Page 153 of Test the Ice
“And you are?”
“Reese’s fiancé. Malaki Young.”
He nods.
Before I can think things through, I go with my gut instinct and continue. “I’m willing to take temporary custody of Charleigh until this is resolved.”
I glance at Reese briefly. Shock ripples across her face. The light above her head shows just how glossy her eyes are.
I move my attention back to the judge. “I can provide a safe environment. A baby gate has been installed since Charleigh’s fall, and she’s grown comfortable with me since her mother and I have gotten engaged. Reese’s sister, Zoe, is a college student but is around often enough that she’ll be another familiar fa–”
Benedict stands abruptly. “This is ridiculous! He’s known the mother of my child for no more than–”
“Sit down, Mr. Whitney!” The judge’s voice booms throughout the courtroom.
Judge Ramirez eyes me closely, and I can tell he’s considering this to be the best option.
Reese and I will figure out the rest after this case is closed, or at least while it’s on hold, but there is no way in hell I’m allowing a man like Benedict to take Charleigh into his possession like she’s a bargaining chip. And the mere thought of Charleigh being removed from Reese and thrust into the arms of a stranger kills me just as much.
I’d adopt Charleigh right now if that’s what it took.
My heart races, and I open my mouth to say just that, but then the door flies open behind us.
“Your honor!”
I turn, and my vision tunnels onto the PI I hired weeks prior.
“I apologize for the abrupt interruption, but I have evidence relevant to this motion.”
Mark eyes me with a tight-lipped smile, but I stay rigid in my spot.
Fifty
REESE
I’m rooted in place.
A man comes rushing into the courtroom, and I’m sick with fear.
He says he has evidence, and I’m terrified to see what Benedict has constructed against me by using this man.
The bailiff steps forward.
“Let him through,” the judge orders.
I’m shaking. I can’t even fathom looking at Malaki because I’ll break.
Not only did he stay after I had a spiraling meltdown and told him to go, but he just offered to care for my daughter.
If I make eye contact with him now, I’ll crumble to the floor.
“Here.” The man hands the bailiff a folder, and I eye it the entire way until it lands in Judge Ramirez's hand.
Benedict and his lawyer are muttering to each other, and to my surprise, they don’t seem to know who the man is.
“And who are you?” the judge asks.
Everyone turns toward him.
