Page 24 of Moose

“Just spit it out, Lily. I don’t have time to play fucking games.”

Lily glared at me and took out a folder from her bag.

“Well, the good news is Tessa filed paperwork with the court. She has no lawyer and now we can go in and refuse everything. We have all the power at this point. The bad news... she lied. On everything. Claimed the kids are in danger and wrote on the paperwork she has already called Child and Family Services.”

I stood up and paced around, then turned to Lily.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. I can’t have my kids taken away from me, Lily! How can she fucking do this?”

Lily stood up and walked towards me.

“First of all, don’t fucking yell at me.”

I turned, shocked at her statement. I didn’t even realize I was yelling…

“Second of all, let me do my goddamn job, Moose. Why did you hire me if you don’t trust me?”

I pointed right in her face and, to her credit; she didn’t even flinch.

“They’re my entire fucking life.”

“You need to calm down, Moose. Let me talk instead of just steamrolling over me.”

I barked out a laugh. “Calm down? You want me to calm the fuck down while my kids are in danger?”

Lily sighed. “You need to calm down for your kids. Show them that being calm and collected will win this. Everything is going to be fine. When they call, I’ll be there. When they show up for a visit, I’ll be there. You aren’t alone in this and need to accept my help.”

I couldn't believe what was happening right now. Shaking my head, I walked outside to the backyard. I needed a moment to breathe. This was all just too fucking much.

Lily followed me and leaned on the side of the house. I turned to her and sighed.

“These kids are my life. I can’t live without them, Lily.”

She smiled. “I know, and I will never let you lose them. Trust me, please.”

The door opened, and Nova and Maddox came walking outside. Nova tapped me on the arm and smiled.

“Everything okay, daddy?”

I kneeled down and scooped her into a hug, pulling Maddox in at the same time.

“Yeah, baby. Everything is wonderful. I promise.”

Nova kissed my cheek and turned to Lily.

“You look so pretty today, Miss Lily.”

Lily blushed. “Thank you so much, Miss Nova. And I just love that pink dress on you.”

Nova beamed. “Thank you! You should stay for dinner. Daddy is the best cook in the world.”

Lily's eyes got really big, and she turned to me, unsure of what to say.

I laughed and winked at her. “Guess you’ll have to stay and see if I’m really the best cook or not, huh?”

Nova clapped and grabbed Lily’s hand.

“Come on! You’re gonna love it so much. Let me show you my room!”

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