Lucy’s eyes grew big as saucers. “He thinks—Why?”
“I asked him where his information came from and he refused to tell me. Then in the next breath, he asks me why I never went out with Tabitha Lester after I split up with Elizabeth. So you can guess who his source was.”
Waldo chose that moment to jump down from the back of the couch into his lap, making him grunt when the cat’s heavy weight landed too close for comfort. He stroked his head and the old ginger tabby flopped on his back for a belly rub and purred loudly.
“Tabitha?”
“Evidently, she confessed her deep, undying devotion for me when last she spoke with my father. She seemed to think that she was a better choice for me. I guess in her fantasy we were married.” The thought made him shudder. “Anyway, she went to him, and told him this pack of lies. She was probably Roberta’s source for misinformation as well. I didn’t realize they all knew each other that well but he and Mom have evidently joined Tabitha’s church.”
“He’s going to sue you for custody?” Lucy asked, still looking shocked.
“Yes. Despite the fact that he’s not actually a blood relative.”
“He’d never succeed.”
Patrick shook his head. “Probably not but the scandal would hurt PJ, and the family, in the process. Then he’d have more to blame me for. My main concern is PJ and how it would affect him.”
“What will you do?” Lucy asked.
“I told him that I wouldn’t consider it. I’m an adult. We’re adults. And if he is concerned about PJ perhaps he should spend more time around him and get to know him a little better before he makes accusations about him being ‘scarred for life by our reprehensible behavior.’ He said he’d give me two weeks to think it over and then his lawyer would be in touch.”
Frowning, Lucy said, “Why did Tabitha tell him all of that? What did she hope to gain?”
Patrick shook his head but it was Beck that replied. “The way she looked at you at the trade and craft fair makes more sense to me now. I think she must’ve thought that after you got over Elizabeth betraying you that she’d just slide in and fill that position for her.”
Patrick groaned at the memory of his father’s words. “Dad said that Tabitha would make a perfect mother for PJ.”
“I feel like puking at the thought,” Beck replied.
Lucy made a little gagging noise and then grinned. “Val thought he recognized her this evening when she stopped on the sidewalk to lecture me and Val. She made an unkind remark and when I replied, he got a good look at her. And you should’ve seen her face. I’d swear she recognized him, too.”
Patrick rested his head against the back of the couch and smiled as Waldo got up and went to Lucy and rubbed his head against her breasts. “You know there has to be a story there somewhere.”
The smile faded from Lucy’s face as she stroked Waldo’s belly. “What will you do about your dad?”
“I’ll just talk to my lawyer. He’s not getting PJ.”
Lucy shook her head and so did Beck.
Lucy squeezed his hand and he gazed onto her earnest blue eyes. “If it came down to it, and by some chance he took this to court, Patrick, I’d understand if you had to call it quits between us. You know that, right? PJ’s welfare means just as much to me as the two of you do. I hate that your dad is using him as a pawn to get what he wants.”
Patrick turned to her and said, “I don’t like what you’re thinking, Luce. There’s no way in hell I’m letting my father dictate my private life. I don’t give a damn what he thinks about my relationship with you or Beck.”
“Did you tell him you’re not gay?” Lucy asked.
“No. It shouldn’t matter. It’s still none of his business.”
* * * *
The Monday after the July Fourth holiday weekend, Beck pulled up in front of Patrick’s house. Before getting out, he dialed Lucy’s phone and left a message when he got her voice mail. Maizy Owen’s red VW Bug was parked out front and Beck surmised that she was staying with PJ while they went to the meeting at the Dancing Pony.
The about-to-be-five-year-old dynamo collided with his knees the second he walked through the door and called out a greeting.
“Save me, Beck! The Maizy-monster’s gonna eat me!” PJ screeched and then cackled in delight when Beck flipped PJ and planted his bottom on his shoulder.
Maizy came racing around the corner growling and giggling with her hands clawing playfully at his legs. “Rowr! I’m gonna eat me a PJ and peanut butter sandwich!”