Chapter 23
Knox
“What am I supposed to do about this?” I’m pacing my penthouse apartment, holding Cricket in my arms.
She has no idea what’s going on, and she starts squirming, pushing to get down. I bend and place her on her bottom, and she immediately starts scooting across the floor on all fours.
In spite of all the bullshit happening around us, I take a picture and send it to the cousins chat.
Knox
She’s crawling.
I put my phone away just as fast, not ready to see all of their texts. They’ve been blowing up my phone ever since that asshole Chet Adams revealed to the sports world I’ve been hiding a baby.
The clips are all over social media. Melody standing on a stage, angry and confused. A petite woman looking from her to Chet to Susan and calling them all toxic narcissists… She got two out of three right anyway.
We just arrived back from Minnesota. We haven’t even unpacked our bags yet, and I’m searching for a way to insulate us from the fallout.
The number of paparazzi outside my place has tripled, which is to say there are three now when there used to be none. Bye week has begun, so Edward and I are keeping our bags packed and planning to sneak out of town with Cricket as soon as it’s dark.
“You could contact the authorities.” Edward’s level tone helps calm the anxiety twisting in my chest. “Take a preemptive approach.”
“I’m not drawing any more attention to where we are.” I wave my hand at the face on my screen. “Who knows what this girl wants.”
I’ve watched and rewatched the viral videos. Chet and Susan handled it all like the fucking Maury show. Who’s Your Daddy?
“She said what she wants. She’s looking for her cousin, and she seems like the good sort of person.” Edward glances at the screen, bending down to redirect Cricket when she tries to head to the bathroom. “She doesn’t suffer fools or foolish behavior. Perhaps she only wants to make contact.”
“Melody was right. I should’ve gotten the paternity test results.” I keep my voice quiet so I don’t upset Cricket, but the emotions surging in my chest are loud. “Then I’d know for sure she was mine, and I could tell these people to fuck off.”
I’m pacing with my hands on my hips, but Edward is still. His arms are crossed, and he’s in resolute problem-solving mode.
“It’s natural for Christine to have additional family members. You wouldn’t prevent her from knowing them.”
“No, but I also wouldn’t allow them to use her for some kind of clickbait, money-making scheme.”
“I don’t think that’s what she intends to do.”
“You don’t?” I bend down and scoop Cricket off the floor.
She’s against my chest, and I try to hug her, but she’s going through some kind of independent phase, and all she does is squirm and squeal to get down again. I bend my knees and put her on the floor once more, but I’m watching her closely.
The idea someone might try to take her from me has my insides twitchy and surging. I stand up fast when a loud banging sounds on the other side of my door.
Edward and I look at each other, and he steps cautiously to peek through the peep hole.
“Who is it?” I ask, loud and forcefully.
If it’s a reporter or any other kind of paparazzi Mrs. Burnbaum let through the gate, I’m ready to throw them right back out on their asses.
“It’s Melody.” Her voice melts the tension in my chest, and I lunge forward to unlock the door.
She rushes inside, and I pull her into my arms just as fast.
“I’m so sorry…” Her voice breaks, but I only hold her close.
Having her in my arms gives me the strength I need to fucking breathe. “I got your text.”
My voice is quiet, and her arms tighten around my waist. In my mind, she’s such a huge presence, while in reality, she’s actually quite small in my arms.
Her head tucks against my chest, and I hold her, threading my fingers in her hair, inhaling her warm vanilla-caramel scent.
“I didn’t even know those printers would save an image.” She struggles a little, and I relax my hold so she can step back and meet my eyes. “They should have a warning on them.”
“They do.” Edward’s tone is flat. “It’s in the fine print, but they tell you the images will be saved in their system.”
“You must be Edward.” Melody shifts so her back is to my chest, and my hands go to her tense shoulders.
“You must be Melody Dunne.” He steps forward, taking her outstretched hand in a shake. “I was very impressed by your knowledge of football. Then my cousin told me your father is Scout Dunne, which explains a lot.”
She nods, and her tone is thoughtful. “My dad and I would watch the games together every weekend when I was growing up. He taught me everything I know. We had a special relationship, which is why I’m so sorry. I would never have jeopardized yours.”
The crack in her voice stops her words, and I lean down to kiss the top of her head. She turns in my arms, hugging me again.
Cricket scoots across the floor with a little squeal, and I give Melody a brief squeeze before stepping back and lifting my little lady into my arms. She makes noises like she’s trying to tell me something, but I only grin, shaking my head.
“Okay,” I say, then I turn her to face Melody. “Tell this lady what’s on your mind. Apparently she’s the one who outed us.”
“Knox!” Melody shrieks, and I can’t help a laugh.
She’s so freaked out, it somehow makes my anxiety easier to manage. Or maybe the way we’ve built our relationship on sharpening each other brings out the strength in both of us.
I don’t know what it is. I only know having her here makes it feel like we can figure this out together.
“You know I didn’t mean for that to happen, don’t you?” She leans closer, rubbing her nose against Cricket’s, and my little girl coos, shoving sticky fingers into Melody’s hair. “Oops, oh, no.”
We spend a few seconds unthreading her baby fingers, eliciting yelps and ouches from Melody. Finally, they’re free, and Melody whips her hair back in a band.
“I would never have done that.” She kisses Cricket’s little head, catching one of her hands and kissing her knuckles.
It’s all so natural and cute, just like the night we all spent together getting a crash course in being a family. Edward’s words are in my mind, She loves you…
“Have you decided to come with us to Newhope?” I lift my hand, tracing my finger along the top of Melody’s cheek. “There’s no point in trying to keep our relationship a secret. Everybody knows now.”
Her brow quirks, and she squints one eye up at me. “What is our relationship?”
I lift my chin with a laugh. “Valid. A few days off the grid might give us a chance to sort it out.”
She looks at the little girl sitting on my side, sucking her finger, and I’m certain she’s about to say yes when another sharp knock freezes all of us. Her blue eyes fly to mine, and my brow lowers.
A voice in the hall asks for Mr. Knox Bradford, and my chest tightens. It sounds like a woman, which is possibly a good thing.
“You have got to speak to Mrs. Burnbaum about buzzing people in,” Melody whispers sharply, and I can’t argue with that.
“Coming,” Edward says calmly, going to the door.
“Edward,” I hiss. “We need a plan.”
“Whatever it is, it’s better to face it head-on.” I’m about to tackle him when he opens the door then steps back, crossing his arms. “Who are you, and what do you want?”
His tone is firm, and I exchange a glance with Melody. Edward is a badass, and I wasn’t expecting this when he said to face it head-on… like a boss.
The woman is dressed in a navy suit, and she takes a step away. “Mr. Bradford?” She looks from Edward to me, and while my cousin maintains his Rock of Gibraltar pose, I step forward, extending my hand.
“I’m Knox Bradford. What can I do for you?”
“Um, yes.” She straightens, clearing her throat and giving Edward another glance.
“I’m executing an order from Judge Perkins of the district court in the State of Arkansas.
You’re holding a child who belongs to the family of her deceased mother.
You have no paternal rights to this child, and therefore, she must be released to the care of her nearest biological relative, Miss Jada Allen. ”
“She didn’t!” Melody hisses from behind me.
My stomach drops so fast, it pulls at the base of my neck. “She’s taking her away from me?”
Cricket wiggles on my waist like she wants to get down again, but my instinct is to hold her tighter. That drive of protectiveness is back, and the thought of losing her feels like my guts are being snatched out through my windpipe.
“This is the judge’s order.” The woman slaps another folded envelope of papers in my hand, and it’s so much like the way it happened when they gave her to me.
Now they’re trying to do the same thing to take her away.
“I’m sorry, but you can’t do that.” My voice rises slowly. “You guys brought her to me and said she was mine. You can’t just choose on a whim, after all we’ve been through, this late in the game, to take it all back. She’s not a puppy. She deserves better than that.”
Melody grips my forearm, and I realize I’ve risen to my full height, shoulders bowed, eyes flashing. I probably look like a raging grizzly bear. I definitely feel like one.
The woman’s eyes flicker, but she doesn’t back down. “I’m sorry, sir. I’m not a part of the decision-making process. I’m only here to facilitate the transition.”
“Where are you taking her?” Edward’s voice is too calm for the emotions churning my guts.
“Nobody’s taking her.” I’m still speaking loudly, and Cricket starts to fuss.
“I’m taking her to Miss Allen, who is staying at a hotel in Metairie.” The woman turns quickly to Edward. “I have two police officers downstairs, but I’d rather not use them in situations like this.”
The woman steps forward lifting her hands, and I turn away with my daughter, moving her out of the woman’s reach. “If you know what’s good for you, you won’t do that.”
Melody steps between the woman and me, hands on her hips in defiance.
“Mr. Bradford, this doesn’t have to be an unpleasant exchange,” the woman continues. “Please let’s do this the easy way.”
“You think this is easy?” I snap.
Cricket finally catches on that something is wrong, and she puts her little head on my shoulder and starts to whine. Melody blinks round eyes up at me, and I see the panic in her expression.
“Are we able to communicate with Miss Allen?” Edward is still managing to sound calm.
I’m about to shove this woman onto her butt and run down three flights of stairs to my Rover then drive all the way to Newhope at 100 mph.
Try getting a baby from me when I’m surrounded by Bradfords.
“Miss Allen will be able to reach out to you if she doesn’t feel threatened.” She gives me a sharp glare as she says the words.
I’m about to threaten somebody.
Edward turns to me, putting his hand on my arm. “Give Cricket to me.”
“No, Edward.” My jaw is clenched.
Melody steps closer to my side, holding my arm. Cricket’s cheek is against my shoulder, and she’s making little humming sounds.
“Listen to me, Knox.” Edward’s eyes hold mine. “If she comes back with the police, it will be a traumatic event. If we give her to this woman now, we can get help and get her back sooner.”
“I’m calling her bluff.” I stand straighter, glaring down at her. “I don’t believe you have police downstairs. Call them.”
She shakes her head slowly, lifting her phone and tapping on the screen. I’m facing her breathing hard. Melody holds my arm, and Cricket puts her fingers in her mouth.
It’s like some kind of Texas hold ‘em, we’re all facing off, until the elevator dings, and two big guys in dark uniforms step into the hall. They have stripes on their sleeves and guns on their hips, but the minute they see me, they break into smiles.
“K-Brad!” One of the cops holds out a fist, and I reach forward to bump it.
“Who dat?” the other one calls from where he waits near the lift.
“Y’all can’t do this,” I say quietly to the first officer.
He shakes his head slowly, a resigned expression on his face. “Sorry, bro. Judge’s orders.”
“You may visit Christine if you choose,” the woman says, standing taller. “But her family has rights, and they want her out of this environment.”
“I’m her father. Don’t I have rights?”
“You are not her father, Mr. Bradford. The paternity test came back negative. You must give her to her family.”
It’s like a slap in the face. Melody inhales a sharp gasp. Internally, I stagger back from the blow, shaking my head and doing my best to regain my footing.
“But… I cancelled the test.” I feel my power slipping.
“Your request to cancel came after the test had already been performed.”
Cricket scrubs her little face against my chest. I press my lips against her soft dark head, closing my eyes briefly as I inhale her sweet baby scent. It doesn’t matter.
“I don’t care what some damn test said.” My voice is low. “I’m her family. It’s what Bonnie wanted.”
“You’ll have to take that up with the judge.” The woman’s tone grows stronger. “I can’t stand here all day. Either give the child to me, or we’ll take her from you.”
“If you’ll just give us a minute to gather her things,” Edward says. “Melody, would you get Cricket’s bag from the bedroom? It’s still packed, and there are bottles in the kitchen.”
“Edward…” My throat twists painfully.
“We can’t fight this.” He speaks quietly at my side. “It’s only temporary.”
Melody is still holding my arm as if she’s just waiting for me to give her the signal to run.
“Melody?” Edward glances at her, but she doesn’t move.
I’m pretty sure I fall even deeper in love with her right here on the spot. No need to figure out our relationship. This woman has my back at all times. She loves my baby girl as much as I do, and I’m here for it.
“We have to cooperate,” Edward urges. “Trust me.”
Seconds tick past. I’m breathing fast. Melody holds my arm and Cricket nods her little head, wobbling in my grasp.
“I know someone who can help us.” Melody’s voice is quiet. “My uncle Spencer has money and connections.”
“My aunt Liv is a lawyer…” I look up at Edward, remembering his backstory.
He nods. “We’ve been in this situation before.”
It’s the only thing that could possibly loosen my grip. I can’t release her little body, but he manages to pry her from my hands. She lets out a little wail, and my heart rips in two.
Melody slowly goes and gets the bags as instructed, and the woman takes them from her.
Cricket is on her hip, but her face crumples, and her cheeks turn red. I’m beside her at once, rubbing her back and pressing my lips to her forehead.
“Don’t cry, Crick.” My voice cracks, and my vision blurs. “I’m coming for you.”
She cries more, holding out her arms and saying “Ba!”
My lungs collapse, and I can’t do this. It’s wrong.
“Wait,” I start, but the woman turns on her heel, flanked by the two cops.
“You have all the paperwork. We’re finished here.”
Edward steps in front of me, holding me back. “She’s going to be okay. It’s only for a few days.”
But my baby girl’s cries are in my ears. Her little hands reach for me, and she cries harder, “Ba ba ba!” as the elevator doors close.
I try to struggle, but it’s too late. They’ve taken my daughter away.