Judge Ellen Hart sat behind the same bench.
Six months earlier, I’d stood before her wearing the only suit I owned, terrified she would decide I wasn’t enough.
Now my suit actually fit.
Vicky had chosen my tie.
It had tiny blue whales on it.
Judge Hart noticed.
“Interesting neckwear, Michael.”
“Victoria has strong opinions.”
“I can see that.”
Vicky whispered loudly, “His other tie was boring.”
The judge hid a smile.
Mercer stood beside us.
Across the aisle was an empty table.
No Denise.
No Howard.
No lawyer calling me irresponsible.
No one claiming Vicky belonged somewhere else.
Judge Hart reviewed several papers.
“I’ve received the updated home-study report.”
My stomach tightened from habit.
“Excellent school attendance. Stable residence. Appropriate childcare arrangements.”
She looked at me.
“And apparently you’ve returned to school.”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
That part still felt unreal.
The dean of my dream college had met me the morning after Mercer’s call.
