Page 181 of Mended Hearts

I sat frozen until Katie elbowed me and muttered, “That’s your cue.”

“Thank you, Your Honor,” I stammered.

She dipped her chin in acknowledgment, waving us off as Carly erupted again—insults flying toward her attorney, who was now shoving his files into a case without even bothering to organize them.

Slowly, I stood. I turned first to Greyson—his face was calm, proud. Then my gaze slid to Leighton. Her hands were crossed in front of her chest, eyes shining with tears, lips trembling as she smiled through it.

I moved to her, offering my hand. She took it without hesitation. Greyson supported her other arm as she rose—more graceful than any woman carrying that much baby had a right to be.

The moment we stepped into the hallway, we whirled simultaneously, and she threw her arms around my neck. Mine found her hips. And then we kissed—chuckling softly when Carly’s yelling filtered down the hall.

“Scariest thing ever,” she whispered, her voice still shaking. “When he said full custody, I thought I’d keel over.”

“We knew that’s what she was going for,” I murmured, unable to take my eyes off her.

“I know. But hearing it likethat?” She shook her head. “I can’t imagine not seeing them every day. Can’t fathom them living in a house that doesn’t feel likehome.”

“I know,” I said again, just as Katie stepped up beside us.

“Ollie, I’d like to talk through next steps with both of you,” she said.

Relief swept over me, full and blinding—until it stopped cold.

Greyson’s posture stiffened. His phone pressed to his ear. And his eyes—haunted and sharp, locked onto mine.

“Excuse me,” I muttered, already moving toward him. He grabbed my bicep as soon as I was close enough, his breath coming faster, tugging me further down the hall.

“Leigh!” I called over my shoulder.

She turned. And I watched the color drain from her face as she saw Greyson’s.

She said something to Katie, but I didn’t hear it.

All I could hear was the roar in my ears.

All I could hear was Greyson’s voice, raw and tight, as he repeated words no parent should ever hear.

“Slow down, Jax. What do you mean?Where are the kids?”

28

Chaos, Cradles, and Silver Spoons

LEIGHTON

Never in my life had a drive across this damn city felt so agonizing.

A home invasion.

One dead assailant.

Multiple intruders unaccounted for.

Guns.

Kids.

Jax.

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