Page 34 of Redeeming Melodies

My phone buzzed - Cassidy. I'd been avoiding her calls since last night's escape, but guilt finally won out.

"Where the hell are you?" Her lawyer voice was in full effect. "We have a situation here, Elliot."

"I know, I'm sorry, I just-"

"No, you don't know. Vanessa's team is pushing for an emergency hearing. They're using your 'erratic behavior' and 'sudden career hiatus' to paint you as the villain. I need you back in New York. Today."

The morning sun hit the house's windows, making them glow like welcome beacons. Through one, I could see built-in bookshelves lining a wall. Tommy could display all his science fair trophies there, the ones Vanessa kept hidden away because they "ruined her aesthetic."

"Elliot? Are you listening?"

"Yeah, I just..." I walked toward the porch, drawn despite myself. "Cass, I found this house. It's perfect - quiet street, big yard, the kind of place where Tommy could just be a kid, you know?"

A heavy sigh. "Stop. Whatever you're thinking, whatever plans you're making - stop right now. We're in the middle of a custody battle. You can't make any major life changes."

"But that's exactly why-"

"No. Listen to me. You take a sudden hiatus, disappear to some small town, buy property there? Vanessa's lawyers will have a field day."

The robin on the porch railing watched me with knowing eyes as my dreams crashed against reality.

"I'm trying to create something,” I protested weakly. "A real home, away from all the cameras and bullshit."

"I know." Cassidy's voice softened. "And maybe someday that'll be possible. But right now? We need to focus on keeping your current custody arrangement. That means coming back to New York, showing the court you're rational and reliable."

The house seemed to mock me now, its welcoming porch and perfect yard representing everything I couldn't have. Not yet, anyway.

"What time do you need me there?"

"There's a partners' meeting at four. We need to discuss strategy before Vanessa's team makes their next move."

I took one last look at the house, memorizing its lines, its possibilities. "I'll be there."

"And Elliot? I get it, okay? Wanting to start fresh somewhere quiet. But running away isn't the answer. Not if you want to keep your son."

The words hit like a punch to the gut. "Yeah. Yeah, I know."

"Just promise me you won't do anything impulsive before the hearing," Cassidy warned. "And get back to New York as soon as-"

"I need a couple of hours," I interrupted. "Clear my head before diving back into the legal shit. I'll be there by four, I promise."

Another sigh. "Fine. I'll prep the team for late afternoon. But Elliot?"

"Yeah?"

"Be careful. Whatever's drawing you to this town - make sure it's worth the risk."

I hung up, staring at the house that already felt like home. Cassidy was right about the custody battle, about needing to play it safe. But something about this place - this town - felt right in a way I couldn't explain.

Going against my better judgement, I decided to make another call.

My car feltout of place on the gravel road leading to the ranch, but something about the sweeping views of hills and pastures made my chest loosen. Out here, with nothing but sky and grass stretching to the horizon, all the pressure and chaos felt distant.

Rolling Hill Ranch unfolded before me like a painting come to life. White fences traced geometric patterns across emerald pastures, the fresh paint gleaming against morning dew. A massive red barn dominated the center of the property, its weathered wood telling stories of decades of honest work. Horses dotted the paddocks - some grazing lazily, others prancing with morning energy, their coats catching sunlight like polished copper and midnight silk.

The main stable building looked newer than the barn, all clean lines and practical beauty. Through its wide doors, I caught glimpses of orderly tack rooms and spotless aisles. Everything about the place radiated care and attention to detail.

"Well, look who found his way up the hill."

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