Chapter 8 - THE DECISION THAT MADE DAVID FACE THE QUESTION HIMSELF
Allison chose noninvasive prenatal paternity testing.
I learned because the result affected a motion David filed regarding the new trust.
The test could compare fetal DNA circulating in Allison’s blood with a potential father’s sample.
Her physician explained limitations, consent, and follow-up carefully.
David agreed.
Ryan agreed separately.
I was not involved.
That mattered.
For once, no one could accuse me of manufacturing the answer.
The test would take time.
While everyone waited, I made my own irreversible choice.
I accepted a one-year position with my firm’s Vancouver office.
Not forever.
Long enough to build distance and stability.
My custody order permitted relocation only with consent or court approval beyond the summer period, so I did not simply disappear overseas.
Erin filed the proper request.
David opposed.
Again.
His argument centered on maintaining frequent contact with Noah and Lily.
That was legitimate.
Unlike the tarmac scene, this was a real parenting issue.
I proposed extended school-break parenting time, weekly video calls, and shared travel expenses.
The court ordered mediation.
We attended remotely.
“You’re taking them because you want to punish me,” David said.
“I’m taking a career opportunity and offering you more uninterrupted vacation time.”
“They belong here.”
“They belong where they are safe and stable.”
“They’re safe with me.”
I believed that physically.
Emotionally, we needed work.
“Then show them.”
The relocation dispute became the first conflict in which I refused to turn David into a cartoon villain.
He loved Noah and Lily.
He also expected access to remain convenient for him regardless of the damage his choices created.
Both could be true.
We eventually reached a temporary one-year arrangement.
The children would attend school in Vancouver.
David would have extended winter, spring, and summer parenting periods plus monthly visits when feasible.
I would pay more of the flight costs because the relocation benefited my work.
Reasonable.
Expensive.
Real.
Margaret called the agreement “a kidnapping with paperwork.”
Emily told her:
“Mom, stop.”
That apparently ended the conversation.
The family was changing even without me in the room.
Allison’s paternity result had still not arrived.
David’s anxiety affected everything.
He postponed a major Cole Aeronautics board presentation.
Missed one scheduled call with Noah.
Then apologized instead of blaming me.
Small.
New.
“Dad said he’s having a hard week,” Noah told me.
“Adults have those.”
“Is the baby sick?”
“Not that I know.”
“Then what?”
“That’s Dad’s story to tell you when it’s appropriate.”
I could have destroyed David in my son’s eyes with one sentence.
I chose not to.
May you like
Protection and concealment were not the same thing.
I was finally learning the difference.
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