For the first time in a long time, I felt nothing but pure relief knowing those fears I carried could rest.
At least for now.
Forty-Two
Javier
Three weeks later, and it was time for the hearing.
I stood in my bathroom, fixing my tie and doing my best not to feel irritated. I still could not believe this was even happening but was glad it was sooner rather than later.
I could hear Octavia talking to Aleesa downstairs. It was clear she was giving Octavia a hard time, so I finished up and joined them.
Octavia was sitting on the floor next to Aleesa, who was pouting, with shiny eyes. When she caught sight of me, she ran my way from the living room and closed her arms around one of my legs.
“What is going on?” I asked, picking her up.
“She wants to go with you.” Octavia blew a mildly frustrated breath as she stood up.
“I see.” I focused on my daughter. “Lo siento,princesa. I have to go, but I will be back very soon.”
Aleesa placed her head on my shoulder and began to cry.
Damn. I did not want her to cry. Not on this day. It was already going to be hard enough.
Octavia smoothed her dress down. “I can take her to the park,” she offered. “One of the smaller ones with less people. I think she’s getting tired of the pool and bubbles.”
“Yes. That will be good. I’m sure she will like that.”
“Okay.” Octavia reached for Aleesa, but my daughter was not having it. She kept her head glued to my chest instead, now whining.
“Go on, amor,” I murmured, handing her over to Octavia.
Aleesa cried harder.
“It’s okay. You’re okay, love. I’ve got you. We’ll get on the swings. How does that sound?”
Aleesa’s cry weakened, but her eyes never left me. Guilt ate at my heart. I hated this. I would have done anything to stay and console her. Clearly this custody battle was affecting her too.
“I don’t want swing. I want slide,” Aleesa demanded.
“All right.” Octavia couldn’t help laughing at her mini protest. “We’ll go down the biggest slide, then, my love.”
At that, Aleesa calmed down and closed her arms around Octavia’s neck. I couldn’t help smiling at the interaction.
Octavia shifted her attention my way while rubbing soothing circles on Aleesa’s back. “Good luck today, okay?”
“Thanks.” I leaned down to kiss her.
“Ew,” Aleesa quipped.
Hilarious considering she wasn’t even looking at either of us. My girl was too smart for her own good.
Octavia blushed while fighting a smile.
“See you later, okay?” I told her.
“’Kay.”
