Custody Read Online Free PDF

pain.
    “When my mother was dying, she wanted so terribly to know that I would be safe, which to her meant being married. She needed to know that someone would love me and take care of me. She liked Jason. Well, I like Jason. It made her happy to know we were planning to marry.”
    “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
    “Oh, Jason wouldn’t be hell . He’s a very nice man.”
    “My wife is a very nice woman. But I can assure you that marriage to someone you don’t really love is a mistake.”
    “Do you have children?”
    “A daughter. Whom we both love. Who will be happier when we’re divorced, of that I’m sure.”
    They began to walk again, ascending a small hill in silence until they reached the summit and saw the lush green tops of trees along the Jamaicaway and the traffic, just bright dots blurring along.
    “Perspective,” the man said. “That’s another thing I like about being here, the way it distances me from the pressing problems of my life. Provides space.”
    Kelly nodded in agreement. “Jason thinks it’s odd that I come here. He’s more efficient than I. And competitive.”
    “With you?”
    “With everyone. I think his right eye competes with his left to see farther. He’s even ambidextrous.”
    The man laughed. It was a rich, deep sound, the laugh of someone with a zest for life. “Competition, aggression. They aren’t necessarily bad. They can indicate a kind of optimism.”
    “Yes, I suppose.” Kelly considered this as they fell into step, walking back down the hill. “Still, the more Jason pushes at me to name a date, the more resistance I feel. This isn’t somekind of contest, I keep telling him. He won’t win if he forces me to marry him when I’m uncertain. We’ll both lose.”
    “Do you love him?”
    Kelly stumbled. The man put his hand on her arm to steady her. She looked at his hand—broad and firm, with clean, blunt nails—and then up into his blue eyes. “Have we met before?”
    “I don’t think so. I wish we had.”
    A blush rose from her chest up her neck. The connection between them was so intense, she had to look away.
    After a long moment, they began to walk again, past mausoleums with intricate iron doors, brass doors, marble friezes.
    “I’m always surprised that more people don’t come here,” she said, testing the steadiness of her voice. “Some of the most beautiful artwork in the world is here.”
    He nodded in response.
    “Jason hasn’t offered to visit the cemetery with me. Well, he came to the funeral, of course. But now —Every week? he asked. Isn’t that a little morbid ? It helps me clear my mind, I tell him. It helps me remember what really matters. I think Jason sees his life as a kind of track event, with hurdles he’s eager to cross as soon as possible. He’s already achieved sufficient status professionally. Now he wants the other stuff: marriage, a great house, a vacation home, some children. He’s itching for a reason to buy a Mercedes four-wheel drive.” Kelly shook her head. “I apologize for going on like this. I can’t imagine what’s gotten into me.”
    “I like listening to you,” the man said. Laugh lines around his mouth and eyes engraved pale streaks in the tan of his face. “It makes me realize how most of my conversations are just small talk.”
    They continued along a path planted with high, leafy rhododendrons. A squirrel dashed across the lane, stopping to fix them with an indignant stare.
    “Hi,” Kelly said to the squirrel.
    It flicked its tail and raced off into the bushes.
    “Tell me some good things about Jason.”
    “All right. Let’s see. He’s very smart. And basically kind. My mother liked him.”
    “Your father?”
    “My father’s dead. My ‘stepfather’—” Kelly paused. The spell snapped. She looked at her watch. “Damn. I’ve got to go. I’ve got an appointment.”
    They had arrived at the lane leading to the chapel, office, and parking lot. They stood onSnowflake