Chapter 18 - The Final Settlement
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The divorce was finalized on a rainy Thursday.
Sarah’s attempts to portray David as an unfit father had completely collapsed under the weight of her own documented financial malfeasance.
The judge granted joint physical custody, but David was awarded primary residential custody due to Sarah’s grueling travel schedule and her proven attempts to alienate the children.
The financial settlement was brutal for her.
The court forced the dissolution of the restrictive trusts she had created to hide marital assets.
We walked out of the courthouse.
David looked exhausted, but the persistent, frantic anxiety that had defined him for the past year was gone.
“It’s over,” he said, almost not believing it.
“The legal part is over,” I corrected. “The co-parenting part is just beginning. But the terms are yours now.”
Elena walked out behind us.
“She’ll appeal the financial rulings,” Elena warned. “But she won't win.”
“Thank you, Elena,” David said, shaking her hand. “For everything.”
“Thank your sister,” Elena smiled. “She’s the one who taught me how to fight these specific monsters.”
David and I went back to his apartment.
The kids were arriving from school soon.
“Are you staying?” David asked as I packed my duffel bag.
“I’ve been living in Seattle for fourteen months, David. My truck needs its oil changed back home.”
He laughed.
“I appreciate you staying.”
“I wasn't going anywhere until the ink was dry.”
I zipped the bag.
“You’re good now. You have the kids. You have a job. You have boundaries.”
He hugged me.
It wasn't the awkward, hesitant hug from the airport a year ago. It was solid. Real.
“Don't wait another five years to call,” I said.
“I won't.”
“Bring the kids out for Thanksgiving. Audrey wants to see them.”
“We’ll be there.”
May you like
I left for the airport.
My work in Seattle was done.
