Page 40 of Redeeming Melodies

"This is temporary," Vanessa spat, but uncertainty flickered behind her anger. "My lawyers will-"

"Will advise you to comply with the court order." Cassidy's smile was razor-sharp. "Unless you'd like to explain to the judge why you're interfering with perfectly reasonable parental rights."

I checked my watch - two hours until school let out. Two hours until I could start making things right.

"His medication schedule is on the fridge," Vanessa said suddenly, her voice small. "And he needs his inhaler if-"

"I know what my son needs." But I grabbed the schedule anyway, tucking it carefully into the bag.

"He won't understand why you're taking him away."

"Jesus Christ, Vanessa, it's four days." The words burst out before I could stop them.

"Four days?" Her perfectly plucked eyebrows shot up.

"Ms. Price,” Cassidy cut in smoothly, "as clearly stated in the order, this is a short recreational trip. Elliot will have Tommy back in time for school on Monday. There's really no need for all this..." she paused delicately, "concern."

But Vanessa was already pulling up her phone calendar, voice rising. "But he has his junior golf lesson on Saturday, and the Hendersons' charity brunch on Sunday-"

"Which he hates," I interrupted. "When's the last time you actually asked Tommy what he wants to do instead of scheduling every minute of his life?"

"Some of us care about our son's future-"

"Some of us care about our son's happiness." I hefted his bag higher on my shoulder. "Four days, Vanessa. He'll survive missing one golf lesson."

She pressed her fingers to her temples, the picture of maternal distress. "The judge can't possibly have intended-"

"The judge," Cassidy stated firmly, "granted Mr. Blue unsupervised visitation specifically so he could engage in normal parent-child activities. A long weekend away falls well within those parameters."

I watched Vanessa's face cycle through emotions - anger, fear, calculation. Even knowing it was just a few days, she couldn't stand losing this small bit of control.

"I'm not taking him away. I'm showing him there's more to life than this." I gestured at the pristine condo, the carefully curated perfection. "More than pretending to be something he's not."

"Like you're pretending?" Her laugh was bitter. "Playing small-town dad instead of who you really are?"

"No," I said quietly. "For the first time in years, I'm not pretending at all."

Cassidy touched my arm lightly. "We should go. Traffic will be heavy near the school."

Vanessa's protests followed us to the elevator, but they felt distant now, like thunder after a storm has passed. In my hand, Tommy's bag felt like a promise - of fresh starts, of quiet mornings, of a chance to be the father he deserved.

"You did good," Cassidy said as the doors closed.

Two hours later,I stood outside Saint Andrew's Prep, my heart hammering against my ribs like I was back on the starting line. Kids started streaming out the ornate doors, their navy blazers and khakis a sea of privilege I'd never quite gotten used to.

Then I saw him.

Tommy's ginger hair - just like mine - caught the afternoon sun as he bounded down the steps, his backpack bouncing against his shoulders. He hadn't spotted me yet, was laughing at something his friend said, and fuck if that smile didn't hit me right in the chest.

"Tommy!"

His head whipped around, green eyes widening in disbelief. For a heartbeat, he just stared. Then - "Dad!"

I dropped to one knee as he crashed into me, his familiar weight and the scent of that ridiculous expensive shampoo Vanessa insisted on nearly overwhelming me. His arms locked around my neck like he'd never let go.

"What are you doing here?" He pulled back just enough to beam at me. "Mom said you were away for work-"

"Change of plans, buddy." My voice felt rough. "Actually, I've got a surprise for you."

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