Cliffhanger from Rekindled Love

            “Abby.”

            At the sound of Mitch’s voice, Abby froze. Her nerves felt raw and exposed. Last night, they’d shared an expression of their renewed love. Today, he’d thoughtlessly crushed their love with legal papers. She’d stared at the court paper for some time, before the words registered. Instead of planning a visitation schedule with her, Mitch decided to take legal action against her.

            He walked toward her. His features were drawn. Sweat beaded on his forehead and gray smoke streaked his left cheek. She wanted to hold him to ease away the tension the last few hours had caused him. At the same time, she wanted to yell at him to relieve the unjustified tension he’d caused her.

            “We’re out of eggs, but there are still some pancakes and a few sausages. What would you like?” She was astonished, her monotone voice held no emotion.

            Mitch glanced down at the food as if he’d just realized there was food in front of him. “No, thank you.” His words were short, emphasizing the weariness on his face. “This was very thoughtful. I know a lot of the firefighters hadn’t had breakfast before coming out here.”

            Afraid to say anything without tears forming in her eyes, Abby nodded. Tears tightened the back of her throat. She quickly blinked to keep them at bay.

            Mitch moved closer. “Abby, what’s the matter?” His tender, soft words did not ease the pain his actions had caused.

            “I don’t think this is the time to discuss it.” When he remained silent, as if waiting for her explanation, she continued, “I was served papers before I left the fire station.”

            “Papers?” His brows arched. He appeared bewildered.

            His innocent act infuriated her even more. Exasperated, her words rushed out, “A summons to court for a custody hearing.”

            He looked down, his expression unreadable. “You’re right. This isn’t a good time to talk about this.”

            Ignoring her better judgment and his request, she continued, “I actually thought you trusted me again.” When he didn’t answer, she’d wondered if he heard her. “And I thought last night meant something to you.”

            He moved around the table to stand beside her. “Last night has nothing to do with the custody proceedings. As far as that goes, Dot has nothing to do with last night.”

            When he reached out for her hand, she jerked back and stared at him in disbelief. His features were unflinching. She’d seen his unwavering frown before and knew he felt strongly about what he said. “What are you talking about? Dot—I mean –Savannah is my daughter.” Infuriated, she used Mitch’s endearment for their daughter. Abby’s face flushed with anger.

            “That’s right. But our time together was just that—our time. Dot is an entirely different situation. “You’ve made it perfectly clear that Dot is your daughter. And I don’t have a part in her life. That has been rather obvious since you’ve excluded me from her life.”

            Abby opened her mouth to deny his statement, but no words formed. He was right. She had excluded him from their daughter’s life. She’d mistakenly thought he’d finally forgiven her for her mistakes. She’d thought their lovemaking was proof he’d moved beyond their difference. Mitch didn’t feel the love and connection she experienced. The magic she’d felt while they made love started to dissolve.

            “I thought you’d understand by now. I want to have an active part in my daughter’s life. I will be there for her, not like my old man.” The bitterness in his voice still held the scars from his neglectful father. “And legal custody is the only way to ensure I have that chance.”

            Abby jerked back as Mitch’s words stung. “You still don’t have any faith in me. And you haven’t forgiven me for the past.” She moved toward him, challenging him despite the tears that pooled in her eyes. “What was last night about?”
            “You’re confusing the situation again. My legal actions for Dot have nothing to do with us.”

            Abby interrupted him, “Yes, she does. Don’t you see we’re a package deal? It’s her and me. And it’s been that way for a long time.”

            “That was your choice.”

            His harsh words had broken the remaining bonds of intimacy they’d shared the night before. Defeated, she lowered her gaze. He would never forgive her. More importantly, he didn’t love her. She’d only imagined his feelings of love and forgiveness.

            She inhaled a shaky breath. All logical thought escaped her. The only thing she could focus on was the thought that Mitch didn’t love her. “I understand. I thought we made love last night.” She raised her gaze to meet his. “I guess you just had sex.”

            Mitch’s face blazed red with anger.

            Her gaze was drawn to the vein that beat erratically at the base of his neck. She ignored his discomfort and continued, “I’ll be out of here in a few minutes. Savannah and I will return to Seattle. I’ll see you in court.”

            She turned to leave.

            “Abby, I need you.”

            Hope rekindled in her heart. She turned to face Mitch.

            “I think I saw the arsonist. A man at the pancake feed said Chief just like the arsonist did on the phone. I’d like you to sketch the man’s silhouette.”

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