Page 43

I can feel it coming.

Lauren sits stiffly, her fingers clenched so tightly on the table that her knuckles are white.

She thought she could control this.

She thought she could paint me as an absent father, a reckless parent.

She thought Kenzie would crumble under pressure.

But now? She’s cornered. And cornered people make mistakes.

Lauren’s lawyer stands.

“Your Honor, if I may, I’d like to address another concern.”

The judge exhales, clearly growing tired of the theatrics.

“Proceed.”

Lauren’s lawyer turns to me.

“The defense has argued that Mr. Maddox is fully capable of providing a stable home for Olivia. However, we have reason to believe that his lifestyle—particularly his new relationship—introduces significant risk.”

Kenzie goes rigid beside me.

My jaw clenches.

Here it comes.

Lauren’s lawyer pauses for effect.

Then—he goes for the kill.

“We have evidence that Mr. Maddox’s new relationship is not only moving too quickly, but that it could present a negative influence on Olivia.”

My hands tighten into fists.

Kenzie stiffens beside me.

But Marcus?

Marcus leans back, completely unbothered.

Lauren’s lawyer pulls out a folder.

And then?

He holds up a photo.

A photo of Kenzie and me.

At the bar.

The night we met.

My stomach drops.

Because it’s not just any photo.

It’s her leaning into me, her lips close to my ear, my hand resting possessively on her thigh.

A moment that, to anyone else, looks like pure seduction.

And to a courtroom?

It looks damning.

My blood runs hot.

Because this?

This is a dirty play.

Lauren’s lawyer turns to the judge.

“Your Honor, this was taken just weeks ago. A bar in Denver. This wasn’t some long-standing romance built on stability. This was a fleeting connection that has suddenly turned into a full-fledged relationship. We have to ask—is this really a woman fit to be around a six-year-old?”

Kenzie’s breath catches.

Because she knows exactly what this looks like.

And suddenly, this case isn’t just about me anymore.

It’s about her.

The courtroom is silent.

Kenzie’s face is unreadable.

But me?

I’m furious. Not just at Lauren. Not just at her lawyer. But at the entire damn situation.

Marcus remains calm. He stands slowly, taking his time as he straightens his suit.

Then—he turns to Lauren’s lawyer.

“That’s your big reveal?” he says, voice mild. “A picture of two consenting adults in a bar?”

Lauren’s lawyer smiles like a snake.

“It shows the nature of their relationship, Your Honor. That this isn’t a stable foundation for a child to be around.”

My chest tightens.

Because Kenzie?

She’s taking the hit.

And that?

I won’t allow.

I stand.

Marcus shoots me a warning glance, but I ignore it.

I look at the judge.

“Your Honor, I’d like to respond.”

The judge nods.

I turn to the lawyer, my voice calm, but sharp as steel.

“You’re right about one thing,” I say. “Kenzie and I met in that bar. But what you’re not showing is what came next.”

Kenzie watches me, breath held.

And I don’t hesitate.

“This woman?” I motion to Kenzie. “She’s the most stable part of my life.”

Lauren scoffs.

But I’m not done.

“She’s not some reckless fling. She’s not a distraction. She’s someone who makes me better. Someone who’s patient with my daughter. Someone who—despite being dragged into this mess—has done nothing but stand by my side.”

Kenzie’s eyes shine.

Lauren’s face tightens.

And the judge? Watches, assessing.

I exhale. Then deliver the final blow.

“You want to know if Olivia is safe around Kenzie?” I shake my head. “Kenzie is the safest thing that’s ever happened to me.”

The room goes silent.

Lauren’s lawyer clears his throat.

And Marcus?

Marcus smiles.

Because now?

Lauren’s last move just backfired.

The tension is suffocating.

Lauren’s lawyer shifts uncomfortably.

Marcus?

He’s practically glowing.

Because everyone in this courtroom just saw it.

The shift.

The judge leans forward slightly, studying me.

“Mr. Maddox,” the judge says, voice measured, “are you saying that your relationship with Ms. Williams is serious?”

I don’t hesitate.

“Yes.”

Kenzie goes still.

Not because she didn’t know it. But because hearing me say it—here, in front of everyone, in front of her—makes it real.

Lauren’s lawyer clears his throat.

“Your Honor, while that’s touching, it still doesn’t negate the fact that this relationship began in a bar—”

Marcus cuts in smoothly.

“Unless you have evidence that a bar is an illegal meeting place, I don’t see the relevance.”

Lauren’s lawyer clamps his mouth shut.

Kenzie bites her lip, trying not to smile.

Marcus turns to the judge.

“This is a desperate attempt to shift focus from what actually matters—Olivia’s well-being. And what we’ve proven today is that she is not only safe with Mr. Maddox but thriving in the time she spends with him.”

The judge nods once.

Then turns to Lauren.

“Ms. Caldwell, do you have anything else to add?”

Lauren hesitates. She looks uncertain. Because she’s running out of ammo. And she knows it.

But she won’t go down without a fight. She squares her shoulders. And says the last thing anyone expects.

Lauren’s lips press into a thin line. Her eyes flash to the judge.

To Marcus.

To me.

Then—to Kenzie.

And I know—

She’s about to strike.

“I just have one question,” Lauren says, her voice smooth, too controlled.

She turns to Kenzie.

And smiles.

My muscles coil.

This won’t be good.

“Ms. Williams,” Lauren purrs, “how long do you really think this will last?”

Kenzie goes rigid.

My jaw tightens.

Marcus leans forward like he’s about to object, but Lauren keeps going.

“You’re young. Fun. You love your independence.”

She tilts her head, mock sympathy dripping from her voice.

“But Grant? He’s got baggage. He’s got a child. And eventually, you’ll realize that your little adventure”—her lips curve like the word is venom—“isn’t worth the weight of the life he actually lives.”

Silence falls over the courtroom.

Lauren smirks like she’s won.

Kenzie slowly exhales.

Then?

She laughs.

Lauren’s smirk falters.

My chest tightens.

Because Kenzie?

Kenzie just shook her damn head and smiled.

“You really don’t get it, do you?” she says, voice soft, almost… amused.

Lauren frowns.

Kenzie leans forward slightly.

“I’ve never run from responsibilities and the people I love. And I sure as hell won’t start with Grant.”

My throat tightens.

Lauren blinks, clearly thrown.

Marcus smirks.

Lauren’s lawyer has nothing left.

The judge exhales.

And then?

Delivers the ruling.

The courtroom is silent.

Everyone’s eyes are on the judge.

My pulse hammers.

Because this?

This is it.

The judge shuffles some papers, then exhales.

The judge looks at Lauren first.

“Ms. Caldwell, while I acknowledge your concerns as Olivia’s mother, this court finds that your claims of instability lack merit.”

Lauren stiffens.

Kenzie presses her lips together, holding back a reaction.

My hands clench into fists under the table.

Then, the judge looks at me.

“Mr. Maddox, do you have anything you’d like to say?”

I rise. Turn to Lauren. And that’s when I see it. The end of this war. So I square my shoulders, meet the judge’s gaze, and speak.

“My ex-wife and I have both made mistakes, but the only thing that has ever mattered to me is my daughter. I won’t stand here and pretend I’m perfect. I won’t claim I have all the answers. But I will promise you this—Olivia is my world. She deserves two parents who put her first. And if Lauren can’t do that, I will.”

The courtroom is silent.

The judge nods. “Mr. Maddox, your record as a father speaks for itself. You have demonstrated unwavering commitment to your daughter’s well-being. This court sees no reason to limit your custody rights.”

My lungs constrict.

The ruling is right there—

Just waiting to be spoken.

“As of today, full joint custody is granted. Olivia Maddox will split her time equally between both parents.”

Silence.

Then?

Relief crashes through me so hard, I nearly sag in my seat.

Kenzie squeezes my hand.

I look at her.

And in her eyes?

Pride.

But more than that—certainty. Like she knew all along I could do this.

Like she never once doubted me.

And God, I didn’t realize how much I needed that— someone who sees all of me and still chooses to stay.

Lauren’s lawyer nods stiffly.

Lauren? She doesn’t move. Doesn’t speak. She just sits there, shell-shocked. Because she lost.

And me?

I won.

But more than that—

Olivia won.

The judge stands.

“Court adjourned.”

The gavel slams down.

And just like that—

It’s over.

But when I look at Kenzie—at the way she’s still holding my hand, still here—I know one thing for sure.

This isn’t the end.

It’s the beginning.