The Man She Should Have Married (5 page)

Matt thought of ten things he could have said in rejoinder, but what was the use? Nothing would change his mother's mind, and his father didn't have the backbone to oppose her. “Fine. You're obviously determined to go down this path. But I won't be a party to it, and if you proceed, I won't help you.”

“You would go against us?” his mother said in disbelief. “You would side against your own parents? Surely, even in your misguided state, you have to agree that Thea would be better off with us.”

Matt shook his head. “No. I don't agree. Olivia is a good mother, and she doesn't deserve what you're doing to her.” He pushed back his chair and stood. “She was Mark's
wife
, for God's sake. Think about what
he
would say if he were alive.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I'm warning you, Matthew. Leave your brother out of this. And
you
stay out of it. Because if you don't, you will live to regret it.”

With that last threat ringing in his ears, Matt turned and walked out of the room, leaving his parents to their lunch...and to each other.

But as he drove back to his office, he knew he had to warn Olivia. So after parking his car, and before heading inside, he took out his cell phone and called her work number.

“Registration and Admitting.”

Matt didn't recognize the voice. “May I speak to Olivia Britton, please?”

“She's on her lunch break. Would you like to leave a message?”

“No, thanks. I'll call her cell.”

Olivia answered on the second ring. “Hi, Matt.”

“Hi. I called your work number first. I know you're at lunch. Can you talk?”

“Sure. I'm sitting outside, enjoying the beautiful day and eating my tuna sandwich.”

“Well, I don't want to ruin your lunch hour for you, but something's come up that you need to know about.”

“Oh?”

“Look, there's no way to sugarcoat this. My mother plans to petition family court for primary custody of Thea.”

“What?”

The alarm in Olivia's voice was evident. Matt sighed. “I know. I was just as shocked as you are.”

“On what grounds?”

“That you're an unfit mother.”

“Oh, my God. You mean, because of Saturday?”

“Not just Saturday, apparently. My father says my mother's been keeping a list of incidents, with dates and times and witnesses.”

“Incidents? What incidents?”

“I don't know. I haven't seen the list, and since I'm now persona non grata with my mother, I doubt I ever will.” Actually, he was kicking himself for going on the attack with his mother before finding out exactly what
was
on that list.

“But, Matt—”

“I know, it's crazy. I went over there on my lunch break, tried to talk to her about it, but you know how she is. She just barreled right over me. Wouldn't listen. In fact, she threatened me.”

“Threatened
you
? Why?”

“Because I sided with you. Told her I wouldn't go along with this.”

“Oh, Matt, I don't want to cause any more trouble between you and your parents.”

“You're not causing trouble. The trouble was there long before you came along.”

“Is that true?”

“Yes, it's true. You remember the scandal involving Chet Parker? My mother bragged about bringing him down—she was actually proud of herself. And I've always thought she had a hand in Rosalie Harris's downfall. Someday I'll tell you all the gory details. But right now, we have more important things to worry about. I think we need to talk in person. Can you get your mother to watch Thea tonight? Maybe go out to dinner with me?”

“Um, yes, I'm sure I can, but...”

“But what?”

“Don't you think I need to do something to prepare? Like, immediately?”

“That's what I want to talk to you about.”

“Oh, okay.”

“How about if I pick you up around six thirty? Would that work?”

“Yes. That's perfect.”

“All right, see you then.”

“See you then,” she echoed.

Matt sat in his car for long minutes after disconnecting the call. He knew he was on the precipice of something very dangerous, and that if he stepped off that cliff, he could never go back.

But if he didn't step off, if he allowed Olivia to fight this on her own, he would never have any chance with her at all. There really wasn't any choice, was there?

He loved Olivia.

So he would do whatever it took to help her, no matter what else that path might cost him.

Because he knew, without any doubt at all, that without Olivia, his life would be meaningless anyway.

Chapter Five

O
livia still had ten minutes before she had to be back at her desk, so she used it to call Eve.

“Oh, my God,” Eve said. “The woman is certifiable.”

Olivia couldn't help laughing. Eve never did mince words. “We think so, but there are plenty of people who follow her lead.”

“Tell you what, hon, as soon as we hang up, I'm going to call Austin. He's a top-notch attorney, and I know he'll represent you.”

“Don't you think I should wait till I talk to Matt tonight?”

“No. I think you should line Austin up immediately. After all, we both know Matt can't represent you in this. He can be on your side privately and he can help from the sidelines, but he can't oppose his parents in court. I mean, think about it. If he fights her openly, your mother-in-law will just become more vindictive toward you.”

Olivia did know that. It was one of the primary reasons she knew she could never have a romantic relationship with Matt, despite what Eve thought. She hesitated a moment, then said, “I would have to use some of Mark's insurance money to pay Austin, and I hate to do that. I wanted to keep it intact for Thea.”

“Don't worry about the money, Liv. I'm paying his fee,” Eve said. “And I don't want any argument about that, either.”

“I can't let you do that.”

“You're not letting me. I'm doing it, period.”

“But—”

“No buts. Seriously. Adam has put so much money in my ‘fun' account, as he calls it, I couldn't spend it all if I wanted to. Please let me do this for you.”

Olivia's eyes filled with tears. “I love you, Eve.”

“I love you, too. I'll let you know what Austin has to say.”

“I don't want to talk about this while I'm at work. And I have to go back in a few minutes.”

“I'll text you instead. And we can talk later tonight. After you've had dinner with Matt.”

“All right.”

They hung up then, and after Olivia tossed her trash, she headed back inside the hospital. She was filled with so many mixed emotions: disbelief and anger over Vivienne, gratefulness and relief over Matt's and Eve's support, and worry over the future.

She wondered what Mark would think if he knew what his mother was doing. He would be disgusted, she was sure. After all, he'd stood up to his mother when she tried to discourage him from marrying Olivia. Yes, Mark would be on her side. Of course, if Mark were alive, Vivienne would never even think of doing something like this.

Maybe not, but she'd have done her best to ruin your marriage.

Oh, God. What a mess everything was.

For the rest of the afternoon, Olivia couldn't give one hundred percent of her concentration to her job. How could she? At the back of her mind was always the thought of what could happen if Vivienne followed through on her threat. Even with Austin representing her, Olivia knew there was always the chance Vivienne could win, because the Britton family name carried tremendous influence in the county. In fact, Olivia had heard Vivienne had several judges in her pocket. Some of that was just gossip brought about by envy, but still...if there even a grain of truth in what was said, Olivia could be in for a rough ride.

I could lose. She could take Thea away from me!

Dear God. That couldn't happen. Eve was right. Olivia needed to be prepared with the best legal representation she could find. And aside from Matt, who was off-limits, Austin Crenshaw
was
the best. But what if Austin no longer wanted any part of this? Olivia wouldn't blame him if he didn't. After all, he had to live and work in Hays County, too, and Vivienne Britton could make a lot of trouble for him.
What will I do if he says no
?

She kept checking her phone, but Eve hadn't yet texted her. Olivia told herself that didn't mean a thing, that Eve had probably not been able to contact Austin yet, but still she worried.

Finally, at three thirty, a text came in.

Call Austin when you're free. He will take your case. XXOO, Eve.

A giant wave of relief crashed through Olivia. Thank God for Eve. What would Olivia do without her? Not wanting to wait, Olivia told her supervisor she was taking a break, and she headed for a quiet corner of the cafeteria where she placed a call to Austin's office. His secretary put her right through.

“Olivia, hi,” he said warmly. “Eve told me what's happening with your in-laws.”

“Yes, and she said you're willing to represent me.”

“I'll be happy to represent you. But you know, it may not come to that.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, your mother-in-law may change her mind. Sometimes people threaten things, then back down when their lawyers tell them what they're contemplating is not in their best interests. Or that they can't win.”

Olivia wished. “You don't know Vivienne. She never backs down.”

“In that case, we'll be prepared. I'd like to meet with you to go over everything. When would be convenient?”

“I'm off tomorrow.”

“Great. Tomorrow afternoon works for me. Could you come here to my office? Say about two?”

“I'll be there. And, Austin, thank you. I can't tell you how grateful I am to have you in my corner.”

“Like I said, happy to do it. I'd been meaning to call you anyway.” He hesitated a moment. “See if maybe I could take you to dinner some night.”

Olivia could hear the smile in his voice. He really was so nice. Eve was right. Olivia could do a lot worse. She resolutely pushed all thoughts of Matt out of her mind. Matt had nothing to do with this.
Could
have nothing to do with it. She needed to remember that. She especially needed to remember it tonight. Because even if she were willing to take on the wrath of Vivienne Britton, she could never do that to Matt.

* * *

Olivia was still thinking about Matt and how to let him know, without ever saying anything directly, that there could never be anything more to their relationship than there was now, when he arrived to pick her up for dinner that evening.

“Right on time,” she said as she answered the door.

When he smiled at her, her traitorous heart skittered. Why did he have to be so handsome? So sexy? And those eyes of his. An inky blue, they reminded her of the ocean at twilight. A girl could drown in their depths. He was everything a man should be. Not just sexy and good-looking, but strong, smart and kind. It still bewildered her that Matt had gone so long without marrying.

You could tell he was a Britton. There was an unmistakable resemblance between him and his siblings, although Matt was taller and darker than Mark had been. His hair was more chestnut, whereas her late husband's had been blond like Vivienne's.

Matt looked more like his father. So did Madeleine, the youngest of the family, who lived in Austin. Olivia was sure that's why Vivienne had favored Mark; he was the only one of her children who clearly belonged to her.

“You look very nice,” Matt said now. His gaze swept her in admiration, taking in the black pencil skirt, the pretty pale blue silk sweater Eve had given Olivia for her birthday, and the black heels that fostered the illusion Olivia was taller than her actual five foot two.

“Thank you.”

“Shall we go?”

“I'm ready.”

“I thought we'd go to the inn.”

Olivia frowned. “Are you sure you want to do that?” She knew he'd understand she was referring to the fact The Crandall Lake Inn was a favorite spot of his parents and their friends.

“I refuse to sneak around,” he said firmly. “Unless you'd prefer to go somewhere else?”

“Actually, I would. Do you mind?”

“Of course not. What about Sam's Steakhouse?”

Olivia smiled. Sam's was a popular spot preferred by the younger set and was located nearer San Marcos than Crandall Lake. She doubted they'd see any of the Brittons' crowd there. “That sounds perfect.”

Sam's wasn't as crowded on weekday nights as on the weekends, so they had no problem getting a table. And although all the window tables were occupied, Olivia actually preferred the quieter, more secluded corner table they were shown to.

Once they'd been seated, and their waiter had introduced himself, taken their drink order, and brought them their water and a basket of the warm rolls and herbed butter Sam's was known for, Matt said, “All day I've been thinking about my parents and what they're proposing to do.”

“I know. Me, too. In fact—” But before she could finish, their waiter approached once more, this time bringing their drinks.

“What did you start to say before?” Matt asked when he left.

“Let's wait to talk until after we order our food.”

“Okay.”

It took a while to study the menu and decide what they wanted, but finally their orders were placed, and Olivia could relax for a bit. “What I started to tell you before is that I've hired an attorney to represent me if your parents follow through on their custody threat.”

Matt seemed taken aback. “I thought you'd wait till we talked. In fact, I have a recommendation for you.”

“I
was
going to wait, but Eve arranged this for me. Her brother-in-law is taking my case. I'm sure you know him. Austin Crenshaw?”

“Of course I know Austin. He's a great lawyer. But he doesn't specialize in family law. I doubt he knows much about it. You need someone who not only knows case law, but also knows the judges and other lawyers who work in the field. You'll be at a disadvantage otherwise.”

Olivia hadn't expected this. When Eve had suggested Austin, Olivia had been thrilled. On her own she never could have afforded a lawyer of Austin's caliber. But was Matt right? Was Austin a poor choice? Matt wouldn't say these things unless he meant them, would he? Now what should she do? She'd already told Austin she wanted him.

“I'm looking out for your best interests, Olivia,” Matt said quietly.

“I know you are. But Eve is, too.” Olivia thought about telling him Eve was also paying Austin's fees, but admitting that would be embarrassing, so she said nothing.

“Even if you've already agreed to hire Austin, I think you should reconsider,” Matt said. “Paul Temple is a friend of mine, and he's just about the best family law attorney in the county. If I asked him, I know he'd take your case and do a terrific job for you.”

“If he's that good, maybe your parents have already signed him up.”

“No, they've hired Jackson Moyer.”

“How do you know that?”

“I asked around.”

Jackson Moyer was famous in Hays County. He'd handled every high-profile case in recent memory. His name graced the pages of not just local newspapers, but the wire services and national network news shows. Olivia swallowed. Her earlier fear returned with terrifying clarity. “That's not good, is it?”

Matt started to answer, but just then, their waiter appeared with their food—the house special rib eye for Matt and the shrimp and scallops for Olivia. Matt waited until the waiter had left them alone again, before saying, “I knew my mother would want the best, so I wasn't surprised to find out they'd hired Moyer. But Paul Temple is just as good. Maybe not as showy, but totally on top of things. Moyer won't be able to run roughshod over him the way he does some attorneys.”

When she didn't answer, he said, “Look, if you're worried about telling Crenshaw you've found someone else, I'll do it. I'll call him and talk to him. He'll understand.”

“I appreciate your concern, Matt, I do. But I'm sure Austin will do a good job for me. After all, he represents his brother in all his dealings, and those are
huge
cases. Eve tells me no one likes tangling with him because he always wins.”

“Yes, he's got a good reputation, and he's smart. But family law and family court are different animals, and it's not his specialty.”

Olivia sighed. “I know, but I can't go back on my word.”

“Olivia, this is too important for you to worry about hurting someone's feelings. This is about Thea. She matters more than anything else, doesn't she?”

“Yes, of course, but—”

“Look, how about this? I'll ask Paul Temple if he'll assist. There's no law against you having a team of lawyers. I'm sure Jackson Moyer will have several assistants. He usually does.”

“I don't know... I—” Cornered now, Olivia decided to tell Matt the truth. “I don't think I can afford more than one lawyer, Matt.”

“Let
me
do this for you, Olivia.”

“I can't. It...it wouldn't be right. And if your mother ever found out...”

“First of all, of course it's right. I'm Mark's brother. He would expect me to look out for you. And I'm Thea's godfather. And as far as my mother finding out, she won't. But even if she did, I really don't give a damn. I'm so tired of her and her machinations—”

“I appreciate the offer, Matt, but I can't accept. I—I won't come between you and your parents.”

“I'm telling you, they won't know.”

“This kind of thing always gets out, you know it does.”

He sighed heavily, laying his fork down. “All right, Olivia. You win. But you're making a mistake, and I wish you'd reconsider.”

Olivia knew he was disappointed in her. She wanted more than anything to reach across the table. To take his hand. To say she was sorry and admit that Eve was footing the bill for whatever this possible lawsuit would cost her. To add that his concern for her meant the world to her.

But she could say none of that.

If she did, he would view it as encouragement, and who knew where that would lead?

Remember
, she told herself again,
you are not good for Matt. You will ruin whatever relationship he still maintains with his parents. And you will ruin his career in the process. In fact, you should not be here with him now. You absolutely
must
discourage him. No matter what it costs
.