Kate's Vow (Vows) Read Free Page A

here representing your son,” she said.
    The statement confirmed his recollection but added a startling twist. “My son,” he repeated weakly. Then in a rush, he demanded, “Is Davey okay? What the hell do you mean you’re representing him?”
    She ignored his tone and slowly withdrew a piece of paper that for all the world looked like a legal document. She held it out. Heart thumping, he snatched it from her grasp. When he’d read it through, he regarded her in astonishment. As indignation washed through him, he waved the paper in her face.
    “This says that my son has retained you as his legal counsel.”
    “Good. You can read. That will make things easier.”
    The cutting remark sailed right past him as he tried to focus on the meaning of the legal document in his hand. He finally met her gaze again, indignation suddenly tempered by genuine bewilderment. “He’s a ten-year-old boy, for God’s sake. What does he need a lawyer for?”
    “Because, Mr. Winthrop, your son would like to file for a divorce.” She waited just long enough for that incredible piece of news to sink in, then added, “From you.”

Chapter Two
    D avid couldn’t have been more stunned if someone had told him that his futuristic sets, all products of a vivid imagination, were accurate depictions of far-off planets down to the last alien being and barren detail. He also felt a powerful surge of helplessness and anger that a total stranger knew more about what was going on in his son’s head than he did. Why in God’s name hadn’t he seen this coming?
    Of course, he consoled himself, it was entirely possible that this woman was making the whole charade up. He clung to that premise because it allowed him to retort with a heavy dose of sarcasm.
    “You know, lady, I’ve heard of ambulance chasers in your business, but taking advantage of a ten-year-old boy is outrageous. I could have you brought up on charges.”
    She didn’t bat an eye. He had to admit that impressed him. And worried him.
    “What charges?” she inquired with disconcerting calm. “I’m looking after my client’s interests. Last I heard, that was what lawyers get paid to do.”
    “Paid? Now we’re getting down to it, aren’t we?” he said, almost sorry that this woman was the low-down vulture he’d first predicted her to be. “What’s it going to take to get you off your high horse and out of my life? Name your price.”
    The derisive question brought a furious spark to those incredible, vivid eyes that were the shade of whisky shot through with fire. He couldn’t seem to look away, fascinated despite himself by the immediate, passionate response that was evident before she said a word.
    “How dare you!” she said, stepping up until they were toe to toe. In her high-heeled pumps, with her chin tilted up defiantly, their eyes were almost level.
    “This isn’t about money,” she said slowly and emphatically, as if she wasn’t entirely sure he could grasp plain English. “It isn’t about me taking advantage of anyone. It’s about a little boy’s relationship with his father and, frankly, Mr. Winthrop, I’m beginning to see why he wants out.”
    Noble words, spoken with conviction. Hurled smack in his face, in fact. David recognized the technique. She was invading his space, trying to intimidate him. She was probably a real hellion in a courtroom, he thought with surprising admiration. Perhaps elsewhere, as well. A little shiver of awareness cut through his own outrage. Analyzing that unexpected reaction kept him from listening too closely to the accusations she was leveling at him, until one snagged his attention.
    “…and neglect.”
    Neglect?
He simply stared at her. “I do not neglect my son,” he said in a low, furious tone that matched hers for righteous indignation. “He is fed and clothed. He has every toy, every opportunity a boy his age could possibly dream about. He’s got more computer games than FAO Schwartz. He plays baseball,