“We both need something from each other, and I’ve figured out a way for us to get it.”
“Go on.”
“There’s a good chance Lee will be called up for the England squad next week. If he does, he’ll be back in favor with his club and that’ll ease his mind over the transfer.”
“What does that have to do with me? I can’t influence his selection.”
“Lee can’t afford any bad press while the England manager is making up his mind. He also needs to play his best game this weekend. I don’t want him to have any distractions.”
Not another bloody athlete with distraction problems.
“I still don’t see how that affects me.”
“The custody battle is winding him up.”
Maggie gritted her teeth. “I won’t give him full custody.”
“I’m not asking you to. I want Lee to drop his challenge and give you permission to stay in America permanently.”
Shock made Maggie’s knees unsteady. She sank back onto the sofa. “But you were the one pushing for happy families.”
“I’ve changed my mind.”
“Why?” Maggie couldn’t believe it.
“I’m pregnant.”
“Oh.” Unsure how to respond, she said simply, “Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” Patty’s tone was smug. “Everything’s coming together perfectly.”
Maggie winced. She hoped the other woman wouldn’t be forced to eat her words. “What do you get out of this deal?”
“Lee doesn’t see Emily again.”
How Maggie wanted that. “But, by law, he’ll have to keep his visitation rights.”
“I think, between us, we can make sure he doesn’t use them.”
Maggie didn’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but it sounded too good to be true.
“One more thing.” Patty paused. “Once Lee’s child support ends, Emily has no further financial claim on him. I want my children to be his sole inheritors.”
Guaranteeing Emily’s custody was worth more than every penny of Lee’s money. “You have a deal.”
“Great. This is a time-sensitive offer. The paperwork must be completed and signed by close of play Thursday, so Lee can focus on his game on Saturday.”
Maggie had two days. “You’re sure you can get Lee to agree to the terms?”
“He’s really sorry about what he did and is desperate to make up for it. Plus, he’ll be thrilled about our baby. He’ll agree to whatever I ask. I’ve had our lawyer prepare the necessary documents, so they can be sent straight over to your solicitor.”
“I’ll fly to England tomorrow.”
Tracy walked in as Maggie hung up. “Is everything okay?”
“I’m afraid to say yes, in case I jinx it.” She filled her sister in on Patty’s call. “It seems too easy.”
“Most people wouldn’t call giving up Emily’s rights to Lee’s millions easy.”
“She’ll have enough in her trust to go to university or do whatever she wants.”
“Then everything’s fine.” Tracy grinned.
Maggie sighed. “I won’t relax until it’s all signed, sealed and delivered.”
“I don’t blame you. Still, if this comes off, your problems are solved and you can focus on getting that residency.”
When Maggie didn’t respond, Tracy looked concerned. “You haven’t changed your mind because of the situation with Jake?”
Maggie shook her head. “There’s nothing for me back home. What’s more, I won’t let my mistake with Jake dictate my life. The best thing for me and Emily is to build on what we have here.”
“I’ll let the comment about your ‘mistake’ slide because we have more important things to sort out.” Tracy arched an eyebrow pointedly. “Like a flight to England.”
“Can you check what’s available with the airlines while I talk to my solicitor?”
“Sure.”
As Maggie ran upstairs to the office, she allowed a touch of excitement to seep into her body. Patty’s deal would secure Emily’s future.
It might help Maggie with Jake, too. Once the custody issue had been dealt with, he couldn’t use that excuse for why he shouldn’t be in her life.
But would it be enough to convince him they should be together?
* * *
“HIT THE SHOWERS, everyone.” Max’s voice rang out around the rink.
Jake headed off the ice with his teammates. Practice was better today—his rhythm was finally returning, but damn it was slow. At least he wasn’t passing like a rookie anymore.
Max stopped him outside the locker room. “When you’re done, I need to see you in my office, Bad Boy.”