Cole’s expression darkened. “Trust me, I couldn’t care less if I impress you or not.”
Trust him? Margaret would sooner trust a weasel. But trust him or not, if Cole had an attorney, she’d best get one, too. But while she knew several lawyers in Nebraska, they didn’t deal with custody issues. Hadn’t Lexi said her husband, Nick, was a family-law attorney? “I’d like a copy also. For my attorney to review.”
Cole pressed his lips together and shifted positions.
“I’ll get the papers run off for you,” Ryan said, suddenly all business. “Now about the terms…”
Margaret reached into her bag and retrieved a small notepad and pen. As Ryan read, she took notes. Her horror grew with each additional stipulation. By the time the attorney finished, Margaret was ready to forget the glass of scotch. She needed a whole bottle.
“Let me get this straight.” Margaret spoke slowly and distinctly in an attempt to calm her nerves. “We have to remain in Jackson Hole until the end of the school year?”
Ryan nodded. “Ty and Janae didn’t want Charlie to face any more changes than necessary, at least not initially.”
“But my job and my apartment are in Omaha.” While Margaret had eventually hoped to one day move back to Jackson Hole, the reality was her life was in Nebraska. She could look for another position in Jackson Hole, but she still had four months left on her lease. No way could she incur the expense of moving and pay double rent.
“My company headquarters are based out of Austin, but I’ll relocate to Jackson Hole immediately.” Though Cole spoke to Ryan, he slanted a glance in Margaret’s direction. “No problem.”
Margaret could feel Charlie slipping away and for a second she felt powerless. Then she remembered something her dad used to say—can’t was a word people used when they were unwilling to make sacrifices. Well, that wasn’t her. She straightened in her seat. “I’ll make it work.”
A look of surprise skittered across Cole’s face so quickly she wondered if she’d only imagined it. Nah, he was surprised. He apparently thought she’d roll over and play dead. Well, he’d soon realize she wasn’t that same shy sixteen-year-old whose heart he’d walked over and discarded like yesterday’s trash.
“What happens after the school year ends?” Margaret asked.
“You’re free to relocate back to Nebraska or Texas.” Ryan took another sip of water. “But you’ll continue to share custody. You’d have to make arrangements that will work for you and Charlie.”
“I don’t understand why they did this.” Cole’s mouth twisted. “Putting Charlie in the middle of a tug-of-war between the two of us couldn’t be what they wanted for him.”
Margaret was glad he’d brought it up. She’d been thinking the same thing. It was as if Janae and Ty had handed custody of their precious son to a divorced couple.
“They knew you both well enough to know you wouldn’t let that happen,” Ryan said, his expression suddenly serious. “They believed you would always put Charlie’s welfare and happiness first.”
Margaret stared down at her hands, praying she’d prove worthy of her friend’s faith in her.
“That said,” Ryan continued, “if either of you leaves Jackson Hole for more than a week at a time during this initial period, the other will be granted sole custody of Charlie.”
Seven days wasn’t a lot of time to quit her job, pack up her apartment and find a place to live in Jackson Hole. It was the last part that would be the hardest. In the ten years she’d been looking to come back, rent in the area had soared. And most landlords were demanding two months of rent as a deposit.
Margaret had money in savings but it wouldn’t last long, especially if she had to pay an attorney. Once her money ran out, there would be no one to help. The only sibling with any disposable income was her older brother, Travis. Still, with five young children and a new house in the mountains, he had his own responsibilities.
“If you’re not going to be able to do it,” Cole said in a low tone, “it’d be best to back out now.”
“That little boy needs a mother.” Margaret met his gaze, her voice strong and sincere. “I’m not going to let him down.”
Shortly after the copies had been made and another appointment scheduled for later in the week, the three made their way to the outer office.
Ryan was showing Cole his saddle when the door opened.
“Uncle Cole.” Charlie’s eyes lit up and before anyone could stop him,