I let out a shuddered breath and turn automatically toward Jordan. She’s already watching me, eyes shining as she wipes at the tears sliding down her cheeks.
Pressure loosens in my chest, relief rolling through me in waves. My shoulders ease. The sting in my eyes fades.
We did it.
We fucking did it.
I pull my gaze from Jordan, scanning the room until it lands on Cece.
Her cheeks are wet. Eyes red.
And the look on her face, a blend of pride and defeat. The kind that says,I know I’m doing the right thing, even though it might break me.
It tears at my heart.
We lock eyes, just long enough for her to take a deep breath and look away.
I’m on my feet before I can talk myself out of it, moving toward her without a single coherent thought. Just the need to do or say something.
I stop in front of her, awkward tension flickering between us even now.
I open my mouth, but the words don’t come out. They’re fucking stuck behind a hard lump of emotion lodged in my throat.
I swallow.
It doesn’t do shit.
Cece gives me a small smile, her cheeks still glistening. “It’s what Nathan would have wanted,” she says softly.
I’m struck dumb. There aren’t words big enough for this kind of gratitude.
She picks up her purse and slings it over her shoulder, turning to leave.
“Cece,” I say, my voice rough, hoarse.
She turns back.
“Thank you.” I nod too many times. “You can see Cole anytime. I mean that. I want you in his life. He needs you.”
“Thank you, Matthew.” Her voice trembles. “Cole’s lucky to have you. We’ll be in touch.” She glances down, then turns and walks away.
Jordan’s arms slide around my waist, and that’s it.
That’s the thing that does me in.
The composure I’ve been clinging to all day fractures.
A rough breath shudders out of me as I bury my face in her neck, exhaling the weight of the last three months. Nate’s death. The hearings. The waiting. Cole.
And her.
I breathe her in—the Prada perfume that always takes me back to our first kiss.
I pull myself together and straighten, my eyes landing on the guardian ad litem, Dave, as he walks toward us with Cole.
My grin comes easy.
“Hey, buddy.”
