Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
CORA
The bell above the door jingled as Ari held it open. I pushed the stroller inside, breathing in the familiar scent of vanilla and fresh bread. Anna and Ari followed me inside.
The last time I’d stepped inside, I’d found out that Maya worked here.
At the time, I’d broken down after speaking to the baker, but this time, I felt a weird closeness to it.
It was the last place Maya worked, and by the sounds of it, she had loved it.
I could almost picture her here, laughing with Tilly, flour dusting her apron.
I glanced around, taking in the display cases filled with decorated cakes and pastries. Had Maya helped make any of these? Did she have a favorite recipe? Maybe I’d ask during the cake tasting.
When the bell chimed again, I turned just as Jason and Thomas entered.
He reached me, leaned down, and kissed my cheek.
If we hadn’t discussed it before leaving the house, I might have been a little surprised.
Or wondering if we’d blurred the lines so much that we didn’t mind Anna and Ari witnessing the sudden increase in affection.
But we had. And we’d made certain to tell Anna so we didn’t get her hopes up.
A big wedding came with big public displays.
She said she understood, but there’d been something in her eyes that made me wonder if she wouldn’t meddle.
The problem was, it was getting harder to pretend. And a small voice was whispering that maybe I didn’t want to fake it.
Tilly emerged from the back of the bakery. Her smile lit up her entire face. “It’s so good to see you again and I’m so sorry for upsetting you so badly last time.”
I shrugged. “It’s okay. Maya and I were…”
“You loved her and wanted more for her life than being abused by that creep she was dating,” Tilly finished gently.
My throat tightened. “Exactly.”
Jason’s arm wrapped around my shoulders, and he pulled me closer. “Cora loved her deeply. She wanted her safe, and Colter wasn’t safe.”
The baker’s lips pressed into a flat line.
“No, sir, he wasn’t. That man came in here once, yelling at Maya like she was nothing.
I told him to get out and not come back.
” She shook her head. “Maya was such a sweet girl. Always asking about my grandkids, always willing to stay late if we needed help.”
Hearing about Maya’s life here made my chest both ache and warm at the same time.
She took a deep breath. “But enough of that. We’re here to taste cake.”
“I am sorry I’ve made it even harder,” I said.
The woman smiled wider. “You didn’t.” She motioned to a table near the window. “If you’ll take a seat, I’ll go get the cake and we can get started.”
Jason’s phone rang. He pulled it out and looked at me. “That’s Rex.” He looked at his sister. “Would you mind watching Elias while we step outside and speak to him?” His gaze turned to me. “If that’s okay with you.”
He really was the most incredible man.
“Do you mind, Anna?” I asked.
She was already making faces at Elias, who was giggling in response. “Are you kidding? Go see what the lawyer has to say. We’ll be fine.” But I caught the concern in her eyes.
Thomas held the door and followed Jason, who put the phone to his ear as we stepped outside.
“I’m putting you on speaker. Cora is here as well.” He tapped the screen.
“Good. You both need to hear this.” Rex’s voice was all business. “Colter’s attorney filed a Notice of Appeal this morning. They’re challenging the judge’s temporary custody order.”
The words hit me like a physical blow. I’d known this was coming, but hearing it made it real. Now I’d have to face him at the visitation knowing he’d filed the appeal and he was challenging my rights.
“On what grounds?” Jason asked, his hand finding mine.
“He’s claiming judicial bias and procedural errors—specifically that you weren’t represented at the start of the hearing, and that CPS hadn’t finished their full assessment when the ruling was made.”
“But that’s not true,” I protested. “You were there before—”
“I know, and we’ll argue that.” Rex paused. “We’ll need to file a respondent’s brief as soon as I get the full transcript and court record. I’ll also request an expedited review, but don’t expect a decision for a few weeks. In the meantime, Judge Martinez’s order stands. Elias stays with you.”
“What are our chances?” Jason asked the question I was too afraid to voice.
“Good, but not guaranteed. That’s why the wedding is smart. Shows stability, commitment. Keep doing everything you’re doing.”
When the call ended, I just stood there, staring at the phone.
“Hey.” Jason’s voice was gentle. “This doesn’t change anything. Elias is still with us.”
“For now,” I whispered.
He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me to him. His lips hovered near my ear. “It’s going to be okay, Cora. Elias isn’t going anywhere.” He leaned back. “Judge Martinez is going to see that we’re the best choice. That you’re the best choice.”
“I wish I felt as confident as you.” My bottom lip trembled, and I blinked back tears. “And I hate that I have to take my baby to see that man.”
Jason brushed his fingers along my cheek, wiping my tears away. “I truly believe it’s going to be okay. I’m not saying it’ll be easy or quick, but it is going to be okay. You’re not alone, and I’m not going anywhere. Okay?”
“Thank you,” I said and hugged him around the waist. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Only I did know.
I’d be here alone, afraid, and completely out of my depth. He’d stepped in like Superman and rescued me and Elias.
I let out a slow breath as a realization hit.
My heart was going to be in pieces by the time this was over.