Page 59 of Anatomy of Us

Standing, wiping tears, Wesley on her hip.

A security guard says something, but I don’t hear him. I just run.

I take the steps two at a time, fans shouting congratulations, hands reaching out, the air sharp with sweat and spilled beer and something sweet I can’t name.

I cradle her face in my hands and kiss her.

Wes stretches his hands out, demanding attention, and we both kiss his head at the same time.

“Champions,” I breathe, and Tessa wipes my tears with her thumb.

“Champions,” she repeats, then presses a kiss to my forehead.

Wesley complains between us, thumping my shoulder with his toy. I laugh. I cry. Both at once.

I lift him into my arms and hold him to my chest, and he pinches my nose with sticky fingers. The crowd keeps screaming. Down on the field I see my team celebrating.

And everything is perfect.

Absolutely perfect.

Chapter 20

Tessa

It’s wild how fast time moves.

It feels like yesterday we won the title, and somehow months have already gone by.

I lie on my back staring at the ceiling on my side of the bed. Because I have a side now. Permanent. Claimed. Today I don’t want to get up. I’m scared of what might happen.

But Wes has other plans and babbles through the monitor.

“I’ve got it,” I mumble, even though Zoe doesn’t move. She doesn’t want to leave the bed either.

“Teh!” he shrieks, sitting up in his crib and throwing his arms out so I’ll scoop him up.

That’s my only good moment of the day, because at ten we’re at the courthouse for the custody review.

Same beige building. Same dry, recycled air. Same hallways I walked six months ago with sweaty palms and my heart jammed in my throat.

Even the judge wears the same neutral face when we enter the courtroom.

Nate is already at the other table with Harrington, his attorney. Gray suit. Blue tie. The look of a man who plans to squeeze harder and call it fatherhood.

“We are here for the scheduled custody review in Méndez v. Henderson. I have reviewed all documentation submitted by both parties,” the judge says.

She pauses, long enough for the room to feel smaller, then shifts her gaze to Yvonne.

“Ms. Park, anything to add?”

Yvonne stands.

“Your Honor, we have submitted extensive documentation showing that Wesley has thrived over the last six months in Ms. Méndez’s care. Pediatric reports reflect above-average development. Evaluations highlight his sociability and emotional well-being. We also provided evidence of a stable home with two consistent parental figures and a very broad support network.”

The judge nods, then turns to Nate’s counsel.

“Mr. Harrington?”