My chest cracks open. He brushes a soft kiss to the tip of my nose, tender in a way I thought men only were in books.
“I have money saved,” he murmurs.“Enough to disappear if we need to. We will change our names. Start fresh. Someplace we are safe. Someplace Mia grows up happy and free.”
I flinch.“But your family. Ethan, I could never make you leave them behind.”
He takes my chin gently and lifts my face back to his. His eyes are steady. Certain. Unshakeable.
“You and Mia are my family now,” he says.“Whatever it takes to keep us together. No matter the cost.” His thumb drags across my cheek again.“Trust me?”
My breath trembles out of me.“I hate them,” I whisper, every ounce of fear, helplessness, and rage spilling out at once.
His expression softens in that way that always breaks me open.“I know, baby. I am sorry. I am so damn sorry.” He pulls me against his chest, arms banded around me like he will never let go.“But you are not alone. Not anymore.”
CHAPTER 26
Summer
I sit beside Ethan in the waiting room of the small law firm in Lander. The late-afternoon sun filters through the blinds, casting long stripes across the carpet. My hands are twisted together in my lap. Ethan’s knee presses into mine every few seconds, a quiet reminder that I’m not alone.
When the attorney, Mr. Harwood, calls our names, I rise slowly. He leads us into his office, warm, book-lined, with leather chairs and framed certificates on the walls. He closes the door gently behind us.
“Thank you for coming in,” Mr. Harwood says, settling behind his desk. He’s tall, salt-and-pepper hair, eyes kind but serious.“I’ve reviewed your papers. You did good work documenting what’s happened.”
I take a breath.“Thank you. I just… I want to protect Mia.”
Harwood nods.“That’s exactly what we’re going to do for her. There are several facts in your favor.” He taps his pen against the desk.“First, you said, and the documents confirm, Kevin voluntarily signed away his parental rights at one point?”
I nod again, swallowing hard.“Yes. He signed his rights over. That’s why Mia was fully mine legally for a while.”
“Good.” The lawyer leans back in his chair.“That is a strong point. Secondly, the records and your statements about his violence, your protection order, the wrist injury, witness accounts, those are all relevant. Evidence of domestic abuse is taken seriously by the court, especially in custody disputes.”
My throat tightens.“Ethan saw it with his own eyes. And Grace is willing to testify.”
Mr. Harwood nods approvingly.“Exactly. That helps a lot. The court will look at your capacity as a parent, your willingness to protect her, her emotional welfare, your stability. But…” His voice softens.“There are challenges. Your lack of a permanent home will probably be used against you. Kevin’s lawyers may argue you aren’t stable, especially if he paints himself as the more‘settled’parent.”
I swallow hard, pain twisting in my chest. I don’t own a house. I’ve been renting. I haven’t built roots here… or at least, not yet.
Ethan squeezes my hand.“We can figure this out,” he murmurs.
Mr. Harwood continues.“We need as many witnesses as possible: family, friends, anyone who can testify that you are a good mother, that you care, that he’s been a danger.” He looks at me carefully.“Would you want Mia to testify?”
My heart lurches. I glance at Ethan, who looks torn.“No, I…I don’t want her going through that.” My voice is small but firm.“She’s too young. This is her dad, I don’t want her dragged into court.”
The lawyer nods, as if expecting that.“I understand. But hear me out. If a judge hears her, even briefly, it can strongly support your case. She can talk about her home, who she’s living with, how she feels safe… as long as it’s handled carefully. And it could help her feel heard, too.”
Tears prick my eyes.“I’m scared. I’m scared she’ll be traumatized. What if she blames me later?”
Harwood leans forward, calm but firm.“We’ll request a child-sensitive evaluator, someone experienced in interviewing kids in custody cases. We don’t force her to speak if she isn’t comfortable. But if she’s willing… it could make a big difference.”
I close my eyes, letting the idea settle. Terrifying, but part of me knows he’s right.
The lawyer’s tone softens, more optimistic now.“Also, if things go badly, you have options. We can fight to modify existing orders, ask for supervised visitation restrictions, or even emergency custody if you can show a risk to Mia’s safety. Under Wyoming law, the court considers domestic violence when determining custody, and a judge can prioritize the child’s best interests above everything else.”
“What about jurisdiction?” I blurt.“Mom and Dad live in Cedar Falls… but we’ve been in Lander for months.”
Harwood nods.“Good question. Because Mia has lived in Wyoming for at least six months, with you, that gives this court subject-matter jurisdiction. Wyoming law allows a court in a county where the child has lived for at least six consecutive months to hear a custody case. So yes, Lander’s court is appropriate.”
I let out a shaky breath.“Okay.”
