Because Evan deserves the chance to see his father.Even if that man doesn’t deserve him.
So we settle on something simple.Evan’s baseball game this Saturday.
The annual father-and-son game.It’s something Evan has been talking about for weeks.
Mike hasn’t attended the last few years.But my son still lights up whenever he mentions it.
When Evan is called into the courtroom, my heart nearly breaks watching him walk up beside me.
The judge asks the usual awful questions.
Who do you want to live with?
How are things at home?
Do you feel safe?
Evan answers bravely, his voice steady.
Then the judge asks if he’d like to spend time with his father.Evan looks at me.
I know exactly what he’s thinking.That saying yes might somehow hurt me.
So I smile.And nod.
I never want him to feel like he has to choose between us.
Mike may be a lot of things.But he’s still Evan’s dad.And once, long ago, he loved our son.
So I offer the solution.
“The baseball game,” I say gently.“That would be a good place.”
Evan brightens instantly.
“That would be great!”he says, turning toward Mike.“Dad, we can play like we used to.Remember?”
Mike nods quickly.
“Yes, son.If it’s okay with the court, I’ll be there Saturday.”
His voice catches just enough to sound emotional.
Convincing.
I watch him for a moment.Then I look away.Because even now, I can’t imagine he would ever actually hurt his own child.
J.T.’s warm hand is on the small of my back, anchoring me, and I nod as the lawyers and the judge work out the proposed visitation.
Chapter38
J.T
Ihate seeing my woman upset over things that shouldn’t even be an issue.
Kelly deserves peace.
She deserves mornings where the only thing she worries about is whether we’re having pancakes or eggs.
