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It was a moment that Michael wanted to last. Something deep inside of him feared it was too good to be true, that Mitch was just telling him what he wanted to hear, but he had to shove the pessimistic view aside and be happy for that very moment, and for once in his life, try not to anticipate the bad that could happen. It was a hard habit to break, seeing as everything up until recently ended horribly.
“Thank you, Mikey.”
“You’re welcome. We’ve got each other. We always have. Monday morning, Mitch. Be ready and we’ll come by to take you to Alamogordo.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
The morning of Michael’s court hearing came fast. His alarm was set for six AM, but he was out of bed and showering by 5:30. Haize was in the kitchen making coffee and breakfast when he got out, her robe fitting her perfectly, accentuating every curve that was his to enjoy. Her wavy hair was pinned up in a loose clip and she had her back turned to him, flipping pieces of bacon in the frying pan.
Scooting in beside her, he wrapped his hand around her waist and kissed her neck. “Mornin’.”
“Good morning. Couldn’t sleep?”
“Nope.”
Turning to face him, she pecked him on the lips. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Mitch agreed to treatment, and I get to find out about my boy today.” Butterflies flitted through his stomach. “And my woman is making me coffee and bacon. And did some nice things we can’t talk about for me in bed last night.” He wiggled his eyebrow and kissed her again, resting the palm of his hand on the small of her back.
“Why can’t we talk about them?” She giggled and turned to tend to the bacon.
“We might have a kid living with us soon. You’re gonna have to learn to be quiet.”
She laughed again and scooped the bacon onto a paper towel. “Says the man who couldn’t stop cussing when I was busy…” She waved the spatula, “… You know.”
“Busy, huh? Is that what you’re calling it?”
“Eat. There’s fresh coffee, too.” Sitting across from him, she tightened her robe and took a few pieces of bacon and some eggs. “Good things are happening, Mikey. I’m proud of how you’re handling all this.”
His mood changed immediately, and he considered what could happen. “And what if the court sides with Marilyn?”
“Then you appeal.”
“I keep running all these what-ifs through my mind. Is joint custody a win? Or do we appeal that, too?”
“It’s a win, but if you want to really fight to get him out of that house, I’d appeal.”
“I don’t want him under her roof. I want him in a safe place. Even if the court doesn’t think I’m the one, I just want him away from her. I’m so scared about being a dad. I’ve said it many times – I didn’t have a father to teach me how to be one.”
“But you know how not to be one, and I think that’ll go a long way too.” Haize patted his hand. “I’m here for you no matter what happens. I’m gonna go hop in the shower. Eat a good breakfast. We’ve got a long morning ahead of us.”
They arrived at the courthouse fifteen minutes before the hearing was scheduled. Marilyn got there shortly after with her husband beside her. She was holding Jace’s hand. The boy perked up when he saw Michael, but his mother’s grasp prevented him from getting close.
He gave a quick nod to them and held onto Haize’s hand so tight, he feared he might break it. He was also scared to let her go and she’d float off and leave him alone. His mind was going in so many directions – Jace was the top spot, along with Mitch and his promise to get clean. Something nagged at him. His brother could do it, but what if he was just telling him what he wanted to hear? What if Monday rolled around and he said no?
The courtroom opened and they took their spots at the front. Michael’s lawyer was waiting and gave a reassuring smile as the judge entered. Michael felt like he was going to vomit up the little bit of breakfast he was able to stomach. The judge had the perfect poker face, with no indication of what side he was going with.
He opened a manila folder and instructed them to sit. Flipping through the pages was torture. Why wasn’t he just reading what he had chosen? Michael wiped his sweaty palms on the sides of his pants. If someone had taken his vitals at that moment, they’d admit him into the hospital. He was close to losing it.
“Good morning. I have completed my investigation of both parties involved in the custody dispute. There will be no outbursts. No yelling. If that type of behavior happens in my courtroom, you will be escorted out and held in contempt of court.” He paged through a few more sheets and looked up.
Michael wanted to pass out. Haize’s firm grip against his palm brought him back to earth and eased some of the tension.
“This was an extremely difficult case. My ruling is not final. It will be pending many stipulations. Both sides come from complicated pasts and situations. This decision is based on progress made and for both of you to keep in mind that if anything messes up, the court will change its decision.” He paused and looked to Marilyn and then to Michael. “I am granting sole custody to Michael Brennan, father to Jace. There are stipulations. The court will check in with both parties. If Ms. Warner can get clean, find a more reputable job, and prove a stable lifestyle for her son, she can progress to supervised visits.”
“No, Your Honor. Please.” Marilyn’s voice shook. “Please, he can’t go to Michael.”
“Ma’am, this is your only warning to be quiet.” The judge flashed a harsh glance her way and continued. “Mr. Brennan, since you are still on parole, you are checked on regularly. Your parole officer has been notified of my ruling and will add check-ins with you and your son to her list. You will continue your AA meetings and counselor sessions. You will keep gainful employment and a consistent schedule for Jace. You will attend parenting classes, assigned by your counseling service. The court will re-evaluate in six months. You will receive notice of the exact date in a few months. This is not final for either of you. You have a lot riding on this decision. Do I make myself clear?”
