Page 58 of Love Buzz

Since this all started, these are the exact questions I have asked. No normal person files for sole custody when they have never made attempts to be in a child’s life. When they have never shown signs of caring or wanting to get to know the child.

“Your Honor, there aren’t many decisions in my life I regret as much as abandoning my daughter.” His knee bounces faster. “I would like to make amends. Provide her with whatever her heart desires. Make sure she wants for nothing.” He fidgets with the hem of his jacket under the table. “I want to get to know her.”

Judge Walton purses her lips and doesn’t look away from Leo. “I see.” I don’t miss how Judge Walton’s eyes shift back to my parents before coming my way. “Ms. Rooker. Would you be open to shared custody with Mr. Parker?”

Theresa glances at me before speaking up. “Your Honor, when the initial suit began, Ms. Rooker agreed to allow joint custody so long as she maintained majority. She also wanted to include Clementine’s opinion in the matter, seeing as she has never met her father and may be frightened to be left unattended with a stranger. Ms. Rooker stated she would allow supervised visitation with Mr. Parker and his family until Clementine felt comfortable being alone with them.”

Judge Walton faces Leo. “Mr. Parker, did you refuse these terms?”

Sweat beads on Leo’s temple and I beam inside. This is not going according to his plan.See, money doesn’t always work in your favor.

“I did, Your Honor.”

“Why?” Judge Walton asks, bluntly. “Why do you feel your daughter needs to be fully removed from her mother’s custody? Has Ms. Rooker done something untoward?”

“No, Your Honor. I just…” Leo shifts his face enough to side-glance my parents. And that glance answers every question I have asked since the day he stood in front of my apartment. It isn’t Leo who wants Clementine. It’s my damn parents. Again, what the actual fuck?

“Mr. Parker. May I ask your relationship to the man and woman behind you?”

Leo fists his suit jacket. The bead of sweat rolls down his temple and drips from the angle of his jaw. I am dying to hear his answer. “This is Burton and Kathryn Rooker. Autumn’s parents.”

“Ah, I see. And why are Ms. Rooker’s parents sitting behind you and not her?”

This just keeps getting better and better. If I asked these questions, Leo would give me an angry rebuttal and storm off like an adolescent. But he can’t be a loose cannon with Judge Walton.

“I’d like to rescind my petition for custody,” Leo belts out. I gasp at the same time my parents turn beet red and sneer. “My choice to file for sole custody was irrational and hasty. My apologies to everyone.”

“Well, this makes my day run a bit smoother,” Judge Walton states. “But, you’re not off the hook yet, Mr. Parker. We will not discuss the details today, but your attorney will be receiving documentation from my office regarding missed child support.”

Leo hangs his head. “Yes, Your Honor.”

Judge Walton looks to me. “Ms. Rooker. I hear by award you sole custody of Clementine Arianna Rooker.” She lifts her gavel and claps it to the base. “This hearing is adjourned.”

We all stand as Judge Walton exits the courtroom. As soon as she enters her chamber, I spin around and hug Jonas.

“See, scarlet. Nothing to worry about.” He hugs me tight to his chest. “It was great to watch him sweat, though.”

I laugh. “It was, wasn’t it.”

TWENTY-FOUR

JONAS

Autumn stands tall beside me, and I have never been prouder to have her on my arm.

While we wait for Leo, his attorney, and Autumn’s parents to leave, Theresa talks softly about next steps. Paperwork that will follow in regards to back child support and any future support. Autumn disputes the notion, stating she doesn’t want a dime of the money. But Theresa comes back with a better solution—a future savings for Clementine. Whether for college or a first car or when she decides to move out.

Leo and his attorney, as well as Autumn’s parents, start for the door, but Leo pauses before exiting.

“Autumn, I apologize for all this.” He rocks back on his heels. “And I want to forego any visitation. With me and my family. Sorry to have put you through all this. I will pay your attorney’s fees.”

Well, well, well. Mr. Hotshot is just full of surprises today. Either way, I am glad he had a change of heart. Not sure what provoked it, but maybe his morality kicked in. Thank god it did before the judge made a decision.

Autumn nods and gives a gentle smile. “Thank you.”

The four of them leave the courtroom. Autumn’s parents still appeared perturbed by the outcome, but I really don’t care. We hang back for a few minutes and allow them to get a head start on leaving.

“See, nothing to worry about,” I say, squeezing Autumn to my side. “I knew everything would swing in our favor.”

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