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Mitch exhaled and slowly nodded. "Yes, let's do that." He reached out for my hand and squeezed it gently, taking a moment to anchor himself in the present. I smiled in return, appreciative of his understanding as I helped him with his purchases, and we made our way back to his Lexus.
When we arrived at the apartment, Papa's car occupied the designated parking space. "I see your parents got home safely."
"Knowing them, they'll stay up all night to hear what you picked out." I chuckled.
We shared a laugh, our spirits buoyed despite the emotional rollercoaster we had just endured. I opened the door and stepped out, the cool evening breeze caressing my face. We wrapped our arms around each other, cocooned in a warm embrace, reluctant to let the day come to an end.
As we finally pulled away, Mitch gazed down at me, a radiant smile illuminating his face. "You know," he began, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, "I jogged all the way from home last night, hoping I might bump into you on the beach. I saw you standing at your window and thought you saw me too."
My eyes widened in surprise. "I did see you," I admitted softly.
His brow furrowed with heightened curiosity. "Why didn't you come down to the boardwalk then?"
A touch of sadness tinged my voice as I confessed, "I did, but by the time I got there, you had already disappeared."
Our eyes locked, the unspoken acknowledgment of our near encounter hanging in the air. But instead of dwelling on the missed opportunity, I hugged him one last time before he left. "Stay in touch. I can't wait to see more pictures of your beautiful daughter."
ChapterTen
Mitch
The momentI crossed the threshold into the lobby of the law offices of Waltz, Schneider, and Cosby, Vail's crisp mountain air was exchanged for the rich aroma of wood polish and paper. My footsteps were hushed by the luxurious carpet, but the oppressive presence of law books lining the walls was impossible to ignore. My purpose was clear. I settled into a plush chair and clutched my tablet that held the nursery furniture photos for Ava, the sketches for the imminent remodel, and the personal files Angelo would need.
As I glanced around the room, my eyes fell upon a shadow box mounted on the wall. It showcased an array of military ribbons and medals, along with a photograph of a younger Colonel, Angelo Ferrara. A swell of respect surged within me, knowing Ferrara had served his country before pursuing law. That sort of grit and determination was precisely what I needed in my corner.
My heart raced and sweat slicked my palms as anxiety clawed at me. Yet, the resolve to create a welcoming home for my daughter never wavered. Soon enough, Angelo emerged from his office, his smile warm and inviting. I rose, inhaled a steadying breath, and strode in after collecting my thoughts. "Have a seat, Mitch," Angelo gestured to a leather armchair opposite his polished mahogany desk. Diplomas and certificates framed the cozy yet professional space.
Angelo leaned in, his blue eyes sharp on mine as I crossed one leg over the other. "Mitch, I've gone over your case, and I want you to know I'll fight tooth and nail to help you win custody of Ava. But let me remind you, it's unusual for the judge to award full custody to one parent. They typically favor joint custody, ensuring the child has access to both parents, even when living apart. This holds true even when Nicole requests full relinquishment of her parental rights."
I frowned, replying, "From what I've heard, Nicole's found someone else and wants to shed the burden of raising a child. But knowing her, she's apt to change her mind on a dime."
Angelo's expression turned solemn. "Yes, I'm aware. Additionally, she's let go of her legal counsel. It seems she only needed them for the court filings."
"That sounds about right. Secrets seem to be her specialty." I nodded carefully, keeping my own deep mystery—Rosedale's unsolved riddle—hidden, worried that it might jeopardize my chance at fatherhood. After all, if Angelo hadn't mentioned it, why should I?
"Now, as we touched on during our video call, the court will want to make sure you can offer Ava a stable, loving home. They'll examine your financial footing, living conditions, and capacity to care for your little girl."
I powered up my tablet and brought up the files—my contract with Ella, the remodeling agreement, and even some pics of the nursery furniture. I presented Angelo with the loan documents and various HR files Chase had forwarded to me, confirming my insurance coverage and W-2s from the past three years.
"Outstanding, Mitch," Angelo praised, obviously impressed. "Now, a crucial part of your case is proving your dedication to being a presence in Ava's life, and you've got a solid start here." He leaned across the desk and handed me a sheet of paper. "Here's the location for your DNA test. Simple stuff. They'll just swab the inside of your cheek, but I'd recommend getting it done right away."
"Right, I looked it up. But it seems the results can take up to five business days. Do I really have to wait that long to meet Ava?"
"Actually, no. I've been in touch with the Department of Human Services. They're aware you're heading into town and plan to meet you at your chalet tomorrow for the introduction. Any further meetings will be on hold until the test results come back. Judge's orders!"
"Should I stock up on diapers or anything else for the baby at the chalet, given there's no gear for her there right now?" I asked, running a hand through my hair.
"Don't sweat it. Margaret, the caseworker, will bring everything you need. But she'll be observing how you interact with the baby, gauging whether you're forming a connection with the little one."
I could feel the anticipation humming through me. "Looking forward to that," I mumbled.
As we dove further into the labyrinthine details of my case, my phone buzzed in my pocket like an insistent insect. It was a text from Ella. My breath hitched when I read:
Ella: Terribly sorry, but I've caught something awful. Fever’s got me good.
Me: That's rough. At the attorneys. Meeting Ava tomorrow. Could really use you.
Ella: I'd be there if I could...
