Page 114 of Redeeming Melodies

"How dare you" Vanessa started, but Tommy's voice cut through everything.

"Mom, please stop." Small but steady. "You're doing the scary voice again."

The words hit like bullets. Watched Vanessa's perfect mask crack slightly, real emotion bleeding through.

"Tommy, baby, I'm just"

"Being mean." He pressed closer to me, to Jake. "Like when Anderson tried to make me call him dad."

Holy fuck.

"What?" The word ripped from my throat. Felt Jake go tense beside me.

"He didn't" Vanessa whirled on Anderson, something like real fear in her eyes. "Tell me you didn't."

Anderson's face went red. "I was just trying to"

"To what?" Cassidy's voice could have frozen hell. "Force a child to call you father while his real dad fights for custody?"

The hallway had gone quiet, other lawyers and families watching the drama unfold. Tommy's grip on my jacket tightened.

"Dad?" His voice went small. "Can we get water or something?"

"Of course, champ." Grateful for the excuse to move him away from this mess. "Jake?"

"I've got them." Cassidy nodded, understanding passing between us. "Take a minute. Clear the air."

Watched them walk toward the water fountain, Tommy's hand secure in Jake's. Trust and safety wrapped in one simple gesture.

"You didn't know?" My voice came low, meant for Vanessa alone. "About Anderson pushing that?"

The mask cracked further. "No. I didn't." For once, no performance in her tone. Just raw truth.

"Jesus Christ, Van." Old nickname slipped out with old pain. "What happened to protecting him?"

"I am protecting him." But the words sounded hollow now. "From your-”

"My what?" Steel entered my voice. "My honesty? My fight to give him a real home?"

"You really think some small town sheriff can replace"

"Jake doesn't try to replace anyone." Cut her off clean. "He just loves. Simple as that. No agenda, no performance. Just love."

Anderson tried to speak but one look from me shut him up. The bruises on his face promised more if he pushed.

"The judge is going to see through your act." Vanessa's voice shook slightly. "See what kind of environment you're creating."

"No, she's going to see truth." Cassidy rejoined us, steel wrapped in silk. "Which is more than I can say for what's happening in your house."

Tommy's laugh carried from the water fountain - bright, real, unrestrained. Exactly what a kid's laugh should sound like. Jake was showing him something on his phone, probably photos from home.

Home.

That's what this was really about.

"He's happy with us." Simple truth that changed everything. "Actually happy, Van. Not society-photo happy or perfect-child happy. Just real."

Something shifted in her eyes. Grief maybe, or recognition.

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