“K-Brad!” One of the cops holds out a fist, and I reach forward to bump it.
“Who dat?” the other one calls from where he waits near the lift.
“Y’all can’t do this,” I say quietly to the first officer.
He shakes his head slowly, a resigned expression on his face. “Sorry, bro. Judge’s orders.”
“You may visit Christine if you choose,” the woman says, standing taller. “But her family has rights, and they want her out of this environment.”
“I’m her father. Don’t I have rights?”
“You are not her father, Mr. Bradford. The paternity test came back negative. You must give her to her family.”
It’s like a slap in the face. Melody inhales a sharp gasp.Internally, I stagger back from the blow, shaking my head and doing my best to regain my footing.
“But… I cancelled the test.” I feel my power slipping.
“Your request to cancel came after the test had already been performed.”
Cricket scrubs her little face against my chest. I press my lips against her soft dark head, closing my eyes briefly as I inhale her sweet baby scent. It doesn’t matter.
“I don’t care what some damn test said.” My voice is low. “I’m her family. It’s what Bonnie wanted.”
“You’ll have to take that up with the judge.” The woman’s tone grows stronger. “I can’t stand here all day. Either give the child to me, or we’ll take her from you.”
“If you’ll just give us a minute to gather her things,” Edward says. “Melody, would you get Cricket’s bag from the bedroom? It’s still packed, and there are bottles in the kitchen.”
“Edward…” My throat twists painfully.
“We can’t fight this.” He speaks quietly at my side. “It’s only temporary.”
Melody is still holding my arm as if she’s just waiting for me to give her the signal to run.
“Melody?” Edward glances at her, but she doesn’t move.
I’m pretty sure I fall even deeper in love with her right here on the spot. No need to figure out our relationship. This woman has my back at all times. She loves my baby girl as much as I do, and I’m here for it.
“We have to cooperate,” Edward urges. “Trust me.”
Seconds tick past. I’m breathing fast. Melody holds my arm and Cricket nods her little head, wobbling in my grasp.
“I know someone who can help us.” Melody’s voice is quiet. “My uncle Spencer has money and connections.”
“My aunt Liv is a lawyer…” I look up at Edward, remembering his backstory.
He nods. “We’ve been in this situation before.”
It’s the only thing that could possibly loosen my grip. I can’t release her little body, but he manages to pry her from my hands. She lets out a little wail, and my heart rips in two.
Melody slowly goes and gets the bags as instructed, and the woman takes them from her.
Cricket is on her hip, but her face crumples, and her cheeks turn red. I’m beside her at once, rubbing her back and pressing my lips to her forehead.
“Don’t cry, Crick.” My voice cracks, and my vision blurs. “I’m coming for you.”
She cries more, holding out her arms and saying “Ba!”
My lungs collapse, and I can’t do this. It’s wrong.
