“Do you have any other information you would like to provide before we dismiss for recess so I can review and make a decision?” the judge asks both lawyers, who agree there is nothing further. “We will reconvene at two.”
Randall packs up his stuff, and we follow him downstairs so we can talk. Did he still believe the judge wouldn’t give him visitation?
“Well, his lawyer definitely tried to buy the sympathy card for the judge,” Damon says, laughing. “Too bad you blew that up for him.”
“Yeah, his lawyer lied through his teeth,” I blurt out, frustrated about the things Chris’s lawyer said. Bullshit.
Randall replies, “Right, but here’s the thing. You were smart and brought evidence to back up your claims. He has no evidence that you were keeping him away from her, but the other way around. He didn’t want anything to do with Emily. That’s what the judge was able to see. Or at least I hope.”
“You hope?” Why would he say it like that? I can’t take bad news today. There’s no way I’m going to explain to Emily that she won’t have a choice but to stay with her father. No, as her mother, it is my job to protect her.
“The judge does have the final say, unfortunately. So, let’s cross our fingers and hope he has some good sense,” Randall replies.
We leave to grab something quick to eat across the street at a little bistro. Nothing sounds good, so Damon just orders me a burger and fries. The most I can do is pick at it.
“Come on, you need to eat something.”
“I just can’t. My stomach is in knots, and until I know what the judge rules, it won’t stop. I’ll eat after we get good news.” There I go trying to push myself to be optimistic.
He runs his left hand up and down my back as he eats with the other hand until it’s time to go back to hear the ruling.
“Alright, this is it. Whatever way the judge rules, we’ll deal with it. I’m not going anywhere,” Damon says, kissing me on top of my head and pushing the courtroom door open.
“After reviewing all information given to me at this time, my ruling is in favor of the plaintiff keeping the child and maintaining full custody.” The judge pauses.
Damon and I both shriek, “Yes.”
“I find that the defendant has neglected the minor child. His careless disregard for her safety when he left her alone while working makes him a danger to her. The father should adhere to the restraining order in place and not go within five hundred feet of Tessa. I order that the defendant receive supervised visitation every Wednesday at six p.m. for one hour at the Grapevine Police Department.”
It’s over! I can finally sleep peacefully knowing that he can’t take her from me without going to jail. I wrap my arms around Damon and kiss him. “I couldn’t have gotten through this without you.”