He smiled, nodding. “I’d love to. I miss the dork.”
Snorting, I tossed some money down and slid out of the booth, and Wells did the same. We walked out of the restaurant, and I took his hand, hoping he wouldn’t push me away. When he linked our fingers together, it felt like teenage me was getting to finally live in the light, hope coursing through me that this was the start of my new beginning—the real one.
* * *
Taking a deep breath,I pushed through the doors, ignoring the opposing side of the courtroom, and focused only on my lawyer. Last night had given me a lot to think about, but mostly it gave me the courage to do what I needed to do. Wells had been right. If Brittni was a good mother, she wouldn’t have taken him away from his father for being better at it than her. She claimed it was neglect and my sexual orientation, but when I thought about it, it was because she didn’t like not winning.
It was time she learned what it felt like to lose everything.
I caught Larry sitting on the right side from the corner of my eye, and I greeted him. He hadn’t been such a bad guy, in the end, just having the unfortunate misfortune to be swayed by Brittni too. When I’d told him what she’d been doing, he’d quickly asked what I needed. He might be older, but he wasn’t a fool, at least not twice.
Adrenaline pumped through me, the Komodo rising to the front as I accepted my role in this. My lawyer smiled when I sat, checking to make sure I was ready.
“You ready for this?”
“Yep. Did you get the other cases filed?”
“Yep. I have them right here. Once we present the information for the custody case, I’ll present our other evidence to the Court and serve Brittni with the papers.”
“Perfect.”
Exhaling a breath, I sat back and looked around the room. My eyes met Brittni’s for a brief second, and I hid my confidence. She appeared smug, though, assuming she’d win. Since this was a family case, this courtroom was open, providing a bigger stage for Brittni’s fall. I did a double take when I spotted Loren and Wells walking in. I blinked, but a smile came to my face at their show of support. The last bit of courage I needed filled me, and I turned forward. I happened to catch Brittni’s glare as well when she saw them, crossing her arms like a child who hadn’t gotten her way.
The bailiff walked in, calling us all to rise seconds before the door to the Judge’s chambers opened. I was glad to see it was a new judge, and a woman even. I’d looked into her, and she was fair, giving me hope that with the information presented to her, I’d be granted what I asked for with no bias.
She took a moment to look over her notes before addressing Britt’s lawyer. “Mr. Reynolds, do you have any information to add to the evidence presented?”
“Yes, Your Honor. We’d like to push forward with full custody and terminate Mr. Miller’s rights.”
“On what grounds, Mr. Reynolds?” she asked in surprise. “As far as I can tell, Mr. Miller has performed exceptionally for all the requirements placed on him, that quite frankly, I’m appalled we’re even given in the first place. There is nothing to support the original custody claim, much less give Mrs. Kimpton full rights over Mr. Miller. Do you have anything to add to the evidence?”
Relief rushed through me that Atticus had been right in finding this judge and that Brittni wouldn’t have anything to stand on now that I’d had time to prepare. I watched her lawyer swallow as Brittni tugged on his arm, giving him a look.
He stood, brushing off her touch, and I wondered if he’d realized his career could be impacted by his booty call and was reevaluating if it was worth it. A smile crept up, and I covered my face with my hand to hide it as I watched it unfold. My lawyer caught my eye, his own smile tilting up. When I’d contacted Brandon, a friend from law school, he’d been flabbergasted that the case had made it to court back in January.
“The plaintiff would like to present a new piece of evidence. It has come to our attention that after a visit with Mr. Miller, the child, Levi, was covered in bruises.”
Fury rose through me, and I had to stop myself from yelling in outrage. The judge might be reasonable, but there wasn’t a judge around who accepted disorder in their courtroom. The lawyer handed her a picture, and Brandon tilted his head to me.
“Do you know when this could’ve been?” Shaking my head, I didn’t trust myself to speak. He nodded in understanding and focused back on the front.
“This is a pretty big claim, Mrs. Kimpton. Are you sure this is accurate information? Did you report it to CPS? Where was the visit supervisor during this? Where are their notes?”
Her questions eased me, knowing she didn’t buy it just because there was photo evidence. The lawyer swallowed, clearing his throat. “It was only brought to my attention this morning. I believe it occurred last night, and with the case being moved up, my client hadn’t had time to file the appropriate paperwork.”
“This goes against proper procedure, Mr. Reynolds.”
“I am aware, Your Honor. My client felt it was important enough to bring to you first.”
She hummed, turning to us. “Mr. Warner, does your client have any information on this photo?”
“Your Honor, my client hasn’t been informed of any concerns of this nature. When is the date in question this alleged abuse occurred?”
Brandon turned his head toward Brittni, waiting for her to answer. The Judge looked too when she didn’t answer. “Mrs. Kimpton, we’re waiting.”
“Last night, Your Honor.”
I wanted to roll my eyes. This screamed desperate. Pulling Brandon close, I whispered to him, “Let me speak.” He dipped his head in understanding, turning back to the judge.