Page 38 of Redeeming Melodies

"Might help your case. Small towns, good schools, stable environment - judges eat that stuff up." She studied me carefully. "Plus you seem different. More grounded."

"It's a grounding kind of place."

Cassidy's expression shifted, that professional mask slipping to reveal something more personal. "Well, before you start house hunting, there's something you need to see." She reached into her desk drawer, pulling out another thick manila folder.

The sound it made sliding across her polished desk seemed impossibly loud in the quiet office. My heart kicked against my ribs as she tapped the folder with one perfectly manicured nail.

"The judge made an interim decision this morning," she said, her voice carefully neutral but her eyes dancing. "After reviewing Vanessa's interview and your... let's call it a strategic career pause."

Fucking hell, when did paper get so heavy?

"Page three," Cassidy prompted. "The highlighted section."

The legal jargon swam before my eyes until I found it - that yellow streak of highlighter that somehow held my whole future. I read the words once, twice, three times before they sank in.

"Scheduled unsupervised visitation?" My voice cracked embarrassingly.

"The judge found no compelling evidence that supervision was necessary." Cassidy's smile grew. "In fact, she specifically noted your willingness to prioritize Tommy's needs over your career as evidence of sound parental judgment."

The office blurred around the edges. I could take Tommy to the park. To movies. To fucking anywhere without Vanessa'swatchdogs hovering nearby. Could teach him to ride at Rolling Hill Ranch, show him the Miller place, let him-

"Breathe, Elliot." Cassidy's voice cut through my spiral. "This is good news, but it's just the first step."

I swiped at my eyes, pretending it was exhaustion making them water. "

"Think you can handle being a real dad again? Even if it is for a couple of days?”

The question should have stung, but I heard the affection behind it. "Fuck yes."

"Good." She started pulling out more papers. "Because we're not done fighting. Vanessa's team will appeal, try to paint this as temporary insanity on the judge's part and this decision can change in an instant. But for now?"

"For now I get my son back."

"Parts of him, anyway." She softened the words with a smile. "Maybe you can show him that town of yours."

"Yeah," I managed past the lump in my throat. "Maybe I can."

"Just don't go planning any permanent moves yet." Cassidy tapped the papers meaningfully. "Baby steps, okay? Show the court you can handle this level of responsibility first."

But I barely heard her, too focused on the highlighted words that changed everything. Unsupervised visitation. Real time with my son. A chance to be his father again, not just some carefully monitored stranger.

"Thank you," I said finally, meeting her eyes. "For everything."

"Don't thank me yet. We've still got work to do." But her smile was genuine.

Cassidy settled back in her chair, the leather creaking slightly. "Actually, why don't you take Tommy to Oakwood Grove today? Get started on this new chapter right away."

My heart nearly stopped. "Today?"

"The judge's order is effective immediately." She tapped the papers. "And getting him away from the media circus that's about to explode might be perfect timing. Let Vanessa deal with the press while you focus on what matters."

"You really think we can just go?"

"Not only can you go, I think you should." She was already reaching for her phone. "I'll call Vanessa's lawyers now, inform them you're exercising your rights under the new order. Tommy's school day ends at three, right?"

My hands were shaking as I checked my watch. Just past noon. "Yeah, but-"

"Then you've got time to pack a bag and pick him up." Her eyes softened. "Elliot, this is what we fought for. A chance for you to just be his dad."

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