I told Tessa about Garrett’s decision to go on our family vacation without us when the kids got sick and my selling all his precious toys and used the money to bring the kids here.
Tessa burst out laughing.
“Oh my God, that’s brilliant! How’d he take it?”
“He doesn’t know yet,” I admitted. “But I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough.”
At that point, my phone started buzzing.
Garrett’s name flashed on the screen.
“Where the hell is all my stuff?” Garrett shouted, not bothering with a greeting.
“Oh, you noticed? I thought you’d be too busy ‘living the dream’ to care.”
“Don’t play games, Nora. What did you do?”
“I sold it,” I said simply.
“All of it. Your precious fishing rods, that boat you never use, everything.”
“You what? How could you!”
“How could I?” I interrupted.
“How could you abandon your sick children for a beach vacation? How could you ignore everything I do for this family?”
“That’s different! I work hard to provide for you.”
“And I don’t?” I shot back.
“I’m done, Garrett. Done with your selfishness, done with being taken for granted.”
He sputtered, “What are you saying?”
I took a deep breath. “I’m saying I want a divorce.”
“You’ll regret this, Nora.
I’ll make sure of it.”
I hung up, then I walked back to the pool, where Tessa was indulging in a cocktail.
“I just told my husband I want a divorce.”
Tessa’s eyes widened. “Wow, that’s huge. How do you feel?”
“Scared,” I admitted.
“But also relieved? Like I can finally breathe again.”
She squeezed my hand. “That’s totally normal.
Trust me, it gets better.”
We spent the rest of the afternoon playing with the kids. For the first time in years, I felt genuinely happy.
That night, when I tucked the kids into bed, Zach looked up at me with serious eyes. “Mom, are you and Dad getting divorced?
I heard you on the phone. And you seem happier here without him.”
I chose my words carefully. “Your dad and I have been having problems for a while now.
We’re going to try to work things out, but… yes, we might get divorced.”
“Okay. As long as you’re happy, Mom. That’s what matters.”
Tears pricked my eyes when I hugged him tight.
“When did you get so wise, huh?”
The kids were asleep. Then I stood on the balcony, watching the moonlight dance on the waves. My phone buzzed with a text from Garrett, “This isn’t over.
I’ll see you in court.”
I took a deep breath. The road ahead would be tough, yet I felt ready to face whatever came my way.
I crawled into bed, and I thought about the uncertain future ahead of us. It was terrifying, but also exhilarating.
For the first time in years, I felt like I was taking control of my life.
