But Julian had spent years missing school events.
Forgetting appointments.
And leaving me to handle nearly every part of their daily lives.
Now he wanted the court to believe I was the irresponsible parent.
The worst moment came when Oliver asked me a question at breakfast.
“Mom?”
I looked up.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
He hesitated.
“Dad says we’re going to live with him and Miss Serafine.”
My hand froze.
Owen looked down at his cereal.
I swallowed.
“What exactly did he say?”
Oliver frowned.
“He said you don’t have a job.”
My chest tightened.
“And?”
Owen whispered:
“He said you can’t afford to take care of us.”
I stared at my sons.
Then Oliver asked:
“Mom, are we going to be poor?”
I put down my cup.
Walked around the table.
And knelt beside them.
“No.”
They looked at me.
I took their hands.
“You are safe.”
Oliver swallowed.
“But Dad said—”
