Page 37 of Redeeming Melodies

There was that flutter again. Probably just anxiety about the custody hearing. "He seems dedicated to the town."

"Oh, he is." Liam shared a look with Caleb I couldn't quite read. "Been here since we were kids. Really turned things around for himself."

"And the town," Caleb added. "Guy's got a way of making people feel protected."

Protected. Yeah, that's why I kept thinking about those steady brown eyes and capable hands. Just appreciation for good law enforcement. Nothing else.

My face felt warm. "I really do have to go," I said, standing straighter. "But thanks for everything."

"Our pleasure." Liam grinned. "And hey, if you make it back for the party, I'm sure Jake would be happy to show you around."

"Right," I cleared my throat. "Well, maybe I'll see you Friday."

Their goodbye waves followed me to my car, along with questions I wasn't ready to answer. About belonging. Aboutfeeling seen. About why a small-town sheriff's opinion mattered so damn much.

Time to focus on New York. On Tommy. On reality.

FIGHTING FOR FAMILY

The elevator ride to Cassidy's office felt longer than usual, each floor ticking by like a countdown to judgment. My wrinkled shirt and yesterday's jeans stood out among the crisp suits rushing past - another sign I didn't belong in this polished world anymore. Not after tasting the simple peace of Oakwood Grove.

Cassidy's office hit me with its familiar scent of coffee and expensive leather, the wall of law books behind her desk a reminder that this was war, not negotiation. She didn't look up when I entered, too focused on whatever document had put that slight smile on her face.

"You're late," she said, but without heat. "Though considering where you've been, I'm impressed you made it at all."

"Traffic." I sank into the chair across from her, my body remembering hours of driving. "And before you start, yes, I know disappearing was stupid."

"Actually," she finally met my eyes, "it might have been the smartest thing you've done in this whole mess."

That wasn't what I expected. "What?"

"Vanessa overplayed her hand." Cassidy's smile grew sharper. "That interview? The one where she tried to paint you as unstable? It backfired."

My heart stuttered. "How?"

"Because while she was busy playing victim for the cameras, you were quietly stepping back from racing to focus on Tommy. No drama, no public statements, just a father choosing his son over his career." She leaned forward, satisfaction radiating from every pore. "The judge noticed."

Hope bloomed dangerous and wild in my chest. "You're saying-"

"I'm saying Vanessa's lawyers called this morning, wanting to 'discuss terms' before the emergency hearing." Her fingers made air quotes around the words. "They're running scared, Elliot. And your little timeout in... where was it again?"

"Oakwood Grove."

"Right. Your strategic retreat to process things? Perfect timing. Makes you look thoughtful instead of impulsive. Though next time, maybe answer your phone occasionally?"

The tension in my shoulders started to ease. "So what happens now?"

"Now," she pulled out a thick folder, "we negotiate from a position of strength. Vanessa wanted to prove you were unstable? Instead, she proved you're willing to sacrifice everything for Tommy. That plays well with family court judges."

My hands shook slightly as I reached for the papers. "She can't take him away?"

"Not without a better reason than 'his father chose parenting over racing.'" Cassidy's expression softened. "You did good, Elliot. Even if it was accidental."

The world felt steadier suddenly, like gravity had remembered how to work. "I want a full custody. I want my son away from her.”

"We can push for that now." She started marking pages for me to sign. "Though I have to ask - this Oakwood Grove place. Are you thinking of staying there?"

Jake's face flashed through my mind, along with quiet streets and peaceful ranches. "Maybe. Eventually. I don’t know.”

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