Chapter 27

Disbelieving his eyes, he reread the papers, incredulous that Hailey had the nerve to send them after the pleasant time he'd spent with his sons the previous day.

“Why do you look like you saw a ghost?” Cole looked up to see Jess, who was wearing baggy pants and a matching top. Her hair was in a low, sleek ponytail; a sling bag hung from her shoulder, and she carried a mug of coffee from Cole's kitchen. On days she wasn't a badass lawyer, she preferred casual attire.

“You came at the right time, Jess. I thought I could do this easily, but she’s not making it easy. There’s no way she’s going to push me away, especially now that I have every reason to be with her.”

Jess, not understanding, placed her mug on a nearby table, approached Cole, and took the papers. She quickly scanned them.

“She sent you divorce papers and a restraining order for her and her sons.”

“I want to sue.”

“For?”

“Look, Cole, you need to calm down. That’s not the best way to—”

“I’m done being patient, Jess. I know I wronged her, but that doesn’t mean I’m a terrible person who deserves to be cheated on. I’ve tried to settle amicably, but she chooses violence.”

“I respect her decision to not be with me, but there’s no way in hell she’s keeping me from my children.”

Jessica frowned, staring intently at Cole. “What children?”

“The twins are mine.”

“What twins?”

Cole sighed, realizing he had much explaining to do.

“Hailey has twin sons. I went to her house yesterday to see her, and I saw the boys. They look so much like me, even a blind person could tell.”

Jess stared in disbelief, slowly sitting on the couch beside him.

“Wait, first, why did you go to her place? Aren't you supposed to be on bed rest?”

“Come on, is that all you got from what I said?”

“No, but showing up uninvited could be why she sent these documents.”

“Spare me that, Jess. I went with good intentions: to see how she was doing after the accident. I had no intention of harming her.”

“I saw the boys. If I hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t even know they existed. How is that my fault?”

“For fuck’s sake, I’ve lived recklessly for four years, not knowing I had children who needed me. And I know Hailey; she never would have told me if I hadn’t gone. So how the hell am I at fault?”

“That’s one of the grounds she’s using,” Jessica said, glancing at the papers. “You invaded her family’s privacy.”

“That’s ridiculous! I’ve been so gentle, and she needs to know I can’t be bullied. I want to sue.”

“Are you sure these children are yours?”

Cole sighed, massaging his temples.

“Taking their pictures was the last thing on my mind. I wish I had, to clear up any doubts.”

“Those kids are my replicas, Jess. I almost fainted when I saw them. They called me ‘Daddy.’ I don’t know if Hailey told them I was their father or showed them my pictures. I felt an instant, strong bond; the loneliness in my heart was filled with happiness, joy, and pride.”

“Did Hailey agree? What did she say?”

“She denied it. She said she’s the only parent. I demanded a DNA test, but she refused. I pleaded with her, then her ex-boyfriend, Tyler, interrupted. Tyler and I fought.”

“I can imagine. It’s stated here,” Jess mumbled.

“What?” Cole stared in disbelief.

“You being violent! One reason she and her sons want to stay away from you!”

“Hailey is being unfair. She knows I’d never be violent toward her or the twins.”

“She also claimed she was almost shot and everyone around her is a suspect; therefore, her children’s safety comes first,” Jessica said, thoroughly examining the papers.

“This is all false! How could I be a suspect when I took a bullet for her?”

Chapter 27

“For four years, she hid my children. I didn’t freak out; instead, I pleaded to be in their lives, and this is my reward?”

“Life without Hailey would be depressing; that’s why I’m doing everything to get her back. I understand if she doesn’t want me, but I can’t live without my children. I love them, and it would break me to be away from them.”

“What are their names?”

“Enzo and Ollie.”

“They don’t have your surname?”

Cole shook his head, feeling a profound pain. “I know I was a douchebag, but do I deserve this because I’m trying to make things right?”

Jessica’s heart ached for him. She saw tears in his eyes. She held the papers in one hand and squeezed his hand lightly.

“Tell me, what else do I need to do to prove I deserve a second chance?”

“I’m sorry this is happening, Cole, but I don’t see you solving this with violence.”

“You should know better, Jess. This isn’t violence; it’s me fighting for what’s right. I can’t let her push me aside. I can’t let her allow someone like Tyler near my children.”

“Did you know she was pregnant before she left you?”

“No!”

“But our last encounter was at the office. She pleaded for a new beginning and gave me a wrapped gift. I never opened it.”

“Then I got a text that night. She referred to herself as ‘we,’ and that struck me. I think she meant herself and the baby.”

“I was a fucking asshole. I would have known all this if I’d been patient.”

“But now, I don’t know if I have the strength to fight. I don’t know what to do anymore.”

“Give her time.”

“How much?”

“A couple of days.”

“I don’t think it’ll change anything, even with weeks. Hailey is stubborn. She wasn’t like this before. I must have hurt her badly.”

“I couldn’t sleep last night. It never occurred to me I was a father of two. They always wanted me, but God knows what excuse Hailey gave them.”

“Every mother wants what’s best for her babies.”

“Come on, Jess, I’m not a monster.”

“No, you’re not. And I’m sure Hailey will come around.”

“I’m happy about the kids. Congratulations!”

“Yeah,” Cole mumbled sadly. “I miss them, and it sucks I can’t see them. I promised I’d never leave them, but I’ve already failed as a father.”

“No, don’t talk like that. You always wanted kids, and having them with Hailey meant so much to you.”

“My advice is don’t give up. Everything will be worth it in the end. Don’t resort to violence; it will ruin all your good efforts.”

“As your lawyer, I’ll reach out to Hailey and her lawyer to help you get a fair deal so you can see your children. But you can’t force an adult to stay in a marriage they don’t want, even if feelings exist. Especially since she’s not demanding assets; she just wants the divorce finalized.”

Jess paused, looked at the papers, then at Cole.

“I’ll stall the divorce for a few weeks. Use that time to fight for Hailey and your kids.”

“Come on, Cole, don’t give up,” Jess said after a silence. “Think of the big, happy family you could be.”

“What big, happy family?” A high-pitched voice interrupted.

Cole rolled his eyes as Hailey exhaled, putting the papers back in the envelope.

“I told you to stay away from my husband!” Vanessa glared at Jess.

“Why?”

“Because I don’t like you!”

“And I care?” Jess glared back.

“What do you want? I’m in an important meeting!” Cole’s voice cut through.

“Come on, babe. Don’t tell me she’s more important than me.”

“That’s obvious. You’re blind if you can’t see that.” Jess stood her ground.

“Don’t talk to me like that!”

“Why? Are you special?”

“I’m Cole’s wife!”

Jess laughed mockingly, infuriating Vanessa.

“It’s a pity you’re pining for a man whose heart belongs to another woman. You should be ashamed for wanting your sister’s husband.”

“Shut your mouth! Cole has always been mine. Hailey cheated on me.”

“Oh, you mean you pushed Hailey to him because you thought he was poor?”

Vanessa angrily turned to Cole, who remained silent. “Why would you let a retard into this house?” She turned back to Jessica. “I know women like you. You’re secretly in love with Cole, but it’s sad because you’ll never have him.”

Jessica smiled. “Cole and I would be married with four kids if I was attracted to him. You’re intimidated by every woman who hangs out with Cole.”

“Just give up and disappear! Cole doesn’t like you, and he doesn’t care about you!”

“He’s going to marry me. He promised!”

“Do you really love him? Or do you just want his status?”

“Of course, I love him. Why would you think that?”

Jessica shook her head. “No, you don’t.”

“If you loved him, you’d want him happy, and his happiness is being with the woman he loves, and that’s not you.”

“Fuck you!” Vanessa glared.

“Won’t you say anything? Look how your so-called insane childhood friend is talking to me!” Vanessa said to Cole.

Jessica smiled, standing. “That’s what happens when you go places you’re not wanted,” Jess replied, turning to Cole.

Chapter 27

“You need to get rid of some habits, Cole. Vanessa’s presence shouldn’t be near you. This is probably why your wife decided to keep the children away from you. You need to step up your game, Cole.”

“What children?” Vanessa glared.

“Enzo?”

“Ollie?”

“You’re seriously not going to talk to me?” Hailey stood across the dining table, arms folded, looking incredulous.

Ollie mumbled and pushed his breakfast away.

“We want Daddy,” Enzo demanded. He also didn’t touch his food.

“Calm down. I haven’t officially introduced you to anyone.”

“We know he’s our Daddy. You’re mad at him; that’s why you don’t want him to play with us,” Ollie said.

Hailey sighed. “Okay, eat, and then we’ll talk.”

“Mommy’s not nice. She sent Daddy away, and we won’t see him anymore,” Ollie said tearfully, climbing down from his chair.

“Come here, Ollie. Don’t cry.” The little boy sobbed and ran from the kitchen before Hailey could stop him.

“I’m mad at you, Mommy,” Enzo said, following his brother, leaving a confused Hailey.