Page 113 of Redeeming Melodies

Walking back to my seat felt like coming home. Because Jake was here. Because Tommy's smile had gone real and bright. Because for once, truth felt stronger than performance.

"Tommy Blue." The judge's voice carried soft but firm. "Would you come up here please?"

My heart stopped watching him walk to the stand. So small in his pressed suit, but chin up like we'd practiced. Brave in a way no eight-year-old should have to be.

The bailiff had to adjust the microphone down for him. Tommy's feet didn't even touch the floor from the witness chair. Wanted to run up there, scoop him away from all this. But his eyes found mine, steady and sure.

"Hi Tommy." The judge's tone went gentle. "Can you tell me about your school?"

"I like science best." His voice came clear, no hesitation. "Dad helps me with experiments. We built a solar system with racing tracks between the planets."

Pride mixed with pain in my chest. Because yeah, we'd done that. Between custody visits and supervised hours, we'd created something real.

"And what about at your mom's house?"

Tommy's shoulders pulled in slightly. Recognized that tension - the same way he'd sit during Vanessa's society dinners, trying so hard to be perfect.

"It's okay." Small voice now. "But I have to be quiet a lot. Mom says proper children don't make noise."

"How do you feel about living with your dad?" The judge leaned forward, really listening.

"I feel safe." Simple words that cracked something in my chest. "Dad lets me be me. And Sheriff Jake teaches me cool stuff and makes the best pancakes and"

"Objection." Vanessa's Lawyer voice cut sharp. "This isn't relevant."

"Overruled." The judge's eyes narrowed. "Continue, Tommy."

My son squared those small shoulders. "I love Mom. But with Dad and Jake, I don't have to pretend."

Out of the mouths of babes. Tears burned but I blinked them back. Had to stay strong for him.

"Court will recess for one hour." The gavel crack made Tommy jump. "I'll return with my decision."

The next moments blurred. Found myself in the hallway, scanning for Jake. There. Looking battered but beautiful in his dress blues.

Didn't think. Just moved. His arms caught me solid and sure, holding everything together when I felt like flying apart.

"Sorry I'm late." His voice came rough against my neck. "Ramirez's lawyer dragged things out."

"You're here." Words muffled into his collar. "You're actually fucking here."

"Language, Dad." Tommy's laugh broke through everything. He crashed into us both, Jake catching him easy as breathing.

"Nice job in there, kiddo." Jake crouched down, those steady hands straightening Tommy's tie. "Told the truth like a champ."

The moment shattered at Vanessa's sharp laugh. "Really, Elliot? Making a scene in the courthouse?" Anderson stood beside her, jaw still showing traces of our last encounter. The bruising had faded to yellow, but satisfaction still curled in my gut seeing it.

"Not now, Vanessa." Cassidy stepped between us, all steel and sharp edges. "This isn't the time."

"Oh, I think it's exactly the time." Vanessa's smile went razor-thin. "Our son just had to testify in court, and you're what? Having a romantic reunion?"

Tommy pressed closer to my side, small fingers gripping my suit jacket. Jake's hand landed warm on his shoulder, protective.

"Careful." Jake's sheriff voice came out, the one that meant business. "Think about who you're hurting with this show."

Anderson took a step forward, trying to look tough. "Listen here, Sheriff"

"No, you listen." Jake didn't raise his voice, didn't need to. Pure authority rolled off him. "That kid just showed more courage than any of us. Maybe try following his example."

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