Page 76 of First Surrender
A sigh escapes me as I nuzzle into the pillow and shut my eyes, willing sleep to come. Except, almost immediately an arm latches around my waist, dragging me backward across the sheets.
It’s so comically simple to accomplish that I don’t fight it as he tucks me against his body. His slow and steady breathing resumes over my head, distracting me from my uncertainties, and lulling me unconscious before I can worry about what all of this means.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Jackson
We’ve found our new routine. She waits until she thinks I’m asleep at night then sneaks into my room, never resisting when I pull her into my arms, but in the morning as I wake up, emerging from either my bathroom or closet, she’s gone.
During the day I go to work, she cooks, and Dec goes to school. We eat dinner together and then she disappears into her room after Dec goes to bed. I pretend I don’t expect her each night and she pretends it isn’t happening at all.
I welcome her presence and appreciate any bit she gives me, but it’s frustrating that she’s still fighting it because I know how good it will be once she’s all in. Once she feels safe enough to let go of her fears and trust me.
I’m afraid she’ll heal from her heartache and be done with me, the chapter we have together will close. I enjoy our platonic nighttime sleepovers but I don’t want this to be it. I want to give her the life she wants, the Sunday dinners, and the traditions. She deserves it all. So does Dec.
They’re a packaged deal and I’m the one lucking out.
I never realized how alone I was. Even as a kid growing up with a single mom and no siblings, I was used to doing things by myself. Now that I have a taste of family life, I don’t want to give it up. Hell, I want to give Dec a big family. Add on a couple ofsiblings? Nieces/nephews? Whatever he wants to call them, I’m down.
It would help if Natalie could stand to be around me in the daytime but we’ll get there. Hopefully.
One week after the miscarriage we have our first day in Family Court. Well, Natalie does, I’m only here for support. She sits next to Liv at the table and I sit behind them in the first row.
Judge Reisner is presiding as normal. He’s the only judge in the county for Adult, Juvenile, and Family court. Declan’s lawyer isn’t anyone I recognize, nor do they look as put-together as Liv. I got her name from Thea and Jesse. Liv is her best friend and one of the best independent lawyers in the state.
“Today we’re only discussing our options, okay? Nothing will be decided in this session. We’ll lay out the information and then decide the best option for Declan Jr.,” Judge Reisner explains and I watch as Natalie’s shoulders shutter at the name. She hates it when people call Dec that.
“Mr. Randolph, what have you done to ensure a good home for your son?”
“My client has an apartment and is currently working in a factory. He is looking forward to bringing Declan home where he belongs.” His lawyer provides his information with very little flourish.
“The apartment that the council is referring to is the same apartment that Dec’s mother died in. Mr. Randolph was not a resident of that home when they lived there and there is no record of him on the lease currently. I checked with the landlord. There is also no substantial work history to confirm that Mr. Randolph will hold down his job permanently or refrain from going back to his less-than-legal income stream. He hasn’t been employed long enough to get a pay stub.” Liv drowns Declan’s lawyer’s points but she’s not done.
“Mr. Randolph did not have a consistent visitation history before Mrs. Halstead’s death and it’s unlikely that he knows basic information about his son, his school, or his medical history. My client has taken care of her brother since his birth. She has been his sole guardian this past year and has maintained a residence for him, ensured his academic success, and allowed the boy to prosper during this difficult time. She is the best choice for custody and I think your honor will see that.”
I should clap. I want to. Liv is worth every penny and we’ve just begun. Natalie’s remained relatively still during the entire monologue but I can tell she’s shaking with nerves.
“That was a very impressive argument Miss Greenwood, but save it for the ruling day. My main concern is the lack of support in Miss Halstead’s corner. She’s young, there seems to be no other living family, and I’m concerned that she might be taking on more than she realizes,” Judge Reisner says.
Declan leans over and whispers something to his lawyer. “We have reason to believe that she’s an irresponsible fit. There has been a suspicious fire at her place of residence and she has moved multiple times since gaining guardianship. There is also reason to believe that she is involved with sex work.”
“Objection.” Liv shoots up out of her seat. “My client is a private cook. Her last five employers are all in the food and beverage industry. My proof and references are labeled in yellow.” She drops the folder on the table to make her point. “That is a farce of an argument.”
“I agree. We’re not throwing around rumors today gentlemen. What is this about the living situation? Where is the boy living?” Reisner asks, gazing over the top of his glasses.
“My client and Dec have been living with a trusted friend.”
“And, who would that be?”
“Me, your honor.” I stand to address the judge directly because he knows me well.
“Ah. I didn’t realize you were a close friend of the family, Sheriff. Nice to have you here in my courtroom under any circumstance, but if you don’t mind, tell me your involvement.” He motions to Natalie. I don’t know if this is personal curiosity or professional, but I oblige.
“I’ve been friends with Miss Halstead for a few months. I assisted when the fire that was ruled as arson condemned their apartment. The arson was investigated and none of the evidence points to Miss Halstead. You can trust that Dec’s well-being is a top priority for me.”
“Ah, I see.” He eyes me knowingly but doesn’t question me further.
“Miss Halstead, are you sure you’re ready to be the custodial parent if it comes to it?”