Page 103 of Wed to You-
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“How the visitation will be set up will be determined in mediation. Since you’re both in town, it should be easy to design a plan that gives him equal time at both homes. Prior to mediation, Miss Gilson can have overnight visits with Kaden starting tomorrow for two days.”
“Tanya, don’t do this.”
Chelsea heard the desperation in Jagger’s voice and her heart went out to him. She wished she could hug him or do something to stop the pain that had to be crushing him.
“Jagger, I—”
“It’s not your turn to talk.” The judge’s voice was firm but he seemed to show sympathy for Jagger’s situation. “Mr. Talbot, I’d be well within the law to award full custody to Miss Gilson.”
“Your Honor,” Mr. Masters started.
The judge sent him a chastising glare, then she returned her attention to Jagger. “You’ve been a wonderful parent to young Kaden. I’d hate for him or you to lose that.”
“He appreciates your consideration, Your Honor.” Mrs. Monroe patted Jagger’s hand again.
The judge banged the gavel to adjourn their hearing.
“Tanya, you can’t do this.” Jagger’s voice shook as he stood for the judge’s exit. “He’s all I have.”
Chelsea felt the sting of his words even as she hurt for him. Kaden wasn’t all he had. He could have her. She’d tried to tell him that so many times. When she encouraged him to find purpose beyondKaden, she was telling him he could build a life with her.
“Mr. Talbot, let’s go.” Mrs. Monroe ushered Jagger from the court, leaving Chelsea to follow. But she was too stunned to move.
“Mrs. Talbot.” Tanya made her way toward Chelsea.
“Miss Gilson, we can re-petition in—”
“No.” Tanya waved her attorney away. “I don’t want to hurt him. I’ve always wanted Jagger to stay in his life. You can make him see, right?”
“He gave up everything. Everything for Kaden. To give him a life he never had. You don’t know the lengths he’s gone to give that little boy a normal happy life. He’s good at it. This…this will destroy him.”
“He should be happy with joint custody.” Mr. Masters finished putting his papers in his briefcase. “Half time is better than no time. If he was smart, he’d see that. In a few years, if Ms. Gilson continues to do well, she’d be well within her right to re-petition for full custody.”
Tanya looked down. When she looked up, her eyes shone with sympathy but also resolve. “Kaden is my son.”
“But Jagger is the one who’s been the parent.”
In a rush, she felt the need to leave the court. It wasn’t like anything she said to Tanya would make a difference. It was Jagger who needed her. She hurried out the door, finding Mrs. Monroe talking to Jagger on the front steps.
“You should have him ready tomorrow to go with her.”
“Jesus.” Jagger walked away. His arms flailed like he wanted to hit something. Then he stopped, facing away from them for a moment.
Mrs. Monroe looked at Chelsea, who felt helpless as she watched Jagger. “He just needs a minute.”
When he turned back, the anger and hurt in his eyes was gone. Chelsea frowned. That didn’t seem right.
He gave Mrs. Monroe a curt nod. “Come on Chelsea. Let’s go home.”
She followed him to the car.
“How fast can you pack?” Jagger steered the SUV into traffic.
“What?”
“Pack. How fast can you pack?”
