Chapter 12: The Boys
The temporary custody order gave me primary physical custody with Gavin receiving supervised visitation every other weekend. I expected resistance. There was none. Gavin’s attorney simply confirmed the schedule and asked for a neutral location for the exchanges.
Nolan and Parker asked questions on the drive home after the hearing.
“Will we still see Daddy?” Nolan asked.
“Yes,” I answered. “But only when it’s safe and scheduled. And always with someone watching to make sure everyone is kind.”
Parker leaned his head against the window.
“I don’t want to live with Sloane. She doesn’t like when we make noise.”
I pulled the car over and turned to face both of them.
“You will never live with Sloane. You will live with me. Daddy can visit, but our home is with me and each other.”
They nodded, and the tension in their small shoulders eased slightly.
That night I sat on the edge of their beds and read the same story I had read a thousand times before. When they were asleep, I stood in the hallway and allowed myself one quiet moment of grief for the marriage I had once believed in.
Then I walked to my study and opened the company files.
The audit would begin next week.
The truth was already on the record.
And for the first time in thirteen years, I was no longer standing behind anyone.
May you like
I was standing for my sons.
And that was more than enough.
