WHAT IF???

Chapter 69: Letting Go

Kirk sat in his car, gripping the steering wheel tightly as he stared out the windshield, his mind racing. The conversation with Grandmother replayed in his head over and over. Her disappointment cut deeper than he had expected, and her declaration to support Sam’s annulment felt like a final blow.

"How did it come to this?" Kirk muttered to himself, his voice laced with frustration and regret. He replayed his own words, realizing too late how hollow and defensive they had sounded. "I did that because Sam lacks as my wife," he had said, but now it felt like a flimsy excuse for his inexcusable actions.

He rubbed his forehead, trying to dispel the tension. He couldn’t ignore Grandmother's warning, "I will do everything for Sam's annulment." The weight of those words pressed heavily on his chest, making it hard to breathe.

Kirk's thoughts shifted to the baby. "I have to make amends," he whispered, his eyes clouding with uncertainty. He had no idea how to even begin fixing the mess he had created. The fear of losing his child, the fear of being completely cut out of Sam’s life, gnawed at him relentlessly.

Unable to shake off his worries, he pulled out his phone and dialed Nita's number. After a few rings, she answered, her voice calm and collected. "Kirk, what's going on?"

Kirk took a deep breath, struggling to keep his voice steady. "I just talked to Sam's grandmother. She's going to testify for the annulment. She's determined to help Sam end our marriage."

There was a pause on the other end before Nita spoke, her tone thoughtful. "Kirk, you need to face the reality of the situation. There's not much you can do but concede to Sam's demands."

Kirk clenched his jaw, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "Concede? I can't just let this happen. What about the abuse case? She'll destroy me."

Nita's voice remained steady, a hint of sympathy in her words. "Kirk, listen to me. The best thing you can do right now is to plead for Sam's forgiveness. Show her genuine remorse. It might be your only chance to soften her stance on the abuse case."

Kirk swallowed hard, his mind racing with the implications. "You really think that will work?"

"I can't promise anything," Nita admitted, "but it's your best shot. Sam might be more willing to reconsider if she sees that you're truly sorry for what you did."

A silence stretched between them, the weight of Nita's words sinking in. Finally, she added, "And remember, Kirk, I'm here for you. We'll get through this together."

Kirk sighed, a mixture of gratitude and helplessness washing over him. "Thanks, Nita. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Nita's voice softened, offering a small comfort in the storm of his emotions. "We'll figure this out, Kirk. Just take it one step at a time."

As they ended the call, Kirk sat back in his seat, staring out the windshield. The path ahead seemed daunting, filled with uncertainty and regret. But with Nita's support, he found a sliver of hope, a faint possibility that maybe, just maybe, he could make things right.

After ending the call with Nita, Kirk took a deep breath, trying to muster the courage he needed. He dialed Sam's number, his heart pounding with each ring. When Sam answered, there was a brief moment of silence before she spoke.

"Hello?"

"Sam, it's Kirk," he said, his voice tentative.

Before Sam could respond, Mon grabbed the phone from her, her tone firm and protective. "What do you want, Kirk?"

Kirk swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady. "Mon, I need to talk to Sam. Please, it's important."

Mon's grip on the phone tightened, her resolve unyielding. "If you have something to say, you can say it to me."