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I secure the tabs on Jonah’s nappy before sliding his legs back into his onesie. Nolan’s standing beside me, looking awfully put out for some reason.
The doctor removed the copious layers of bandages while he was here, replacing them with lighter, less restrictive dressings, so I can move my fingers and somewhat use my hands. The wounds are still tender, but I can manage things much better now.
“Ouch,” I breathe out as I try to fasten the press studs. The movement pulls at the healing skin on my palm, sending a sharp sting through my hand.
“Let me,” Nolan says, gently moving me aside before taking over. “You’re going to hurt yourself if you keep pushing through the pain.”
A smile tugs at my lips because I’m pretty sure he was just waiting for an excuse to swoop in.
“Hello,” I hear someone call out. I leave Nolan to finish the job and move back into the front room, where I find Poppy standing at the entrance. “Can I come in?” she asks.
“It’s your house. You don’t need to ask.”
“It’s yours for the time being, and I don’t want to intrude.”
“I appreciate you letting me stay here.”
“I’m happy to help. That’s why I’m here.” She holds up a large mustard-coloured envelope. “I have papers for you to sign.”
“Papers?”
“An Initiating Application for parenting orders.” Her expression softens. “The sooner we get these filed, the better.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll sit down and go over them with you …” Her words trail off when Nolan enters the room with Jonah in his arms. “Oh, I was hoping he’d be awake so I could get some squishing time in.”
“Squishing time?” I ask.
“Those cheeks,” she answers, handing the envelope to me before moving towards Nolan.
“Seriously, Pop,” he groans as she reaches for him. “Mum just left, and practically hogged him the entire time she was here. I only just got him back.”
“Gimme, gimme,” she demands, holding out her hands and wiggling her fingers when he pulls back.
I can’t fight the smile that spreads across my face as I watch them. Jonah’s used to me and only me, and now he’s suddenly surrounded by people who adore him.
“Fine,” he grumbles as he reluctantly hands Jonah over.
“I won’t be here long, so stop your grumbling. Once Daisy signs the papers, I’m heading straight to the Family Court to file them.”
I’m sitting at the dining table with Poppy beside me and Nolan opposite us.
Poppy’s still holding my son, so I turn each page as she explains everything. The orders they’re applying for are that Jonah remain living with me. If they are granted, I’ll have sole parental responsibility. For the time being anyway. Jason cannot remove him from my care, and there will be restrictions put on travel or contact until the court can properly assess the situation.
“Given we believe there’s a genuine risk Jonah could be removed, and there are safety concerns for his wellbeing if he is,” Poppy explains, “we’ll be asking the court to make interim orders before the final parenting matter is decided. That way, Jonah has some stability while everything is being worked through.”
“What are her chances of getting an interim order?” Nolan asks, taking the words right out of my mouth.
“Good,” Poppy says. “We’ll prepare an affidavit from Daisy outlining her concerns and the reasons she left. Given the circumstances, I’m confident the court will take it seriously.”
“And if they don’t?” Nolan and I ask in unison. His eyes flicker to me, and he gives me a strange look before turning his attention back to Poppy.
“We’ll cross that bridge if or when we come to it. You know what Bennett is like when it comes to the people he cares about. He’ll do everything in his power to help get this approved.”
Nolan drums his fingers on the tabletop. “The fixer strikes again,” he murmurs.
“He doesn’t even know me,” I say.
