Page 143 of The Obvious Check

Stanley, blissfully unaware of the tension crackling between us or the weight of this moment, happily sniffs around Ivy's legs before nudging her hand with his nose, demanding attention like the sweet boy he is.

For a split second, Ivy's professional mask slips. Her sharp features soften as she automatically reaches down to scratch behind his ears, and she smiles, breaking the cold-edged façade.

“Well, aren't you a sweetheart,” she murmurs to Stanley, her voice losing that crisp edge.

Something in my chest loosens just a fraction. Anyone who melts for dogs can't be completely heartless, right?

“Ivy's been reviewing Adley's case extensively,” Fern says, clasping her hands together. “Based on everything we've gathered, she's optimistic. But we still have significant work ahead.”

Cade and I exchange a look loaded with hope, terror, and the unresolved anger from last night. I gesture toward the couch, fighting the urge to make a scene in front of two people we’re supposed to be impressing.

“Let's sit.”

Stanley claims his spot at Cade's feet, and Ivy settles across from us, placing a thick file on the coffee table, but I catch her glancing at Stanley one more time, that soft expression flickering across her face again.

“As Fern mentioned, I have a lot of experience in cases like this,” Ivy begins, her voice regaining that professional edge now that we're down to business. “I live for reuniting families and ensuring children end up where they'll actually thrive. I've been dissecting Adley's case from every possible angle, and I won't blow sunshine up your ass, this isn't going to be as simple as filing some paperwork and calling it a day.”

My stomach drops like a stone.

“She's currently with a foster family who have a spotless record. No official reports of mistreatment, a solid history of caring for kids. On paper, they look like saints.” Ivy's eyes meet mine, unflinching. “The fact that you're her biological sister definitely works in your favor, but your age is a significant obstacle. What we need to prove is that your home offers substantially better long-term stability than what she has now.”

I shift forward, desperation clawing at my throat. “But I know she's miserable there. So is Briar, her foster sister. That’s got to count for something, right?”

“It does,” Ivy says with a small nod, and I feel like I can breathe again. “That's where Fern's documentation becomes invaluable. She's been tracking Adley's situation since you first spoke, and we have detailed notes showing the emotional neglect in her current placement. It's not outright abuse, but it paints a clear picture of a child who's surviving rather than thriving.”

Fern leans forward, offering that reassuring smile that's kept me sane through this whole nightmare. “The fact that you're married now also significantly strengthens your position.”

“Which brings us to Cade,” Ivy continues, her attention shifting to my husband with laser focus. “You're the primary breadwinner, correct?”

“Yes,” Cade confirms without hesitation, his voice is steady and sure.

The relief that floods through me at his calm certainty should probably worry me, especially when it could be taken away so quickly if a punch lands in the wrong way, or it gets out he’s fighting in the first place.

“Judges are obsessed with financial stability,” Ivy explains, flipping through her notes. “Marriage helps, but the fact that you're both full-time students raises red flags. How exactly are you planning to provide for Adley while finishing your degrees?”

Cade doesn't even blink. “I have a three-year contract with the Atlanta Anglerfish starting next season. It's already signed, sealed, and delivered. I can provide all the documentation you need to prove I'll have stable, substantial income.”

Ivy's eyebrow arches toward her hairline. “You’re going to be a professional athlete?”

“Yes, ma'am. I'll be in Atlanta full-time, and the contract includes housing assistance, comprehensive medical coverage, and benefits that extend to both Savannah and Adley. I can provide a completely stable home for my family.”

My family.The way he says it, like it's already decided, like Adley's already in it, makes my chest tight with emotion.

“Yeah, I’ve worked with a baseball player in the past. Professional sports contracts are rock solid and the visibility you’ll have certainly strengthens your case considerably.” Ivy considers this, her sharp mind clearly calculating. “You’ll need to provide a copy of your contract, financial statements, benefit details, the works. The court will want concrete proof.”

“Not a problem,” Cade assures her, and I want to laugh at how easily he's handling this when my entire world feels like it's balanced on a knife's edge.

“How long does this process typically take?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Ivy sighs, her expression softening slightly. “Best-case scenario? Three to six months, assuming everything goes smoothly. If the courts decide to drag their feet or if there are complications, it could take longer.”

My stomach sinks. Three to six months feels impossibly long.

Cade must sense my disappointment because his hand finds my thigh and gives me a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll get through it. Three to six months isn’t that long, Sav.”

He’s right. I’ve waited six years after all.

“And I will work tirelessly to ensure this moves as quickly and smoothly as possible,” Ivy adds, her voice carrying the kind of confidence that costs five hundred dollars an hour.

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