“I know, but they do have Maya’s written directive. I mean, I can’t see how his testimony could hold more weight than something concrete like that.”
Jason looked like he wanted to say something and then thought better of it. “I hope you’re right.”
I was too. I was sure Valle Perdido was a nice place to live, but I wanted to get Elias and get as far away as possible from Colter Briggs.
Chapter Seven
JASON
I wrappeda towel around my waist and shuffled back into my bedroom to dress. Dust particles danced in the moonlight that streamed through the windows. This not sleeping or barely sleeping routine was getting old.
Neither therapy nor pills managed to kick the nightmares. There were three that seemed to play in rotation. The worst was watching my father kill my sister, and the woman who was… more than a secretary. Or he sold them to Marco, and they made me watch him do horrible things to them. The one where he killed me first was the least problematic, but it was usually followed up by one of the others.
It usually meant I was up most of the night. I honestly didn’t even know what was fueling me until Cora stepped into my office the other day. At least now I had something to fight for, even if I was exhausted.
Once I’d thrown on some pajamas, I checked my messages.
I had a feeling about Beau Stanton that I just couldn’t shake, so I’d asked Thomas to find the best family lawyer in Texas.Rex Hatfield was expensive, but he’d had prior experience with Esquire Stanton.
According to the last text he’d sent, he’d be driving in tomorrow morning and waiting in the wings should Cora need him. If she didn’t, I’d pay him for his time, and he’d be on his merry way. Otherwise, he’d take the case.
Would Cora be angry that I did it? Maybe, but I meant it when I said I would do what it took to make sure she received custody of her sister’s baby.
Elias wasn’t mine. I’d never call myself his father, but he’d have the best education I could buy. My father didn’t teach me to catch a ball or throw a football, but I could golf and play tennis. If Elias wanted, I could teach him those. I’d be there for him if and when he ever needed me, which was saying more than my father.
I slipped my phone into my pocket, headed down the stairs, and paused on the first-floor landing.
Cora twisted on the couch and smiled. “Sorry. I didn’t think I had the TV that loud.”
“You didn’t,” I said through a yawn and ran a hand over my hair. It was probably sticking up everywhere because I kept putting off getting it cut. I was constantly trying to keep it off the tips of my ears.
A laugh jerked my gaze to her. “What?” I asked.
“You’re just making it worse.”
“Figures,” I chuckled, crossing the room.
I reached the couch and collapsed onto it with an exhale. My mind and body were desperate for a good night’s sleep.
Paper rustled, and Cora plopped down next to me. “I have a variety of midnight sugary delights ranging from chocolate to licorice.”
“I’m surprised you don’t need an insulin drip.”
She waved me off. “Don’t be a party pooper.”
My head dropped back against the couch. “I’m good.” I rolled my head and looked at her. “Are you up because you’re worried about tomorrow?”
“What will I do if the judge hands over my baby to that man?”
When I didn’t respond, she sat facing me with her legs crossed. “Are you going to tell me that’s not possible?”
“I don’t want to be the guy who tells you lies.” I took a breath. “If something happens, though, we’ll fight. We’ll never stop fighting. Elias needs a mother, a stable environment, and security.”
“You keep sayingwe.” She looked down at her fingers and began tugging at a snag in the blanket she was using. “I can’t ask you…”
“You didn’t ask, Cora. I offered. I want to do this. A man like Colter has no business raising a baby.” I chuckled. “Neither do I, but at least I’m self-aware.”
She jerked her gaze to mine. “What are you talking about?”
