Thomas’s lawyer tried to speak. “Your Honor, the visitation rights—”

“The petition for visitation is denied,” Judge Miller said, cutting him off. “I am also issuing a protective order.”

The judge looked directly at Thomas.

“You are to have no contact, direct or indirect, with Caroline Mae Harper,” the judge said. “You are barred from her school, her home, and any assets associated with her name.”

The judge struck his gavel once.

“This court is adjourned.”

Thomas sat frozen in his chair as the bailiff stood up.

His lawyer began packing his papers into his briefcase without looking at his client.

I looked at Caroline.

Her shoulders dropped, and she let out a long, slow breath she seemed to have been holding for weeks.

“It’s over,” she whispered.

“It’s over,” I said, putting my arm around her shoulder.

We stood up and walked toward the back of the courtroom.

Rebecca was standing near the exit, her hands clasped in front of her.

She looked at Caroline with a mixture of hope and hesitation.

Caroline stopped in front of her.