Pretty Baby

Chapter 23

The courthouse looms again ahead, an imposing edifice of stone and justice. My heart pounds in my chest as I walk up the steps. Jade is by my side.

Jade squeezes my hand, her eyes filled with determination. "We've got this, babe. Just remember, we're doing this for Penny."

I nod, trying to muster a smile. "Yeah, for Penny."

As we enter the courtroom, the air is thick with tension. I scan the room, and my heart skips a beat when I see Margaret Heeler, sitting in the back with Penny on her lap. My almost one-year-old, looks around with wide eyes, her tiny hands clutching a stuffed elephant.

"Dada!" Penny cries out, her voice cutting through the silence. "Dada, hi, dada, hi!"

I start to move towards her, but Abby grabs my arm. "Mr. Fulton, don't make a scene. We need to stay focused."

I nod, taking a deep breath. "You're right. I'm sorry."

As we take our seats, I spot Xavier sitting on the opposite side of the courtroom. It's been three months since I've seen him, and I can't help but wonder if he's still mad at me for dating Jade. The thought of losing both my best friend and my daughter is almost too much to bear.

Chloe, sits at the plaintiff's table, her expression cold and determined next to her lawyer, Edward Stone.

"Mr. Fulton and Miss. Thomas. We are here today to determine the final custody of Penny Fulton. This hearing will not become a circus or the Wild West. This will not be an all day event like last time. Now, let’s proceed.”

Edward calls his first witness, a child psychologist who testifies about the importance of stability in a child's life. I listen, my heart sinking with every word. I know they're painting me as an irresponsible father, and I feel helpless to stop it.

But when it's Abby's turn, she calls Margaret Heeler to the stand. Margaret testifies about the home study, describing the loving and stable environment I've created for Penny. I feel a glimmer of hope as she speaks, but it quickly fades when Lawson cross examines her, questioning my past behavior and lifestyle.

The final and most surprising witness is when Edward calls Xavier to the stand. My heart pounds as he takes his place, avoiding my gaze. I brace myself for the worst, expecting him to testify against me.

"Mr. Holmes," Edward begins, "you've known Mr. Fulton for many years, correct?"

Xavier nods. "Yes, that's correct."

"And in your opinion, is Mr. Fulton capable of providing a stable and suitable environment for his daughter?"

Xavier hesitates, and my heart sinks. "Zac has made mistakes," he says slowly. "But he's also made a lot of changes. He's trying to be a better man for Penny."

Edward’s eyes narrow. "But isn't it true that Mr. Fulton has a history of irresponsible behavior? That he has struggled with substance abuse and unstable relationships?"

Xavier glances at me, and I see the conflict in his eyes. "Yes, that's true. But -"

Edward cuts him off. "Thank you, Mr. Holmes. No further questions."

As Xavier steps down, I feel a wave of despair. It looks like he's testifying against me, and I don't know how to fix this.

But then, Xavier turns back to the judge. "Your Honor, if I may, I have something else to say."

Judge Cole raises an eyebrow. "Go ahead, Mr. Holmes."

Xavier takes a deep breath. "I have a voice recording of Chloe Thomas. In this recording, she admits that she only wants custody of Penny so that Zac will have to pay her a million dollars in child support. She also says that she doesn't plan to take care of Penny herself."

The courtroom erupts in whispers, and Chloe's face turns pale. Judge Cole bangs her gavel, calling for order. "Mr. Holmes, do you have this recording with you?"

Xavier nods, pulling out his phone. "Yes, Your Honor. May I play it?"

Judge Cole nods. "Proceed."

Xavier presses play, and Chloe's voice fills the courtroom. "I’ll split it with you. I Just don't care about Penny. I just want Zac to pay me a million dollars in child support. I'll hire a nanny to take care of her. And we each can reap the rewards of Zac’s debaucherous life for once."

The room falls silent as the recording ends. I see the shock on Chloe's face, and I feel a surge of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this will be enough.

Judge Chen turns to Chloe. "Ms. Thomas, do you have anything to say in response to this recording?"

Chloe stammers, her face red with anger and embarrassment. "That... that recording was taken without my knowledge! It's not admissible!"

Judge Cole’s expression is stern. "Tennessee is a one-party consent state, Ms. Thomas. That means Mr. Holmes has every right to record a conversation he’s a part of with you with or without your knowledge. Regardless, the content of the recording is deeply concerning. It raises serious questions about your intentions and your ability to provide a suitable environment for your daughter." She turns to me, her gaze softening slightly. "Mr. Fulton, while you have made mistakes in the past, it is clear that you have made significant efforts to change and provide a loving and stable home for Penny. In light of this new evidence, I’m granting you full custody of Penny Fulton."

The words hit me like a tidal wave, and for a moment, I can't breathe. Then, the reality sinks in, and I feel a surge of relief and joy. I turn to Jade, who’s beaming with happiness, and pull her into a tight embrace.

"We did it," I whisper, my voice choking with emotion. "We did it."

Jade kisses me, her eyes shining with tears. "I knew you could do it."

Relief washes over me like a tidal wave. I barely hear the judge's continued remarks as I turn to look at the back of the courtroom where Penny sits with Miss Heeler. Without hesitation, I begin to move towards Penny.

As if sensing my approach, Penny's eyes light up. She pulls herself to her feet, wobbling slightly. My eyes widen as I realize what's about to happen. I slow my pace, crouching down and extending my arms.

"Come on, Penny," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "Come to Daddy."

The courtroom falls silent as Penny takes her first tentative step. Then another. And another. Her little face scrunches in concentration as she toddles towards me, arms outstretched.

My vision blurs with tears as Penny reaches me. I scoop her up, pressing a kiss to her forehead as she giggles and pats my face. "That's my girl," I murmur, holding her close.

"Dada!" Penny cries, her tiny arms wrapping around my neck. "Dada!"

I feel tears streaming down my face as I hold her, my heart overflowing with love and relief. "Daddy's here, pretty baby. Daddy's here. I’m never letting you go ever again."

Jade comes over, wrapping her arms around both of us.

As we leave the courtroom, I see Xavier standing by the door, his expression unreadable. I walk over to him, my heart pounding.

"Zac," Xavier begins, his voice low. "I'm so sorry for ignoring you these past three months. I knew I had to make it seem like we weren't friends to trick Chloe into confessing her plans to me."

I raise an eyebrow, adjusting Penny on my hip. "What are you talking about?"

Xavier sighs. "I found out Chloe was only after custody for the money. She didn't really care about Penny at all. I had to pretend to be on her side to get her to admit it. I recorded everything and gave it to your lawyer."

Realization dawns on me. "That's why the judge... Xavier, you sneaky bastard." A grin spreads across my face. "I owe you one, man."

Xavier shakes his head. "No, you don't. I'm just glad it worked out. I couldn't stand the thought of Penny being with someone who didn't truly love her."

I reach out with my free arm and pull Xavier into a one-armed hug. "Thank you," I say sincerely. "I forgive you. Hell, I'd probably have done the same thing in your shoes."

As we pull apart, Xavier's eyes light up. "So, now that this is all over, are you ready to start the new tour? The album's been sitting there waiting for you to promote it."

I look down at Penny, who is contentedly playing with the buttons on my shirt. I smile. "You know what? I think I am. It's time to get back out there. Show the world what Zac Fulton can do.” I pause, looking back up at him. “X, I... I don't know what to say. Thank you. You saved me."

Xavier looks at me for a long moment, then pulls me into a hug. "You're my best friend, Zac. I couldn't let you lose Penny. And... I'm sorry for how I reacted about you and Jade. I was hurt, but I see now that you two are good for each other."

I pull back, looking him in the eye. "Thank you, X. That means more than you know."

As we all walk to the car, Xavier turns to me, “Save the sappiness for the album, man. We’ve got a record to release and a tour to announce.”

As we drive home, I feel a sense of hope. This is just the beginning. The beginning of a new life, a new chapter. And I can't wait to see what the future holds.

~ ~ ~

Back at home, we settle into our new routine. Penny's laughter fills the house, and I find myself finally writing the last song I need.

In the evening, as I sit in the living room with my guitar, Penny playing at my feet, Jade comes over and sits beside me.

"Play it for me," she says, her eyes filled with love.

I smile, strumming a few chords. "Anything for you," I say softly, and begin to sing.

I’m Staring at these sad empty walls,

Echoes of your laughter coming from the halls

Your Pictures are scattered on the floor,

A reminder of the days I can’t ignore.

I can’t pretend that everything’s fine.

I can’t wait for you to come back to me,

I’ll spin you around so I can see,

That smile that lights up my life,

I know that I’ll never take this love for granted.

Nights are long, the days are hard,

Without you here, I feel so old,

Memories replay in my mind,

A love like yours is hard to find

I’ll be waiting, with open arms,

Til’ the day you’re back where you belong.

There’s no amount of distance that can keep me away from you,

I’ll run to the ends of the earth if I had to,

My heart will find you, no matter where you are.

As the last note fades, Jade leans in and kisses me. "It's perfect," she whispers. "Just like you."

I smile, feeling a sense of contentment and happiness that I never thought possible. "Thank you," I say, my voice filled with emotion. "For everything."

Jade rests her head on my shoulder, and we sit there, watching Penny play, our hearts full of love and hope for the future. We should be packing for our trip to Colorado tomorrow, but I just want to stay in this moment forever.