Page 65 of The Seal's Promise

“That may be, but if he wants to prove to this court that he can be a father to this child then this is the path to do so. And I want to add an additional stipulation: if Max is not comfortable being with his father alone, he can select someone else to be with him during the visits.”

“This is outrageous. I’m his father!”

“And you’ll have from eight in the morning until eight at night to spend time with him, without any hired childcare. In Sandy Point. Am I understood, Mr. Banks?”

“Yes, Your Honor, we understand,” Tyler’s attorney replied for him.

Brooke’s hands were shaking, knots had formed in her stomach, and she felt like she couldn’t breathe. She never considered being forced to share Max, let alone with a man who couldn’t even be bothered to remember his birthday and who wanted to pretend like he didn’t even know Max was his own child until a month ago. The judge was still talking but everything sounded muted, her heart was racing, and she felt out of breath. Maybe this was what a panic attack felt like. Declan’s arm came around her to rub her back.

“Ms. Banks, did you hear me? I am granting you seven years and ten months of back child support, with interest, along with a requirement for it to be paid in full by the next time we meet, in no more than three installments. In addition, while we are deliberating on a custody decision, you’ll receive monthly child support in the amount of ten thousand dollars.”

Her knees went weak, and the only reason she remained standing was because Declan held her up. She sagged against him and tried to focus on his soothing words.

“Brooke, hold it together another few minutes in front of the judge.” That was all she needed to hear. She stood up straighter and focused on watching the judge. She didn’t want to risk making a man with so much power think she was in any way unstable.

“Your Honor, that is an exceptionally generous amount, and I think you’ll find with the documentation that we have provided that the amount exceeds the percentage rates based on Mr. Banks’ income.”

“Yes, I did notice that Mr. Banks does not actually seem to have employment, however, he is making an impressive amount off of family inheritance and investments. Therefore this amount stands.” The judge’s gavel struck the wooden divot on his desk two times before he stood. “I’ll see you all in three months.” Then he departed.

Brooke stood shocked, staring at the now-empty judge’s bench, unable to look away.

“It’s a win for today, even with the decision to allow Tyler time with Max. I know this seems drastic, but I think the judge knows Tyler has no intention of truly parenting Max, and he’s just giving him enough rope to hang himself.”

“But at the risk of Max’s safety and happiness, this is unacceptable!” Brooke whisper-shouted.

“My client will be available every Wednesday to spend time with his son, in Sandy Point, so be ready,” Tyler’s main lawyer said before walking out of the courtroom. Tyler remained, smirking at Brooke.

“You know that saying, you get what you pay for. I think you’ll find that rings true after this is said and done.” Tyler unbuttoned his suit. “Maybe you can use some of that ransom you’ve gotten the judge to award you to hire a better attorney.” Then he walked out too.

Finally Brooke could fall apart, and with tears clouding her vision she collapsed into the chair behind her.

“If Max gets hurt during this game the judge is playing, I will spend every penny suing this court.”

Declan sat next to her. “I know this seems like the darkest moment, but we have some safety mechanisms in place. Max can request that you be present at every visit, and we both know Tyler will never last twelve hours playing dad with no help.”

She leaned forward and took several deep breaths. “That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.”

She had won the child support battle, but she stood to lose so much more.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Dalton

His Greatest Fear

When Dalton heardthat Brooke was taking the entire day off he felt paralyzed. He wanted to quit on the spot, find her, and hear what happened.

She never took a day off.

What could have gone wrong? Declan had been so confident that the law was on her side, but he also knew that Tyler Banks had money and influence on his side. The man didn’t have a noble bone in his body. Dalton had met Tyler during their freshman year of high school, when the Banks family moved to Sandy Point permanently and enrolled their three sons in the local high school. Tyler and Dalton both swam on the junior swim team and hung out with the same crowd. But it was clear even then that Tyler was only out for two things: himself and a good time.

After a contentious swim meet where Dalton had edged Tyler out for a place on their team that was headed to the state championship, someone trashed the swim coaches’ office. Tyler claimed that he saw Dalton leaving the office that morning, and it was Dalton’s word against the wealthy golden boy who, until then, hadn’t gotten into any trouble. The worst part was that the coaches said they didn’t know who to believe, so both boys were forced to clean up and pay for the repairs. That solidified the Hart and Banks brothers’ rivalry. Tyler continued his rampage of defiance and backstabbing for the next four years of high school.

Dalton tried calling Brooke but she didn’t answer or respond to his texts. He couldn’t leave the hospital without enough coverage so he was stuck until his shift ended. Finally, around four, he managed to convince Dr. Tommy to come in and he drove right over to Brooke’s house. Her car wasn’t outside, but then he remembered that Max had baseball practice every day after school. Dalton made his way to the park and easily spotted Brooke under her favorite tree, where she was sitting and jotting down something in a notebook with force. His stomach twisted.

“Brooke, what happened?” He sat down and pulled her into his arms, not caring who might see them. She looked up—startled for a moment—then buried her face in his chest. He tried soothing her by rubbing her back and telling her it would be okay, but the truth was that he wasn’t sure if it would be.

“Please tell me what happened,” he said, pulling her closer onto his lap.

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