Page 188 of Silver Fox Puck

My pulse hammers.

Because this?

This is it.

The judge shuffles some papers, then exhales.

The judge looks at Lauren first.

“Ms. Caldwell, while I acknowledge your concerns as Olivia’s mother, this court finds that your claims of instability lack merit.”

Lauren stiffens.

Kenzie presses her lips together, holding back a reaction.

My hands clench into fists under the table.

Then, the judge looks at me.

“Mr. Maddox, do you have anything you’d like to say?”

I rise. Turn to Lauren. And that’s when I see it. The end of this war. So I square my shoulders, meet the judge’s gaze, and speak.

“My ex-wife and I have both made mistakes, but the only thing that has ever mattered to me is my daughter. I won’t stand here and pretend I’m perfect. I won’t claim I have all the answers. But I will promise you this—Olivia is my world. She deserves two parents who put her first. And if Lauren can’t do that, I will.”

The courtroom is silent.

The judge nods. “Mr. Maddox, your record as a father speaks for itself. You have demonstrated unwavering commitment to your daughter’s well-being. This court sees no reason to limit your custody rights.”

My lungs constrict.

The ruling is right there—

Just waiting to be spoken.

“As of today, full joint custody is granted. Olivia Maddox will split her time equally between both parents.”

Silence.

Then?

Relief crashes through me so hard, I nearly sag in my seat.

Kenzie squeezes my hand.

I look at her.

And in her eyes?

Pride.

But more than that—certainty. Like she knew all along I could do this.

Like she never once doubted me.

And God, I didn’t realize how much I needed that—someonewho sees all of me and still chooses to stay.

Lauren’s lawyer nods stiffly.

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