Pretty Baby

Chapter 21

It’s the day before my custody hearing, I wake early, my mind already racing with plans for the day. I still need to find Xavier, to clear the air and hopefully mend our relationship. I’ve never gone a day, let alone a month without talking to him.But first, we have one last song to record.

Jade stirs beside me, her eyes fluttering open. "Morning," she mumbles, her voice thick with sleep. "Big day today, huh?"

I nod, leaning in to kiss her softly. "Yeah, but I think we're ready for it."

We get up and start our day, moving around each other with the easy familiarity of a couple who've found their rhythm. As I make coffee, Jade starts breakfast. The domesticity of it all strikes me, how far I've come from the chaotic, self-destructive lifestyle I used to lead.

Mike and Derek arrive just as we're finishing up, both looking surprisingly chipper for musicians who usually don't see the morning light.

"Ready to make some magic?" Mike asks, drumsticks already twirling in his hand.

I grin, feeling a surge of excitement. "Let's do it."

We head to the studio, and as I pick up my guitar, I feel that familiar thrill. This is it. The last song, the one that will tie the whole album together. I take a deep breath and start to play.

The song flows out of me, a blend of everything I've experienced over the past months. The joy of fatherhood, the pain of separation, the hope for the future. Mike and Derek fall in seamlessly, their rhythms complimenting my melody perfectly.

As we play, I lose track of time. It could be minutes or hours later when we finally finish, the last note hanging in the air.

There's a moment of silence, then Mike lets out a low whistle. "Damn, Zac. I think you just made something special."

“You mean, us,” I say, setting my guitar down.

“No, man. You. Those lyrics… they stand on their own, they should be front and center. You don’t need us drowning out a single word,” Mike says.

I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. This album, this song… it's my life’s work come to reality.

After the guys pack up the equipment and head out, they ask about the tour, and I tell them that it’s still a work in process.

I’m drained from the past two days and collapse on the couch.

I’m watching reruns of Brooklyn Nine Nine with Jade sprawled across my lap, when there’s a knock at the door. She groans in protest as I gently move her aside.

"Don't answer it," she mumbles, reaching for me. "It's probably just another fan who found your address."

I chuckle, planting a quick kiss on her forehead. "Could be important, pretty baby. I'll be right back."

As I open the door, I'm greeted by a stern-faced man in a suit. He’s a familiar sight. "Zac Fulton?"

"You already know the answer," I reply, leaning against the doorframe.

He thrusts a manila envelope at me. "You've been served."

My stomach drops as I take the envelope. The man nods curtly and walks away, leaving me standing there like I've been sucker-punched.

"Zac?" Jade calls from inside. "Everything okay?"

I close the door and make my way back to the living room, tearing open the envelope as I go. My eyes scan the legal jargon until I find what I'm looking for. "Fuck," I mutter.

Jade sits up, concern etching her features. "What is it?"

I sink onto the couch beside her, running a hand through my hair. "It's from Chloe's lawyer. They've postponed the custody hearing."

"For how long?" Jade asks, her hand finding mine.

"Two months," I say, the words tasting bitter in my mouth. "Until June twentieth."

Jade's eyes widen. "But that's -"

"Three days before Penny's first birthday," I finish, the realization hitting me like a freight train. "Jesus Christ."

Jade wraps her arms around me, and I lean into her embrace. "I'm so sorry, Zac. That's not fair."

We sit in silence for a moment, the weight of the news settling over us. I can't help but think of my daughter growing and changing every day, while I'm stuck in this legal limbo.

"What are you going to do?" Jade asks softly.

I pull away from her, standing up and pacing the room. "What can I do? Chloe's got the upper hand here. She's got Penny, and now she's got time on her side, too."

Jade watches me, her eyes full of sympathy. "Maybe we should call your lawyer, see if there's anything -"

"No," I cut her off, perhaps too sharply. "Sorry, I just... I need a minute to process this."

I grab my jacket and head for the door. Jade calls after me, "Where are you going?"

"To clear my head," I reply, not looking back. "And maybe find a bar that I won’t be recognized at."

As I step out into the Nashville sunshine, I can't shake the image of Penny's face from my mind. My little girl, growing up without me. I pull out my phone, scrolling to Chloe's number. My thumb hovers over the call button for a moment before I shove the phone back in my pocket.

Some battles, I remind myself, are better fought the right way.