“Primary custody will remain with Mrs. Carter. Mr. Carter’s parenting time, if exercised, will be supervised until further review. This court also recommends immediate counseling for the child and co-parenting counseling for the adults, though I note with some skepticism how productive the latter may be without honesty.”
A faint tremor moved through the room. Relief. Shock. Consequence.
Mark’s face emptied.
Kelly stood so abruptly her chair scraped the floor. “I need to go,” she muttered to no one in particular, grabbed her handbag, and fled the courtroom without looking at anybody. The bailiff opened the door. It swung shut behind her with a hollow clap.
Judge Tanner looked once more at Lily, then at me.
“Mrs. Carter,” he said, softer now, “the court encourages you to ensure your daughter receives support. She has carried more than a child should.”
“Yes, Your Honor,” I whispered.
My voice broke on the last word.
When proceedings ended, I could not immediately stand. My legs felt unreal. Margaret squeezed my forearm and said something practical about paperwork, next steps, formal orders, but all I could do was watch Lily.