Page 84 of Finding Home

“That particular video was amusing to me, yes, because Caleb got there before security, and he threw the guy, like, fifteen feet across the stage to protect his best friend from getting tackled. The whole thing was soCalebto me. So, yes, that one particular incident is honestly kind of amusing to me.”

Ralph’s lawyer quirks an eyebrow. “It was ‘so Caleb’ to you in what way? You mean, because it was shockingly violent?”

Fuck this guy. “No, because Caleb is incredibly protective of the people he . . . cares about. He doesn’t hesitate to go into superhero mode, whenever the situation calls for it.” Shit. During that answer, I almost said Caleb is protective of the people heloves. Butgiven the time Caleb slapped Trent in Billings for me, that wording would have implied Caleb lovesme, and I’m not certain of that, especially not under oath.

“Other than in videos, have youpersonallywitnessed Mr. Baumgarten being violent?” the lawyer asks.

Fuck, fuck, fuck. Does he know about Caleb slapping the shit out of Trent, or is he fishing again, the same way he did about Caleb falling off the wagon? If you ask me, the incident with Trent only proves Caleb’s worthiness as afather, since my own father wanted to beat the crap out of Trent, too, when he found out what my then-boyfriend had done to me. As a matter of fact, my dad stormed out of our house with a baseball bat to look for Trent, after he heard the news. Lucky for Trent, he successfully hid from my father for several days; and not too long after that, he moved to Billings. If Trent hadn’t skedaddled, however, what would my father have done with that baseball bat? Surely, something worse than a slap. And yet, there’s no doubt in my mind, Joseph Capshaw is the best father in the whole world.

“Miss Capshaw?” the lawyer prompts.

“I’m thinking about my answer,” I say. “I want to make sure it’s totally truthful and complete.” Like Caleb always teases me about, I’m a rule follower, through and through. I don’t knowingly lie, especially not when under oath. And yet, when I look into Caleb’s pleading eyes, I quickly decide to make an exception to my usual rules. Desperate times call for desperate measures, after all. I’d rather tell a little white lie today on the stand, by conveniently forgetting about a much-deserved, much-appreciated karmic slap, than risk Ralph coming anywhere near our beloved baby girl.

“Yes, I recall seeing Caleb being violent in my presence,” I testify, averting my eyes from Caleb. “He was building a deck at his lake house in Montana, and after he’d dropped a tool on his foot, he kicked that tool violently and shouted a string of curse words I shouldn’t say in a courtroom.” It’s a true story. But even so, I know I’m being less than truthful by bringing up this story, rather than the one about the slap in Billings.

“That’s not the kind of violence I’m asking about. Have you seen Caleb hit, kick, punch, shove, or otherwise assaultanother human being, including you, the child, or your parents?”

I glance at my father who’s sitting alone in the front row, since my mother must have gone back to be with Raine again. My parents know all about what happened to Trent in Billings. I told them and Miranda that delightful story during Caleb’s “rehab is over!” dinner party; and everyone at the table, including my father, busted a gut laughing about it. My father, in particular, praised Caleb up and down for slapping Trent that day. In fact, I’m positive my father appreciated that demonstration of Caleb’s character, far more than his generous gift of that new truck.

When my eyes meet my father’s, he nods at me, almost imperceptibly, letting me know he approves of my less-than-forthcoming testimony. Emboldened, I lean into the microphone and say, “The Caleb I know has always been gentle and non-violent in my presence. My whole family loves and supports him, completely. If I had any qualms about Caleb as a parent or as a man, if I thought he was a threat in any way, trust me, I’d tell you that. I love the child too much to let her fall into the hands of anyone who’d be anything but a wonderful, gentle parent to her.”

I happen to catch Caleb’s gaze and quickly look away when it feels like his eyes are screaming “I love you!” I feel the same way, of course. But now isn’t the time for anyone to see that truth in my eyes. Now is the time for me to keep a poker face.

Practically rolling his eyes, Ralph’s attorney asks, “Does that mean you’ve never personally witnessed him being violent?”

I take a deep breath. Please, God, let him be fishing right now. “That’s correct.”

Ralph’s attorney exhales and his shoulders sag inresignation. “No further questions, your honor.” And just like that, we’ve reached the end of my presentation.

“We’ll take an hour for lunch,” the judge declares. “After that, we’ll start the afternoon with Mr. Baumgarten’s presentation.”

Chapter 32

Caleb

I’m shitting bricks as my first character witness, my sister, Miranda, takes the witness stand. I know she loves me, but our relationship has been strained at times, as I’ve pushed her loyalty and patience to the brink. She’s also got no filter, this chick. Which, normally, I consider a cool thing. A funny thing. Not in this context, though.

“What’s your relation to Caleb?” Paula asks Miranda, once my sister gets settled in the hot seat.

“He’s my big brother and my hero. He’s four years older than me.”

Paula smiles. “You know Caleb well?”

“Very well.”

“Why do you consider him to be your hero?”

“Because he’s always been my protector. Always had my back.”

“Is Caleb a perfect man?”

My sister snorts. “Far from it.”

“Even so, would you have any qualms, if your brother were granted full custody of the child?”

“Not a single one. I’m positive he’d be a fantastic father to her.” She flashes me a loving smile that makes my heart skip a beat.

“You’ve seen Caleb with the child?”

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