One Last Time(42)

I was just too weak to walk away—until now.

The judge reads through it, removes her glasses, and pauses. “Divorce is always emotional. It’s my job to remove the emotion from it and be fair. I’ve been doing this a long time, and this is my least favorite type of case.” Her eyes move between Scott and me. “I can’t presume to know what happened to bring you both here today, but I can say that there are two people in your lives who don’t yet know the real ramifications of your choices. Your children are going to struggle, but you have the power to decide how much they suffer.”

Everything inside me hurts when I think about Finn and Aubrey. While we’re adjusting to living without Scott, I see the difference in their eyes. My goal has always been to protect them, which is why I never wanted to present him in a bad light. That doesn’t mean I deserve to be raked over the coals because he’s a selfish asshole.

She clears her throat. “I don’t like games, Mr. McGee. I don’t like liars. More than those, I don’t like people who think it’s okay to put others down in order to build themselves up. If you truly thought your wife was having an affair, why wait to file until the day before? I’ll tell you why,” she says before he can answer. “You knew it was completely false. So, after reading the evidence and lack of evidence, it’s my discretion to decide what it all means in regard to the division of assets and the best interests of the children.” Her eyes meet mine. “Mrs. McGee, did you work throughout the marriage?”

“No, your Honor. My husband felt it was best I stay home with the kids since we could afford to lose my income.”

“And you and the children vacated the house?” she asks.

“Yes.”

“Mr. McGee,” she calls his attention. “I do not believe your wife was unfaithful. I do, however, believe that you were emotionally abusive based on the information that was presented. I urge you to seek counseling for the welfare of yourself and your children. With that said, you are to pay durational alimony for the next seven years, child support, as well as provide medical coverage for both Mrs. McGee and the children.”

Scott lets out a low noise, and I breathe a sigh of relief. My job is great, but the pay is not the best, and I can’t expect Heather to let me live in her home forever. This will allow me a little breathing room.

The judge finishes the paperwork, and we’re done.

We’re divorced.

Scott walks over to me with anger radiating off of him. “This is your fault. All of it.”

My first instinct is to cower, but I stop myself. Noah’s words echo in my ears: “You think you’re weak, but I see a strong, beautiful, and smart woman who deserves a man who will worship her. More than any of that, Kristin, I should walk out and let both our lives be a hell of a lot less complicated than trying to start something, but here I am. You’re worth complicating things.

I stand a little taller and look him in the eyes. “I’m sorry you feel that way, but you’re not my problem anymore, and in all honesty, I don’t give a flying fuck.”

My legs feel like jelly as I walk away. Each step I take away from Scott gives me a bit more strength back.

Nicole gets to her feet as soon as I come into view. “Done?”

“It’s done. I’m single, and we’re done,” I say, and my lip trembles.

“Not here.” She takes both my hands in hers. “He doesn’t get to have any satisfaction. You smile right now, okay?”

I push back the tears and plaster a fake smile on my face. Scott walks past, glaring at me, but I stay strong. He won’t see me break ever again. He’s seen enough of that.

It’s time to rebuild the bricks he tore down.



“What the hell?” I laugh as all my friends, who are gathered in my living room, toss confetti in the air.

“Happy divorce day!” Heather yells as she wraps her arms around me. “You’re not going to be alone tonight, and we’re going to celebrate.”

I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. My heart is severed in half, each side is at war with the other, trying to see whether I’m broken or can be healed. There is no guidebook on how to handle a divorce. I hate that there’s even a sliver of sadness. Scott doesn’t deserve even that much from me, but denying it won’t change the fact that I am sad.

“I’m not sure guys,” I say, which makes Danielle’s lips turn down.

“Do you remember when Heather and Matt’s divorce was final?” Nicole asks. “Wasn’t it you that organized the intervention to ensure she wasn’t sitting at home eating her disgusting cookie concoction?”

I hate when they’re right. I hate it even more that I did for Heather what they are doing for me now, and I don’t want it. “Still, I’m tired.”

Heather shrugs. “Slumber party it is!”

There are no boundaries with this group. We don’t care if someone wants to be alone or wallow in self-pity, we’ll just join in without an invitation. The kids are with my parents for the weekend, and they aren’t leaving, so I might as well make the best of it.

We grab the bottles of wine and park our asses on the couch. For the first hour, we talk about plans for Heather’s wedding, which is in a little over two weeks. She got engaged a few days ago, seriously Eli is ridiculous with being so good to her, and I try to focus on how happy I am for her. Each detail she shares about the things he’s doing allows little pieces of sorrow to creep in. She’s my best friend, whom I love more than I can say and who deserves to be happy, but I wish I weren’t so newly single.