At least we got some good news so far.
“The DNA test was inevitable, but I can control the timing and procedures. I’ll demand specific labs, chain of custody protocols, and push for delays in processing. Every week we buy gives us more time to build our case.”
Cora nodded. “I know Elias is his. My sister’s whole world was about this man. I can’t tell you how much money I gave her to help with bills, clothes, rent, everything. I nearly lost my apartment because I loaned her money and she didn’t pay it back.”
So that’s why she was begging her landlord for more time. Her sister had drained her financially.
“Well, even if Colter wasn’t asking for it, the court would. Either way, once we get the results, that’ll give us more to work with.” He shifted in his seat. “The marriage is concerning, but it’s also suspicious. A rushed wedding right after losing custody? I can argue it’s a sham marriage designed to game the system. We need to investigate the timeline, the wife’s background, and whether this was planned.”
“Of course it’s suspicious. Even his best friend didn’t know it was happening,” I said.
Rex looked at me. “Even if it is, if what Kane said is true, we’re dealing with a corrupt judge. Now, I’m good at what I do, but I can’t come riding into a small-town court and start making accusations about judicial corruption without an iota of proof. We’ll be tossed out on our keisters, and worse, we’ll lose credibility for the entire case.”
The longer he talked, the more animated he became and the thicker his accent got.
“I don’t understand. His name isn’t on the birth certificate, and she named me guardian. Doesn’t Elias’s mother have a say in who he goes to? The man abused Maya.”
“And you have no proof of that,” Rex said. “And he’s still the father. He has rights too. At least according to the law.” His gaze locked with Cora. “I will say that the fact that you’re single does count against you. At least in this court, it will. These are small-town folks. They want two-parent households and stability. Even better if Beau can sell them on a stay-at-home momma.”
Cora looked at me. “I’m going to lose him, aren’t I?”
I hated the look of defeat and anguish in her eyes.
Rex shook his head. “Now, I wasn’t trying to dash your hopes. I just wanted to be realistic. It’s not an easy case. You both have negatives and positives. Let’s hope the DNA test comes back and he’s not the father. Okay?”
She nodded, but I could feel the despair consuming her. “Okay.”
Rex cleared his throat. “All right. I’m going to get some documents drafted to submit to the court first thing Monday morning. I’ll talk to you good folks later.”
I ended the call and braced my hands on the counter.
Cora melted, setting her arms on the counter and resting her head on them. “We haven’t even been to war yet, and I already feel beat up.”
What could I do? She balked at the very idea of getting married, but as unhinged as it sounded, maybe it would help. “We get married.”
Her head popped up and her eyes were wide. “What?”
“We get married.”
“And then Beau questions us about our marriage too…”
I shrug. “Right, but there’s one thing we have that he doesn’t. History. We’ve known each other for more than a year now. People who work together fall in love all the time.”
Silence fell over us. She stared at me long enough I thought she might pack Elias up and find somewhere else to stay.
Finally, I broke the silence. “We stay married long enough that you get awarded custody. We could even stay together after. You and Elias could stay at the penthouse, and he could go to the best schools.” I paused and my chest tightened as I said, “And if you meet someone later on, we can divorce, and we’ll go our separate ways.”
Cora with another man. The thought filled me with rage, disgust, and heartbreak, but if she found someone who would love her, someone actually worthy of her, I’d step aside, happily.
“You’re serious?”
“I think we can both agree that Elias’s safety is paramount. We need to do whatever it takes to keep Elias away from Colter.”
Everything stilled. It was like the world was holding its breath, waiting for her to make her decision.
Suddenly, she hopped off the chair, closed the distance, and hugged me around the waist. “You’re the sweetest, most wonderful man I’ve ever known.”
I wasn’t. “Does that mean we’re planning a wedding?”
