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He kisses me softly. “We’re going to get through this. As long as we do it together.”
I nod, knowing he’s right. I’ve never had someone at my back when I needed them there. Now, I have a whole family behind me, and I’m finally ready to trust them to take care of me.
CHAPTER 37
Nolan
With Katie’s hand in mine, we walk into the courthouse as a unit. This past month hasn’t been easy. After our fight, Katie and I talked at length about what we expected from each other throughout all this. It finally clicked with her how much I see her and Cody as my family. I would do anything to protect them, including going behind her back. Katie shared how much it hurt that I didn’t keep what was going on to myself. I empathized with how that felt since she’d shut me out of everything, but I also told her I didn’t regret doing what I did. She admitted to being grateful I did it, too. We both understand better than ever how hard it is to communicate while stressed.
Since then, we found a lawyer who is even more phenomenal than we imagined. Dani came into our first meeting ready to go to bat for Katie immediately. After the mediator Bryce and Katie had to meet with determined that mediation would not be an option for them, her entire focus has been gathering as much evidence as possible to get this whole case thrown out.
We don’t believe that will happen, but we’re hoping it will keep Bryce from getting unsupervised visits, at the very least.
Katie and I come to a stop where my siblings are standing outside of the courtroom. My parents are the only ones missing because they’re hanging with Cody and Noah while we get through this shitstorm. Neither Katie nor I thought it would be a good idea for Cody to come to the courthouse. We’ve been very upfront with him about what’s been going on, though.
Katie squeezes my hand at the showing of support. “What are you guys doing here?”
“You didn’t honestly think we wouldn’t be here for you, did you?” Ellie scoffs.
Katie shrugs. “You’re already doing a lot for me.”
“We’ll do whatever it takes to keep Cody with us.” Adam nods at her.
“We’re grateful for everything you’ve done so far. Dani is amazing,” I tell them.
“Glad you think so.” The tiny blonde steps up next to Katie. “Everyone hanging in there?”
“As best we can,” Katie responds.
“Good. I found some interesting things since the last time we talked.” Dani looks over her shoulder as Bryce, his parents, and who I’m assuming is his lawyer, walk into the small lobby area.
Bryce looks at Katie, a cocky smirk on his face until he takes in all the people around her. When his eyes land on mine, they narrow into slits. My face remains impassive. I may have threatened him at Cody’s birthday party, but I refuse to give him any more ammo to use against us.
Katie and I turn back to our group, both of us pretending Bryce isn’t in the same room as us.
“Katie, I’ve been dying to ask if you think Noah could join that science class with Cody. He hasn’t stopped talking about it.” Natalie’s distraction is exactly what we need.
“I think so! Nolan would know better than me. He’s the one who takes Cody every week.”
“We’re starting a new unit in a couple of weeks, so I think now would be a great time to join. Some kids from a neighboring school attend, and the minimum age is seven. I don’t see why Noah couldn’t join if he wants.”
“Perfect. Will you send me the details?”
“I’d be happy to.”
“Is anyone else imagining Nolan with those science goggles right now?” Matthew teases.
“They come home with those rings around their faces, and it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.” Katie laughs. I grin down at her. I don’t even care that they’re laughing at me. The fact that my family can put a smile on her face despite our current situation makes me happy.
“Please get a picture of it.” Matthew presses his palms together as he pleads.
“No.” I point my finger at Katie. “Don’t even think about it.”
The mischief in her eyes tells me she has no desire to listen. She whips out her phone and pulls up the ridiculous photo she has of me and Cody after one of our classes. She proceeds to share it with my siblings. They get a great laugh at my expense. Even Dani coos at the image.
“You have to get that one framed. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen,” Tilly gushes.
“I’m way ahead of you. I’ve already picked out the frame.” Katie winks at me.
