Page 127 of War

“I’m right here.”

My head swings around, and when my eyes take in the woman I’ve pledged my life to, all the adrenaline drains from me, and my whole body sags in relief.

I’m right here.Three words have never sounded so beautiful.

She showed up.

Every head turns toward the back of the room where Ava is now scooting past Beckett, who’s sitting in the last row. He shoots me a wink.

With a quick nod at him, I zero in on my wife as she approaches. Green eyes swimming with apology and tears meet mine, and she offers me a shaky wave and a smile. Then she steadies her breath and steps through the gate that separates us from the gallery.

“I’m sorry, your honor. I didn’t want to interrupt court once you started, but I’ve been here the whole time, sitting in the back.” She turns and nods at Beckett. “Though I know I owe the court an apology for how I’ve handled this, I stand by everything my husband said.”She reaches over and brushes her pinky against mine, as if she’s nervous.

I can hear her words, can feel the promises she’s back to fulfilling. Her pinky promises.

Without hesitation, I grasp her hand and squeeze, my chest tight with emotion. As I clutch her hand like it’s my lifeline, my head falls and a sob slips out.

She showed up. My vicious wife came back to fight with me.

To fightforme and our family.

FIFTY

AVA

Running on pure adrenaline,I stand before the judge, feeling flayed open. Strangely, though I’m exposed and vulnerable, I’m wrapped in so much love I just might burst. The courtroom is packed. Each row behind us is lined by people who love Josie and want the best for her. Tyler’s teammates, my coworkers, our family, and our friends.

And my mom.

Thanks to Beckett, she flew in on a private jet overnight. No hug has ever been as healing as the one she gave me. Falling apart in my mother’s arms this morning, admitting that I’m lost and afraid, that I’m the one who needs help this time, gave me the strength to fight again.

Beside me, Tyler shakes with silent sobs, but his grip on my hand never wavers. Just like his love never wavers. This man, who loves with his whole heart, who willingly threw himself in front of the court and laid himself bare, gives me the strength to do the same.

I square my shoulders, raise my chin, and meet the judge’s narrowed gaze. “We would do anything for Josie. No one will ever love the way my husband loves his family. The way he loves her. I told him the night I proposed to him that you’d be crazy not to choose him to be Josie’s parent. I didn’t even like him then, but I loved the way he loved that littlegirl. He bought a house so she would have a home.” I shake my head as my eyes fill with tears. “Did you know he painted her bedroom pink with little birds because he knows she loves Taylor Swift? Or that he enrolled her in dance classes despite his ridiculous schedule because she wanted to learn ballet? He built her a dance studio and took her to Disney. He braids her hair every night, and when she’s scared of going to the doctor or the dentist, he’s the first one she turns to—her safe place.Her father.He’s deserving of the title of Dad all on his own. He doesn’t need me. But I’m so glad he married me so I could be her mom. That role has saved me. Like my husband said, I was made with a purpose, and without my sister, I’ve been a shell of my former self.” I shrug, suddenly exhausted. “Maybe that’s why I clung so hard to her through texts. Maybe it’s why my messages became less frequent once we got married. I don’t know. None of that really matters, though, right? Because I truly believe the moment I met Josie two years ago, I found my purpose again.”

Sniffling, I run a knuckle under one eye, then the other.

“Even if I’m nothing more than a friend, I’ll always be here for her. But please, don’t let our desperation to do all we could to keep her in a safe home, where she is loved and cherished, be the thing that makes you take her from us. We’ll do better, but I promise everything we’ve done up to this point has been with our love for her at the forefront.”

With nothing left to say, I force myself to remain standing, even though I could easily crumple to the floor.

Lowering her head, the judge gives it a shake and lifts the papers in front of her. She taps them against the surface of the bench, then sets them down again. “I appreciate your situation. It’s clear you both love Josie, and the reports from the guardian ad litem have all made it clear that she loves you too and wants to stay in your care.”

For a moment I allow myself to feel hopeful. I turn to look at Tyler, who’s grinning at me. He wraps an arm around my waist and squeezes me tight. It feels like we’ve finally made it. We’ve been honest and open, and the judge gets it. Loving her is enough.

But when the judge holds up her hand, I deflate.

“This is only a status conference. I’ll take what you’ve told me into consideration, and we’ll review the matter in April as scheduled. Forthe time being, Josie will remain in her current placement.” With that, she calls the next case.

A relieved breath whooshes from my lungs. The war may not be over, but we’ve won this battle.

“Oh god, did that really happen?” I murmur.

Tyler tucks his chin and blinks back tears. “I think it did.”

“Come on, guys. Let’s chat outside,” Madi says as she puts a hand to each of our backs and guides us past our shell-shocked friends and teammates.

The moment we make it to the hall and I spot Beckett, I let go of Tyler and throw myself into his arms. “Thank you so much.”

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