and took a deep breath before continuing, "So Leroy, I have a proposition for you. I understand you are becoming a damn - I mean darn good architect,” Newt stole a quick glance at Janet before going on and she just grinned at him, “I would like to buy your bar and hire you to renovate it. That way Janet and I can run it and live here. I have enough investments to get me easily through the start up. Reid can teach me the ropes. Problem solved.”
Now it was time for Leroy and Kaitlin to exchange looks. She screamed ‘Do it!’ with her eyes at least she hoped that’s what Leroy got out of it. “How much?” asked Leroy.
“$850 thousand. Site unseen. You have clientele - that's worth something. The property has to be worth close to that. What do you say?” asked Newt.
Another look between them and Kaitlin hoped it told Leroy that it was okay to let it go. Sell it for them, for the kids. Leroy smiled at her and she nodded. “Sold,” said Leroy.
“Shake on it?” asked Newt as he stood up. The two men shook hands.
“I will have my attorney draw up the papers for the sale of the property. We can sign them next week when we sign the divorce papers. I will have them sent over ahead of time along with a cashier's check. That way your attorney can review them.” said Newt smiling.
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