Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 43198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 216(@200wpm)___ 173(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 216(@200wpm)___ 173(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
She gives me a regretful look. “No. I haven’t heard anything. And Zach isn’t answering. That’s not like him.”
I squeeze Lindsey’s hand. “It’s okay. It’s going to be okay.”
She looks at me, almost too calm. “Are you trying to reassure me or yourself?”
I wrap an arm around her. “I made you a promise. I intend to keep it. Whatever happens in there… I have a backup plan.”
Before she can ask, the bailiff steps into the hall.
“Davenport, Brody, Casey—the court is ready for you.”
We file into the courtroom. Lindsey and I take our seats beside our attorney. The rest of our family settles quietly behind us. Across the aisle, Mr. Gable sits alone at the opposing table.
The judge looks down from the bench. “Mr. Gable, where are your clients? If they are seeking custody, I would expect them to be present.”
Mr. Gable rises. “Your Honor, I have been unable to reach my clients. Given the circumstances, I respectfully request a continuance until their whereabouts can be confirmed.”
I nudge our attorney. He stands.
“Your Honor, the minor child’s need for stability and safety should not be delayed. We ask that the court proceed based on the evidence already before it.”
Beside me, Lindsey goes still. I rest my hand on her knee, trying to steady her. She reaches for me, gripping tightly like I’m the only thing holding her together.
The courtroom doors open again. A uniformed officer steps inside and approaches the front.
“Your Honor,” he says, “may I approach the bench?”
The judge nods. “You may.”
As the officer walks forward, Zach and Logan slip into the courtroom and take their seats beside their wives. I glance at Logan. He gives me a small nod with a hint of a smile.
Relief settles deep in my chest.
I lean closer to Lindsey. “It’s done,” I whisper.
A moment later, the judge lifts his gavel.
“Mr. Gable,” he says, “it appears your clients’ absence is due to their arrest. They are currently in custody facing multiple charges, including murder, fraud, and money laundering.”
A ripple moves through the courtroom.
The judge turns his attention to our side. “Mr. Carson, you are correct. There is no reason to delay these proceedings.”
He glances down at the file in front of him.
“This court has reviewed the report submitted by the guardian ad litem, including the home study, as well as interviews conducted with medical providers, educators, and other relevant parties.”
He pauses, then looks up.
“All findings indicate that Elijah Davenport is safe, stable, and thriving in the care of Ms. Lindsey Casey.”
Lindsey’s grip tightens in mine.
“Accordingly,” the judge continues, “the court awards full legal and physical custody of the minor child, Elijah Davenport, to Ms. Casey.”
The gavel comes down.
Happiness like I’ve never felt before comes over me. Lindsey is crying, and I’m hugging her. Our whole family has come up to congratulate us, and Lindsey’s hugging each of them, thanking them for everything.
I tell my family, “Eli will be home from school soon. Everyone come over and celebrate with us.”
Skyler chimes in, “I made a cake!”
I kiss her head. “Of course you did.”
We file out of the courtroom, and after another round of goodbyes and hugs, I have Lindsey in my car. She’s smiling and happy, and it’s so good to see.
My phone dings, and I pick it up. “We’re home and Eli’s asking about you guys. Everything okay?”
I text him back. “Be home in ten.”
I listen to Lindsey talk the whole way to the house, and when I look in the rearview mirror, I see my family’s vehicles behind us. I know we need to talk, but Lindsey and Eli deserve this celebration.
As soon as I pull through the gates of the house, we see Mike and Eli standing on the porch.
Eli comes down to the car, and Lindsey gets out. There’s no hiding the outcome of today’s court case. Lindsey is exuding happiness. She doesn’t even have to tell Eli and he’s jumping up and down, excited. “So I get to stay with you?”
She picks him up and holds him. “Yes, forever.”
I watch aunt and nephew hold on to each other, and I’m happy for them, but there’s a loneliness standing here watching from the outside. Eli looks at me. “Miller, did you hear? I get to stay with you forever!”
I have to steady myself for Eli’s surge into my arms, but I don’t miss the panic on Lindsey’s face when Eli says what he says. He thinks he gets to stay with both of us. The court gave her custody. Not me.
Soon, my family is all pulling in, and they all pass Eli around for hugs. Zach carries in the cake, and Bree and Aria carry in snacks. They had this all ready. They never doubted the outcome.
We all move inside, and I pass Mike. “You ready to get back to driving me around?”
He shrugs. “Don’t tell anyone I said this, but I actually had fun hanging out with seven-year-olds. Eli’s a pretty cool kid.”