“And these are the bars where you’re going to, hopefully, take your first steps,” Edward said, following Bella in chair. She’d been distant and barely paid attention throughout her appointment. She also seemed unbearably sad. “Bella?”
“First steps, right,” she said, her voice flat and her gaze looking out the window.
He stopped her, crouching in front of her. “What’s going on, Bella? You’ve been distracted and so sad.”
Bella’s eyes swirled in tears and she buried her face in her hands. Edward maneuvered behind her and rolled her back to the room where he’d worked on her leg muscles. Closing the door, he picked her up and held her in his lap. Her tears soaked his polo shirt as he cradled her to his chest. He wasn’t sure how long he held her, but her tears slowed and she pulled back. “I’m sorry, Edward. I should have just canceled my appointment today. I’m worthless, to be honest.”
“I disagree, Bella,” Edward said, wiping an errant tear away beneath her eye.
“Today, I mean,” she said, looking around and seeing that she wasn’t in her chair. “Did you … how did I … I’m in your lap?”
“Hugging you in the wheelchair hurts the knees,” Edward said. “And with your tears, I think you need more than just a simple hug.” He looked at her, he gave her a tender smile. “What happened? You can talk to me, Bella.”
“I had a court date yesterday,” Bella sighed, idly tracing the symbols on Edward’s forearm. “My ex-husband had been missing visitations with my son, Seth. He, apparently, was playing daddy to his girlfriend’s son, who also happened to be in Seth’s class. The boy showed Seth photos of Riley with him and those photos shattered Seth’s heart. James and Riley snuggling and playing soccer together. Riley promised Seth that he’d sign him up for soccer, but obviously that didn’t happen. My son got into a fight and suspended for five days. I called my ex.”
“What did he say?” Edward asked, anger coursing through his veins.
“I honestly don’t remember, but suffice it to say that I told him that his time with his kids was done,” Bella sneered. Her hands were in fists, but Edward relaxed her, threading his fingers with hers. Bella calmed down and tried not to enjoy Edward holding her hand too much. Blowing out a breath, she continued. “We had our court date and Riley lost all visitation rights. He still needs to pay child support and alimony, including extra money for therapy appointments because of his level of assholery.”
“Assholery? I like it,” Edward snorted. “Did he fight it?”
“He tried, but the judge got in his face regarding his actions toward his children,” Bella said. “Suffice it to say, I got some bonus money because the judge hated my ex and his choices. I’m angry at Riley, but my heart is shattered for my sons.”
