My attorney doesn’t miss a beat. “Your Honor, given the volatility already on display, we would also like to address the matter of the temporary restraining order currently in place against the Davenports.”
Mr. Gable exhales loudly. “Your Honor, that order is excessive and unwarranted. My clients have every right to see their grandchild.”
Miller rises before my attorney can respond, his voice controlled but firm. “Your Honor, with all due respect, Eli’s safety comes first.”
The courtroom stills.
The judge studies him. “Mr. Brody, you’ll speak through counsel.”
Miller nods once, jaw tight, and sits back down.
My attorney steps forward. “Your Honor, due to an ongoing investigation involving the Davenports, we are requesting that the temporary restraining order be extended and that any consideration of custody or visitation be postponed for no less than one week, pending furtherfindings.”
Mr. Gable shakes his head. “This is a delaying tactic—nothing more.” He thumbs through his papers. “What ongoing investigation?”
“Or,” my attorney counters evenly, “it is a precaution to protect a minor child.” He pauses almost dramatically. “The file with the ongoing investigation is in front of you, Your Honor, and you as well, Mr. Gable.”
The judge opens the folders and reads for a few minutes. He then closes the file and holds it up. “Mr. Carson, there are some extreme allegations in this file.”
My attorney nods, and the judge leans back, steepling his fingers as the room falls silent.
“Given the circumstances and the mention of an active investigation, this court finds it prudent to proceed with caution.”
My breath catches.
“The temporary restraining order will remain in effect. Consideration of custody and visitation is hereby postponed for seven days, at which point this court expects a full update on the status of the investigation.”
Mrs. Davenport makes a sound of protest, but the judge’s gavel comes down once.
“Court is adjourned.”
My mouth falls open. Seven days. Another week of this. Miller turns to me and holds my hand. “Honey, you okay?”
I nod, and he helps me from my chair. Almost instantly, I’m enveloped in hugs from his family. “We got you,” Skyler whispers in my ear as she holds on to me.
Zach circles his arms around Skyler and rests his hands on her pregnant belly. “We’re going to lunch at Red’s. You two want to join us?”
Miller looks at me, and I nod. “Yeah, I can eat.”
Miller pulls me into his side. “We’ll meet you there.”
The Davenports glare at us as they walk by, but the Brodys are like a wall between me and them. Once they’re gone, Miller walks us to his car. “Have you heard from Mike?”
He pulls his phone from his pocket and hands it to me. I see a text from Mike, and when Iopen it, I see a smiling Eli painting a picture. I look at the drawing, and I gasp when I see it’s him standing hand in hand between Miller and me. I know when this is over, this is going to devastate Eli. He loves Miller so much.
I hold the phone up and show Miller. “He’s painting a picture of us.” I give him back his phone and then hold my left hand up. “You can probably take this back.”
I’m about to remove the ring when he grabs my hand, threads our fingers together, and lays it on the console between us. “Keep it. It’s yours.”
“Miller. I can’t keep this. It’s yours.”
He shrugs. “You can keep it. I bought it for you.”
“It’s expensive, Miller. You’ve already done too much, I can’t?—”
“We can get you another one if you would feel more comfortable wearing something less expensive.”
I freeze. “Miller Brody. How much did you pay for this ring?”
