Page 128 of The Fiancé Hoax

“My primary concern is always the well-being of the children.” His eyes moved between Gen and me. “It's true I often favor families with two parents. But when both households are single-parent, I’m inclined to think the children belong with the mother. Mothers are usually more nurturing and attuned to their children’s needs.”

I blinked. What was happening? Was he going to grant custody to Gen after all?

“However, that's not always the case. After reading the statements made by associates of Mr. Pierce and Ms. Barra, it was clear that these children belonged with their father. And I had planned to make that judgment today… until Mr. Pierce admitted to engaging in activities intended to deceive my courtroom.”

He looked at me. “There was no need to resort to such deception, Mr. Pierce. It’s clear you’re the more fit parent.”

I held my breath.

“And now, thanks to Ms. Barra's outburst, she has revealed her true intentions. She’s interested only in money, instead of providing a loving environment for her daughters. Ms. Barra, I advise you to re-examine the priorities in your life.”

I could feel the fury radiating from Gen, but she remained silent as the judge continued.

“Judgment is for full custody to Cooper Pierce. Geneviève Barra will be granted limited, supervised visitation until she applies to modify the order. Ms. Barra, you’ll have to prove you want to be a mother to these girls before I’ll consider any changes.”

It took me a moment for his words to sink in. But when they did, I felt I could breathe again.

“Thank you, Your Honor,” I said.

He struck his gavel, then stood up and moved toward his chamber.

Nick shook my hand and congratulated me. I thanked him, still in a daze, and he snapped his briefcase shut before taking his leave.

I turned to Felicity, who had tears in her eyes.

“You did it,” she whispered.

I took her in my arms. “We both did.”

Unable to say much more at the moment, I held her. I was at a loss for words, but my heart was full.

Somehow, we’d managed to win. Despite all my fuck-ups, despite all the problems along the way, I’d gotten everything I wanted… and so much more.

The girls would stay where they belonged, with me—and Felicity. We’d be a family.

Behind me, Marsh clapped me on the back.

I let go of Felicity and turned to him. “Congratulations, Cooper,” Marsh said, extending his hand to shake mine. “You deserve this. And those little girls do, too.”

I took his hand, but then pulled him in for a hug, slapping him on the back.

Marsh turned to Felicity and smiled. “And congratulations to you, too, Felicity. You're going to be a great mother.”

She looked at her father with tears in her eyes. “Thanks, Dad.” They embraced for a long moment, then Felicity stepped back to return to my side.

“Well, I’ll leave you two to celebrate.” Marsh started to leave, but then stopped and turned toward us. He shook his head in amazement. “I can’t believe I’m going to be a grandfather.”

Felicity laughed. Marsh’s face lit up in the biggest grin I’d ever seen him wearing. He turned to walk off, whistling a happy tune.

I took Felicity’s hand in mine and pulled her in tight.

“I love you so much,” I said. “I can’t wait to make you my wife.” I moved my hand to her soft belly. “And I can’t wait to raise our children together with you.”

She stood on her tiptoes to kiss me, then looked in my eyes. “I love you, too, Cooper. You’ve made me happier than I ever thought possible.”

“School will be out soon,” I said with a smile. “Let’s go pick up our girls.”

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