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A buzzing sound filled my ears as I collapsed on one of the island barstools.
They were going after Zoe.
They wanted to take her away from me.
My little girl.
This couldn’t be happening.
Thiscouldn’tbe happening.
Everyone else in the room chattered on like I wasn’t having a mental breakdown. Like my entire world wasn’t imploding.
“What? That’s ridiculous.” Mom laughed incredulously. “Everyone knows there’s no better father on this Earth. You love that little girl to pieces. There’s no way they have a case.”
“Look, Kingston, I promise we’re going to fight this vigorously.” Forrest patted my shoulder. “But they now have evidence of you sleeping with your childcare provider, in thesame house where your child is presumably sleeping. It’s not exactly ideal circumstances. I’m going to refer you to the best child custody firm in town.”
“Refer me? You can’t handle this?” I asked numbly. Forrest had been representing me for years.
This couldn’t be happening.
“We’re not dealing with a simple nuisance visitation request. They are going for your daughter, and no doubt they’ll be asking for child support too. This will be an all-out war. I want you to have the best representation possible. And this isn’t my area of expertise.”
I listened to him dully. My body felt numb. My entire life was imploding. I couldn’t lose Zoe, especially not to those vultures. They’d parade her in front of the media and twist her mind. If they won, there was no way Zoe would have a chance of a somewhat normal childhood. They wouldn’t protect my daughter the way I did.
This couldn’t be happening.
“I know this is a lot to take in, Kingston.” Jayne grimaced. “But I promise we’re going to do everything we can to keep your little girl safe at home.”
Mom wrapped an arm around me and squeezed my shoulders. “Phoenix and I are here for you too. We’ll be happy to testify on your behalf. You gotta keep your head up, son. You got this.”
Really? It didn’t feel like it.
I felt like I was drowning.
“I-I-I…” My voice cracked. “I gotta get to set. I’ll peek in on Zoe, but she should still be sleeping. Can you stick around and watch her, Mom? Pretty sure Briar needs a break too.”
My mom gave me a sad smile and nodded. “I’ll be here.”
“Thanks, Ma.” I turned to the rest of my team. “Keep me updated. I, uh, guess you’ll have to call or text me since I nolonger have an assistant. Mak, can you make sure all his security clearances have been revoked, both here and at the studio? And Forrest, get me in with that attorney ASAP. I don’t care how much they charge or when their first available appointment is. I want to see someone tomorrow.”
“Will do.” Forrest nodded.
Mak inclined his head. “Already done.”
At least someone had their shit together. I sure as hell didn’t.
“Thanks, everyone.” I stood and headed for the back deck.
There was still one person I hadn’t talked to about this whole shit show.
But I was afraid to face her.
I hadn’t done my job. I hadn’t protected her like I should’ve. I didn’t know what I could possibly say to make it up to her.
But I had to try.
Pushing open the door, I found her on the far side of the deck, sitting on a chaise lounge with her head in her hands. I hadn’t thought it was possible for my stomach to sink any lower, but it did.
