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Jerking the car into the nearest parking spot, I barely managed to park it properly and shut it off before I was racing to join them.

“Sophie!”

Her head whipped around and she shoved away from Val, tearing across the playground and throwing herself into my arms.

“Oh, sweetheart. I’m so glad you’re okay.”

She sobbed against my chest, clinging to me in a death grip. I took a second just to hold her, breathing in her strawberry shampoo. One weekend away from her was too hard. I couldn’t handle another.

I’d never once fought Val’s demands. I was so worried she’d take away Sophie completely that I gave in to whatever she wanted, just to make sure I had my time. But she was going to take Sophie away anyway. I needed to stand up for myself or I’d never see my daughter again.

My eyes opened, my gaze sweeping to where I last saw them. Val was headed our way, but I took a second to look at Hendrix. He looked just as broken as I felt, but he forced a small smile and dipped his chin before flying off with the other demon close behind him. I watched him go, my chest aching, until Val stood in front of me.

“What happened?” I demanded.

Her face hardened, objecting to my tone, but I deserved answers. I didn’t miss the fact that Hendrix was the one to call me. Val never told me Sophie was missing or that they had found her. I knew without a shadow of a doubt, if she’d had her way, she would never have told me. That much was obvious from the look on her face.

“She ran away. She’s fine now. I–”

“No, Val. She isn’t.” I hugged my crying girl tighter, glaring at my ex-wife. “What part of this is fine? How is her being so upset about what happened that she’d run away fine?”

Val crossed her arms over her chest, her chin lifted defiantly. I didn’t understand where this had come from. This wasn’t thewoman I knew in college. Over time, she’d gotten worse and worse until she was hardly recognizable. This wasn’t the same woman who refused to let our little girl sleep in a crib because she was too far from her.

“This doesn’t change anything, Arthur. You–”

“Don’t start,” I snapped. “You want to bring me to court, then fine. I’ll be more than happy to provide ample evidence that I’m a good father to our little girl. And I’ll make sure to share with them that she is running away on your watch and that you refused to share that information with me. I’m done letting you push me around, Valeria. She’s my daughter too. I’m not giving her up without a fight.”

Val seethed, glaring at me, but a voice spoke behind her before she could reply. “We’re not taking her from you. Right, Valeria?”

I didn’t recognize the man behind her. He’d been waiting in the car, but came to join us now that we were talking. He was dressed in a smart suit and his black hair was combed back in Val’s favorite style. I had to assume that was her boyfriend. She made me dress and look the same way when we’d been together. But unlike me, this guy screamed money and power. It made me a little nervous, my grip tightening on Sophie ever so slightly.

Val spun around to glare at the man, but he shot her a look and she stayed silent. Giving me his full attention, he offered me his hand. “I’m Lee. I’m sorry I haven’t introduced myself sooner. I had an important client at work and I’ve been busy.”

Shaking his hand, I kept my tight grip on Sophie. “You’re the boyfriend. Sophie told me.”

He nodded. “That’s right. Though, I had been preparing to propose this weekend. I’ve put that on hold for now. I can’t in good conscience marry a woman who would tear a little girl away from her father just because she didn’t like the race or gender ofwho he was dating. It doesn’t bode well for the future should we have any children ourselves.”

Val looked both hurt and angry. I held little sympathy for her, not after what she’d done, but I cared about her once. I didn’t want her to be unhappy.

“While I appreciate that, you shouldn’t go into a relationship expecting it to fail. Val and I never would’ve worked out in the long run. That could be different for the two of you.”

Val looked up, surprised. “You’re… You’re standing up for me? Why?”

Rubbing my hand slowly over Sophie’s back, I fought with my emotions. I wanted to keep yelling, to tell her off for everything she’d done. But it wouldn’t help the situation. I had to stay calm.

“I’ve always wanted you to be happy, Val. I spent ten years trying to make that happen. It didn’t work out with us, but that doesn’t mean I want things to go poorly for you now. I just want my daughter back.”

Sophie’s arms tightened around my neck at the mention of her being taken away. I leaned my head against hers, reminding her I was right there with her.

“Val and I have spent the weekend discussing this,” Lee interjected. “I don’t think it’s right what she’s been doing. And because I’m a lawyer, I warned her I’d take her cousin on if she continued. I love her, but I won’t let her ruin your relationship with your daughter. If she wants to continue our relationship, she’ll need to reevaluate how she treats her daughter’s father.”

I was stunned that this man was standing up for me. Especially against Val. She didn’t look happy about it, but I also noticed that whenever he mentioned ending their relationship, she looked really hurt. She didn’t want to lose her relationship with him. I guess she really did prefer a man with a backbone.

Lee looked at her expectantly, and Val sighed. “I won’t sue for full custody.” She shot Lee a frown before turning to me. “I was going to. I don’t like the idea of Sophie around–”

Lee cleared his throat and Val backtracked a little.

“Well, anyway. I’m willing to discuss rearranging the visitation schedule. With planning the wedding and a future family, I’ll be busy. I’m sure Sophie would like more one-on-one time with you.”