Thankfully, there are drivers outside the airport looking to make a few extra bucks. I grab a ride and tell him to head to the hotel.
“Vacation or business?” the driver asks.
“Business,” I say, adjusting my seat.
“You ever been to North Carolina before?” he asks.
I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans, looking at him in the rearview mirror. “No, and I think it’s safe to say I won’t be back.”
He laughs and turns up the air-conditioning in the car. “You get used to the heat and humidity.”
I’m very doubtful of that. I’d much rather be sitting on my back deck listening to the waves crash and enjoying the cool breeze.
It’s a short drive to the hotel. I pay the driver, grab my bag, and walk inside. Once I have my key card, I head up to the room. I slide it into the door and when it clicks open, I’m grateful for the blast of cold air. It’s nothing great, just a simple hotel room, but that’s all I need. I just need somewhere to sleep and get ready to fight for my girls.
I take a quick shower and lay on the uncomfortable mattress. It’s quiet, too quiet, so I flip on the TV and grab my phone.
Me: Just letting you know I’m at the hotel and it’s lonely as hell without you.
McKinley: It’s lonely here without you, but it’s only one night. Tomorrow we’ll make up for lost time.
I chuckle, missing her even more.
Me: Is that a promise?
McKinley: Hell yes, it is. Now get some sleep. There’s a three-hour difference and you need to be up early.
I shake my head, laughing. This girl has no idea that even the simple things like worrying that I get enough sleep, make me love her even more.
Me: I’ll call you as soon as court is over. Good luck at your shoot tomorrow. Night.
McKinley: Good luck in court. Good night.
I toss my phone aside and close my eyes. Exhaustion takes over and while I think of all the ways I’m going to worship McKinley when I get home, I fall asleep.
My alarm didn’t even go off yet and I’m up having a shitty cup of coffee I got from the restaurant downstairs. My lawyer called and wants to meet before we head to the courthouse, so I’m dressed and ready to go. I’m nervous as hell. If this all goes wrong, I could lose the girls. Realistically, I know that won’t happen, but I have no idea what her plan of attack is. And I have no doubt it will be nothing but attacks.
I toss the empty coffee cup in the trash and adjust my tie in the mirror. I wanted to call McKinley or Kallie, but it’s only five in the morning in California. So, I grab my jacket and head downstairs to meet with my lawyer.
He’s easily seen sitting with papers all over the table. It’s not very encouraging if I’m honest. He spots me and waves me over.
“What’s all this?” I ask, sitting down.
“I was just making sure I have all proof of child support you’ve paid over the years. I have a feeling she’s going to say you haven’t been paying.” I go to interrupt, but he stops me. “I have all the proof we need right here, don’t worry.”
My nerves intensify as he continues to talk. There’s nothing new, he’s just reminding me to let him do the talking and to keep my emotions in check. Any outburst anyou d it will look bad for me. I nod as he talks, wishing this was all over with already.
After he finishes his breakfast, we head to the courthouse. I adjust my tie countless times on the ride over as my knee bounces against the seat.
“Braden, relax. You’ve got this in the bag. There’s nothing she can say or do that would destroy your chances. You’re going to get your girls,” he says, glancing over at me.
I know he’s right, but it’s still stressful. Especially, when we walk into the courtroom and I see Sarah’s parents sitting there. Fuck, I should’ve let Kallie and my mom come. They wanted to, but I told them I could handle it on my own.
When we sit down, I grab my lawyer’s arm. “Her parents are here, and my family is back home. Is this hurting me?”
“If I thought you needed them here, I would’ve told you. Her parents are here because she has nothing else. You’re proving that you don’t need anyone else. I know what I’m doing, Braden,” he says, opening his briefcase.
I scrub my face and lean back in the chair. It’s out of my hands at this point and it’s not a feeling I like. I like to be in control of every situation. To know what will happen and the truth behind it all. Anything that happens today is the complete opposite of that.
Right before the judge walks out, Sarah walks in with her lawyer. I refuse to even look in her direction. I keep my focus in front of me because if I look at her, I will lose my shit. After the judge comes out both lawyers begin talking. I’m feeling confident when my lawyer continues to contradict things that her lawyer brings up. She’s beginning to look bad and that works well for me.
“Mr. Stanton, you keep saying your client is the best fit for the children, but I’ve yet to hear why that is,” the judge says to her lawyer.
I mask my smile as I cross my arms. My lawyer looks at me and nods, simply saying we’ve got this. The longer I’m here, the more I actually believe I may be bringing my girls home.
“Your Honor, my client may go out and she may enjoy her time away from the children, but she
