Page 77 of Full Throttle

“I never forgot about you—not for a single day.”

He frowned, and I stood. “Just wait a moment.”

I left the room and returned with the small box Halton had given back to me. I handed it to him, and he opened it, looking at the envelopes.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Every letter and card I sent you that was returned. And ones I wrote and never sent since I didn’t know where you were.”

“There’re so many.”

“One for every birthday and Christmas. Plus some others.”

“You kept them?”

“I always hoped I could give them to you one day.”

“Can I read them?”

“They’re yours.”

He flicked through a couple envelopes. “I don’t know where to start.”

“Why don’t you keep them for a while, then decide. I can put them in your closet, and when you’re ready, they’ll be waiting.”

He paused, then opened one, scanning the childish card and chuckling over the twenty-dollar bill inside. He traced the “Love, Daddy” at the bottom.

“I always liked trucks,” he said.

“I know.”

He tucked the money back into the box but put the card on his nightstand. “Thanks,” he said. “I think I’ll open them one at a time.”

“Sounds good.” I took the box and slid it into his closet. “You gonna sleep now?”

“Yeah. Night, Dom.”

“Night.”

“Dom?” he called as I got to the door.

“Yeah?”

“I’d like to be here more, so I’ll talk to Mom, okay?”

“Whatever you want. Any time I get with you is a bonus.”

He grinned. “I think so too.”

I sat with Halton, the judge, and Roxanne. I was surprised not to see her lawyer. I was even more shocked when she asked to speak. The judge nodded, and I braced myself for her words. She looked directly at me.

“Josh wants to spend more time with you. I’ll agree to the extended visitation. No fighting.”

“Why?” The word was out of my mouth before I could stop it.

She sighed. “Because I see the difference in him. He’s happier. Doing better at school. Him coming for the weekends works for now, but it isn’t a permanent solution.”

“I know. We can address that at a later date. I just want to know my kid, Rox.” The nickname I used to call her slipped out without thinking. It surprised me. It surprised her.