“Temporary sole custody of Rowan Bellamy is awarded immediately to the mother, Marissa Bellamy.”

“Mr. Bellamy’s visitation rights are suspended pending a full custody hearing and a court-ordered parental fitness evaluation.”

“This court is adjourned.”

The gavel struck the wooden block with a sharp crack that vibrated through my chest.

I let out a breath I felt like I had been holding since the day Rowan was born.

Landon turned to me, his mouth open as if to speak, but Patricia grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the exit.

They walked out of the courtroom, their hasty footsteps fading down the marble hallway.

Clara turned to me with a small, tired smile.

“It is a temporary order,” Clara said, “but it gives us the leverage we need for the permanent hearing.”

“Thank you,” I said, my voice barely a whisper.

Arthur stood beside me, his hands tucked into his pockets, nodding quietly.

“Let’s go get your boy,” Arthur said.

We walked out of the courthouse and into the bright North Carolina sunshine.

The air was hot and thick, but for the first time in days, I could breathe it in fully.