“Tanner,” the booming voice called out. “You’re a hard man to find.”
“Judge Vael? How can I help you, sir?”
Torn between shock and suspicion, I focused on putting my professional face on for the sake of getting answers. If the judge from the Quincet case was calling, it meant he had news.
I only hoped it was good news.
“Figured you would want an update on things since the last time we spoke. To be honest, it took me longer to find you than I intended, but you’ve always gone above and beyond for your clients. It only seemed fair to return the favor."
Unable to speak, I hummed to show I’d heard him. This entire conversation felt like a fever dream. The judge didn’t necessarily dislike me, but he’d been so sure to rule against me that I took it a bit personally. Him calling like this changed my perspective on our relationship.
“To keep it short, Mr. Quincet has been granted sole custody of his children. They were returned to him a couple of days ago. Mrs. Quincet is being held on multiple charges, including child neglect and abuse. Once the court was able to get ahold of her, I sent officers to her to do a welfare check.”
He paused, his silence saying more than words could. Regret and frustration had to be the prominent emotions he felt after handing those kids over to the woman who would hurt them so badly she’d be criminally charged.
Of course, I didn’t point any of that out. It would be in poor taste, and it wouldn’t change anything. The past was the past.
“I apologize for my hasty decision before. You presented a good case for Mr. Quincet. Had I taken a moment to assess the information properly instead of defaulting to the mother as caregiver, I would have seen the truth behind the illusion the mother presented. I hope this news brings you peace. You’re a damn fine lawyer, Tanner. Don’t forget it.”
“Thank you, sir. I… I appreciate you reaching out. It means a lot.”
He grunted before wishing me a happy holiday and we hung up. I stood there shellshocked for a moment before turning to face my friends. They made no effort to pretend like they weren’t listening. It would have been amusing if not for the fact I felt so happy I could burst.
“That was the judge. He found the children and returned them to their father. He was granted sole custody. They’re safe.”
Cheers went up around the room as the news took hold. Daddy was up and over to me in a flash. His arms wrapped around me, giving me the connection I needed.
“This is the best news, bud. I’m so happy for those kids and your client. Most of all, I’m glad you get peace knowing they’re reunited.”
Peace.
That’s exactly what I felt.
The next morning, I woke up with my thumb in my mouth again. At this point, the rare habit had turned into a constant thing. I’d come to accept there was no sense in worrying about it. I knew Simon wouldn’t care all that much, and really, there was nothing to be embarrassed about.
He knew I was Little. The two felt like they made sense together.
I lay there for a moment, watching Simon sleep beside me. His face was relaxed, peaceful in a way I'd learned meant he wasn't having nightmares about his late husband. He'd told me a few nights ago that he still dreamed about Wren sometimes—not always sad dreams, but dreams nonetheless.
I understood. Grief didn't just disappear because you found someone new. It became part of you, woven into who you were.
Carefully, so as not to wake him, I slipped out of bed. My elephant pajamas kept me warm as I shuffled to the bathroom. I'd worn them again last night, and Simon had read me a bedtime story just like he'd promised—one of the children's books from the box he'd found at my apartment.
It had been perfect. I'd felt small and safe and cared for in a way I never had before.
In the bathroom, I splashed water on my face and brushed my teeth. When I came back out, I noticed something on the nightstand that hadn't been there when I went to sleep.
Another wrapped package.
My heart leapt as I grabbed it, sitting on the edge of the bed to open it. Behind me, I heard Simon stir.
"Morning, bud," he mumbled, voice thick with sleep.
"Morning." I held up the package. "Look what appeared."
He propped himself up on one elbow, watching as I carefully unwrapped it.
Inside was a sippy cup.
