When he sits down, I put my hand on his arm, and I mouth a thank you. Even if I lose, I can’t blame him, because he’s done everything he could.
I wait without breathing while the judge reads all the documents, and my adrenaline kicks in when he looks up.
This is it. This is the moment where I lose Arianna, or I have her forever.
“This application presents no safeguarding issues. There is no harm, and no neglect. Also, there is no evidence other than a child well cared for.” His gaze shifts to my parents, but I keep looking at him, hoping for him to finally say that we’ve won.
“Disliking someone’s lifestyle is not a good reason to remove a child. And neither is their sexual preferences. I suggest you tread very carefully, because this young man could ask for you to be prosecuted.” He turns to me, and I’m aware I’m sweating so much my boxers are dripping wet.
I wish it were because I was thrusting inside Jay until we were both screaming each other’s name. Not what I should be thinking right now, but every thought of Jay, even the most arousing one in an inappropriate environment, is a welcome distraction from this horrible ordeal.
He closes the file and… getting air into my lungs feels like a battle.
“The application is dismissed. The child remains with Mr Taylor.” His words are welcoming and liberating.
I take a breath that sounds close to a sob.
My lawyer pats me on the back, and I stand. I’m not even sure I thank the judge.
I don’t even glance at my parents. Once this door closes behind my back they’ll be dead to me.
My mind is already with Jay. The need to hear from him, listen to his voice to make sure he’s safe growing by the second. Even a text would make my day.
Outside the room, I pull Arianna from the pushchair and hug her tight with happiness. I let the lawyer push the pram while I pull my phone from my pocket, unable to resist letting Jay know we’re okay.
His message sends a rush of joy through my chest.
I’m coming home. I love you.
I hit reply.
Haden
I love you too. We’re coming home.
I put my phone away and turn to my lawyer. “Thank you. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
“You did everything. You took care of her and she looks happy.”
We go our separate ways, and I rush to the car. I want to go to Jay and I want to celebrate with him, because today we both defeated our demons.
I drive carefully in the busy traffic, and when we reach home I don’t even pull the push chair out, I just take Arianna in my arms and hurry up the stairs. When I open the door Jay is there, his smile never-ending and making him look younger.
He dashes to us, and I welcome him into my arms, hugging them both close until Arianna is screaming to be let go. Jay and I laugh, but we let her go. I put her in her playpen, and while she shoves a toy inside her mouth, I pull Jay close.
I kiss him on his lips, over and over again. I keep the kisses gentle to show him how happy I am having him in my arms again.
Jay meets each one of them with the same playful happiness.
Until playing is not what I want any longer, and I take his mouth in a consuming kiss that has both of us trying to catch our breath.
I ignore my cock that it’s now begging to be satisfied, and instead I pull Jay into an embrace.
“I never want to let you go.”
“I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
That deserves a kiss. When we separate, my need to make sure Jay is really okay takes over. “How did it go?”
