Chapter 18 - James
|
Madison called me later that night. The background noise of the hospital was gone; instead, I heard the soft, rhythmic hum of a baby swing.
“He finally did it,” she said, awe in her voice.
“He told her no.”
“How are the boys?” I asked.
“Benjamin is huge. Samuel still has a lot of physical therapy, but the doctors say he’s going to be okay.” Madison paused, taking a deep breath. “I moved out of the townhouse today, Claire. Permanently.”
I smiled into the phone. “That is the smartest thing you’ve ever done.”
“Evelyn came over and started screaming at Samuel because he was crying during her tea time. Grant told her to pack her bags and get out of his house. But as I watched it happen, I realized... I can’t spend the rest of my life waiting to see if he'll be brave when things get hard.”
“Where are you going to live?”
“I rented a modest two-bedroom in New Jersey. It isn’t glamorous, and it isn't Fifth Avenue, but it’s mine. Grant pays his child support, and he comes over four times a week to do the night feedings. He's a good dad, Claire. But he's not my partner anymore.”
She was breaking the cycle. I felt a profound sense of peace wash over me.
By autumn, Bennett Spatial Design had expanded from one employee to eight. We moved into a massive, light-filled studio. The Whitmore Luxe flagship stores were completed, featuring my signature designs—warm copper, dark stone, and inviting spaces. They were a massive hit.
Grant’s text messages to me became incredibly rare, usually just a polite holiday wish. But in late November, he sent a message that made me stop in my tracks.
I started a charity fund for women who have to attend fertility appointments alone. It covers transportation, counseling, and recovery care. I wanted to name it after the baby we lost... but I realized I never knew what name you had picked for him.
Tears pricked my eyes. I had never told a single soul.
I typed back slowly: His name was James. Use only his first name. Do not attach the Whitmore name to him.
May you like
I understand, Grant replied.
Two months later, the James Support Fund opened. For the first time in his life, Grant didn't invite a single reporter.
