Chapter 170

Jaedynn stayed in a fog while Roshad went into action. He told Ashti to look after Iman and Kamron while he and Jaedynn went straight to Kevin's office. Jaedynn had never seen Roshad this angry: nose flaring, deadly purpose in his eyes with his shoulders back and extremely stiff. She felt like she was in a nightmare. This had to be a nightmare. She would wake from it in a few hours, her children would be smiling at her, Kamron would be touching her belly to feel the bump and everything would be back as it should be. However, she wouldn't wake up. The nightmare continued as Roshad pulled up to the office building and helped her out of the car and inside. They took the elevator up and Roshad stormed right into the office demanding to speak to Kevin immediately.

"Do you have an appointment sir?" the young woman, a twenty something with jet black hair, dark skin and kind brown eyes that was holding her ground against Roshad's demeanor.

"This is a family emergency; I need to speak to Kevin now," Roshad said.

"One moment," the young woman said and dialed the phone to reach Kevin's line, but he wasn't answering. "I apologize, sir, but it looks like he's in a call."

"Check when he can be available," Roshad said. Jaedynn held his hand both to silently tell him to stay calm but also trying to force herself to do the same.

"One moment, I'll go check," the young woman said and stood from her desk. "I apologize, but what was your name?"

"Roshad Javadi," Roshad said. "Tell him we received a summon to a court in New York relating to our son Kamron."

"Yes, sir. Just one moment," the young woman said and walked away from her desk to an office door further down the hall. She knocked and waited a moment before letting herself into the office and retreating inside. They overheard Kevin tell the young woman to show Roshad and Jaedynn to his office and the young woman came out to lead them in. She left and closed the door behind her while Roshad and Jaedynn sat down. Kevin got off the phone with who he'd been speaking with so he could give them his full attention.

"You said you got a summon? Can I see it?" Kevin said and Roshad handed it over. Kevin pulled the paperwork out of the envelope and started reading. There was an uncomfortable silence that filled the room and Jaedynn felt like she might faint again. Roshad held her hand firmly but he was no less in shock.

"He can't do this," Roshad insisted. "The man can't possibly think we'd let him take Kamron."

"It won't come to that," Kevin said as he was reading through everything. "The court won't side with him. I'll make sure of it. The issue, though, is the moment paternity is proven he'll have some legal rights to see Kamron."

"Absolutely not," Roshad said. "I don't want him anywhere near Kamron. That man had his chance to be a father and he threw that away when he attacked his son's mother. That's his problem."

"I'm afraid he's making it our problem," Kevin said. "I can promise he won't get full custody. His criminal record alone will prevent that. Especially since he just literally got out of prison this past October if I recall correctly. At best, a judge might award him visitation rights."

"I won't allow it," Roshad said. Rather than argue that point, Kevin looked at Jaedynn.

"Jaedynn?" Kevin said and she finally looked up at him, "I'm sorry to ask you this, but is there any chance at all that Alex isn't Kamron's father? Is there any chance Roshad is?" With the question presented to her, all she could do was lower her head and start crying. She rested her face in her hand and just shook her head.

"She was already pregnant when we met," Roshad spoke up.

"And there was never anyone else in the picture?" Kevin asked. Again, all Jaedynn could manage was to shake her head as she cried. "I'm sorry to ask, Jaedynn, but I need to be sure. With that said, since we know what the results of the paternity test will be, I'll focus on proving Alex is not a capable father."

"Good," Roshad said. He was about to ask what would happen if they refused to go to court, but he already knew the answer. They'd end up being dragged to court by law and it wouldn't look good and would go against them. They had no choice. "That shouldn't be hard at least, correct?"

"Like I said: his criminal record will not do him any favors. I'll argue Alex is unstable. I might be able to get a judge to order a psychiatric evaluation. If he goes, it'll prove my point. If he doesn't go, he'll be held in contempt of court. I'll certainly argue for that anyway. I know this is a lot to take in, but I want you both to remain calm. I'll make sure he doesn't get custody. What I need the two of you to do is to keep things as normal as possible. Kamron's too young to understand what's going on and I think you'll both agree that if there's any chance this can get thrown out, it'll be best to keep this to ourselves."

"What if….." Jaedynn started but the possibility was too much to bare and it took her a moment to continue, "what if he tries to take him away by force?"

"That won't happen," Roshad said. "The man will have to take Kamron from my cold, dead hands. Once this gets thrown out, he won't come near Kamron. I'll make sure of it."

"The pack will be on high alert just in case," Kevin said and picked up his office phone to call the tribal police station. It took a moment but he was finally able to get Nathan on the phone and put him on speaker. "Nathan, can you hear me?"

"I can here you. What's going on?" Nathan asked.

"Jaedynn got a summon this morning from New York. Alex is taking her to family court to prove paternity and he wants to get full custody."

"What?!" Nathan yelled. "This is bullshit! He can't do that!"

"Try to breathe, Nathan. Alex won't get custody. A judge won't allow it based on his priors alone. I doubt he'd do it, but I promised Jaedynn the pack would be on high alert just in case Alex comes to Washington and tries to take matters into his own hands."

"I fucking dare the little bastard," Nathan said. "So what? We have no choice but to go to court?"

"I'm afraid so," Kevin said.

"I don't want this son of a bitch finding a way to bullshit into getting his way," Nathan said.

"He won't," Kevin said.

"Jaedynn, honey?" Nathan shifted his attention to Jaedynn. She was still crying but was managing to do so silently. "I'm sorry this is happening, Jaedynn. He won't take Kamron. We'll make damn sure of it. Do you want your mother and I to come into town?" Jaedynn eventually nodded and uttered weak and barely audible affirmation that didn't get through to the other end of the line.

"She said yes," Roshad said.

"Alright, Jaedynn, we'll be there in two hours. Be strong, honey; we'll get through this. Kevin?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't fuck this up," Nathan said and hung up. Kevin felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise but he couldn't stay upset with Nathan's comment all things considered.

"So what do we do next?" Roshad asked.

"I'm going to contact New York and have my team put in the request for a psychiatric evaluation."

"When can we go to court and get this over with?" Jaedynn spoke up as she rubbed her eyes.

"I'll do everything I can to set a date as soon as possible, but we should take time to put our case together before we go in. The court will need a swab from Kamron's mouth once a date has been set."

"What do you mean a swab?" Roshad asked.

"Kamron will need to see a lab tech that will run a swab in Kamron's mouth for DNA. The same will be necessary for Alex and that's how paternity will be confirmed. It may take a few days to confirm the results but I'll urge for it to be expedited so you don't have to be in New York for too long. You're welcome to stay at my place."

"Thank you," Roshad said. "How long will this take once it's before a judge?"

"A few hours most likely," Kevin said. "Alex can't afford to drag this out too long and I'm sure his lawyer will make that clear. To Mr. Chamberlain's credit, he seemed to be able to get through Alex even if only a little."

"Who?"

"George Chamberlain. He was the lawyer that was assigned to Alex for the assault charges. It looks like Alex has asked this guy to represent him in family court. Frankly, this guy isn't a Family Lawyer, but I won't complain. That might work to our advantage honestly."

"Whatever; just so long as this is the end of it," Roshad said.

"It won't be," Jaedynn mumbled and then started crying all over again. Roshad brought his chair closer and took Jaedynn in his arms. All he could do was hold her. This was all her fault, she thought to herself. Alex had been the biggest mistake of her life yet Kamron would be the one paying for it. She knew Alex: he wouldn't stop. This wasn't about Kamron or seeing his son; it was about his ego. Plain and simple.

"It will be, Jaedynn," Roshad soothed. "Everything will be alright. We'll get through this; I promise."

They left the summons with Kevin and he promised it would be a top priority. After Jaedynn and Roshad left, Kevin called his office in New York to set things in motion. In the meantime, Roshad and Jaedynn had to act like everything was fine if only for Kamron's sake. Nathan and Ada María arrived to the house and comforted Jaedynn as best they could, but Nathan was on edge given the situation. When Ivory found out, she came right over and was at Jaedynn's side to try to comfort her. By that evening, the whole family had found out what happened and were at Jaedynn's and Roshad's house to help in any way they could. Ashti made Bastet and Rashida aware of what happened and they'd confirmed they would be on the next plane to Washington.

Over the course of the next few days, Jaedynn did her best to trudge along but every time she looked at Kamron, an overwhelming sense of guilt would wash over her and she would have to stop herself from crying. Kamron realized Jaedynn's mood and walked up to her one morning, grabbing onto her leg to get her attention.

"Maman? Why are you sad?" he asked innocently.

"Maman hasn't been feeling well," Roshad swooped in and picked Kamron up. He shared a knowing look with Jaedynn as he gave Kamron a hug. "Carrying your little brothers or sisters is very tiring, so we need to make sure we help maman and be very, very good okay Kamron?" When Roshad put Kamron down, he went back to Jaedynn and reached his little hands up and started patting her belly.

"Babies, don't make maman sad," Kamron said to her belly. It made Jaedynn smile just a little and she picked Kamron up and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you, Kamron. I feel better already," Jaedynn said and Kamron gave her a hug around her neck.

Bastet and Rashida arrived within days of hearing the news. Roshad went to the airport alone to pick them up and the tension was palpable as they drove back to the house.

"What happened? Ashti was rather vague when she called," Bastet asked once they were in the car.

"Alex is demanding a paternity test and he wants full custody if it proves Kamron is his," Roshad said.

"Can he do that?"

"Kevin is promising his prison time will make custody impossible," Roshad said. "I'd prefer Alex not see Kamron at all."

"Is there a possibility Alex isn't his father?"

"No," Roshad lamented. "He's Kamron's birth father. There's no getting around that."

"So the test coming back positive is a certainty. What will Kevin do?"

"I don't know," Roshad said. "I don't care what he does so long as Alex can't see Kamron. If he wanted to be a father to Kamron, he should have thought of that before he drove a knife through Jaedynn's chest."

"Surely that alone would get his request thrown out," Rashida said.

"I'd thought that should, but clearly it hasn't," Roshad said. "Kevin is trying to court order Alex to go to a psychiatrist to prove he's mentally unstable."

"I would think stabbing his pregnant girlfriend would cement that," Bastet said. Roshad sighed a little in frustration.

"We're here as long as you need us," Rashida said and rubbed Roshad's shoulder.

"Thank you," Roshad said, "and keep this between us. We're trying to keep this away from Kamron. Alex might be too selfish to think how this is effecting his son, but Kamron deserves better than that."

"We'll keep quiet," Bastet agreed.

"Thank you," Roshad said.

Refusing to let this ruin Kamron's birthday, Jaedynn threw herself into planning Kamron's party with Rashida's and Ashti's help. They'd all have dinner together as a family day of his birthday and that weekend extended family would be there. Both days, Kamron got vanilla cake with a tart lemon filling: his favorite. He'd have eaten the whole cake if they'd let him. They sang happy birthday to him on both days and when Saturday came, Jaedynn and all their other relatives played in the lake together. While Kamron was playing in the water with Nathan and all the cousins, Kevin was with Roshad in the kitchen as he was getting some food ready.

"I've got good news," Kevin said.

"The judge determined the case to be frivolous and threw it out?" Roshad asked.

"Not that good," Kevin said. "The judge has ordered Alex to meet with three psychiatrists before he'll set a date to convene."

"Okay," Roshad said, "and you said if he agrees to do this, it'll prove your point?"

"Between three professionals, Alex is bound to be himself and that'll be his downfall," Kevin said. "I just need at least two of them to confirm he's mentally unstable. The judge required him to be evaluated by all three professionals before the end of March. He was notified of this last week and he still hasn't scheduled any appointments."

"And this is a good thing?"

"It's definitely not a bad thing," Kevin said. "The more he puts it off the more he's putting himself in hot water. I also found out something…troubling to be blunt."

"What?" Roshad said irritably. He couldn't handle any more trouble from this man.

"One of my paralegals was doing some digging and he found out Alex has been fruitful to say the least."

"Pardon?"

"Apparently cops were called to an apartment belonging to a Ernesto Munez over screaming and smashing coming from the apartment. By the time the police arrived, the woman was alone and she said she and her boyfriend argued because she found out he was cheating on her. She said her boyfriend's name was Alex Vayez. This young woman is pregnant."

"And what relevance does this all have?"

"The relevance is that Alex is continuing to display a pattern of behavior. A pattern of behavior speaks volumes and that's good for us," Kevin said. "I'm trying to arrange an interview with this woman: get a character witness."

"I'll trust your judgment," Roshad said with a sigh. He looked into the backyard at Jaedynn watching her holding their daughter with their twins safe and secure within the little bump on Jaedynn's belly. She was smiling as she was watching Kamron play in the water with Nathan, and he wondered how a man like Alex ever roped her into his web. "I want you to be completely honest with me."

"Of course," Kevin said.

"What if I just threw money at him?" Roshad asked. "Could I just pay him a certain sum and make him sign his rights away? Are there any legal ramifications?"

"There aren't necessarily any legal ramifications that would be the concern. I'm more concerned about the long term. Paying him off might work for now but that'll be until that money runs out. Worse, he may demand monthly installments and who's to say how long he'd demand it for in order to keep him away? Frankly, even if you did come to an agreement, I don't trust that Alex would ever hold true to that. I know what you're trying to do, but it wouldn't be that simple."

"Of course not," Roshad muttered irritably. "So what if the judge grants him visitation? There's supposed to be a restraining order in place and I have no intention of seeing that lifted."

"The restraining order is between Alex and Jaedynn – it wouldn't hold between Alex and Kamron. The judge would work out arrangements that don't force Jaedynn to be involved. I'm building a case that argues at the absolute most, Alex needs to be in the presence of child care professionals and family if he wants to see Kamron."

"I'd sooner let Kamron be around a cobra," Roshad said and tossed aside the spatula he'd been holding. "I want this over with. The sooner a date can be set, the better. I don't care if Alex made Kamron – I'm more a father to that boy than Alex will ever be."

"No one's arguing that, trust me," Kevin said. "You'll be a big part in me proving that Alex isn't a fit parent."

"Good. Just tell me what I need to do."

"Be present at court, answer the judge's questions to the best of your ability and remain calm and professional. Judges always respond well to someone that's cool and collected. I figure you'll have no trouble with that."

"Absolutely," Roshad said.

As he'd promised, Kevin made sure his team got in contact with the young woman in question: a Miss Gloria Lopez. As soon as a date was scheduled to meet with her, Kevin flew into New York to speak with her personally. She didn't have a lawyer with her, but she didn't come alone. When Kevin came into the conference room, a man was sitting beside her. Gloria was a young woman; very young. 21 according to her driver's license. She wasn't very pale, but she was lighter skinned than the older man sitting beside her. She wore deep brown lipstick, had thick nearly black hair that was full, curly and extremely thick looking and she was visibly pregnant though from what Kevin could tell, she seemed to be halfway through her pregnancy. The man sitting beside her Kevin had been informed was her father Ramon Lopez. Kevin had already been informed by his paralegal that Mr. Lopez did not speak very much English; just enough to get by. Thankfully, Gloria was fluent.

"Good morning, Miss Lopez," Kevin said when he entered the room. "Thank you for taking the time to speak with me."

"It's no trouble," Gloria said as she was rubbing her belly covered by her floral print long sleeved dress.

"Good morning to you as well, Mr. Lopez," Kevin smiled pleasantly and Mr. Lopez nodded his head as Kevin took his seat across from them. "So, Miss Lopez, as I mentioned in our last conversation, I wanted to ask about your relationship with Mr. Vayez and, if possible, request you be a character witness on my client's behalf."

"Ask me anything," she said. "And please, just call me Gloria."

"Alright, Gloria," Kevin said. "So first and foremost, when did you meet Mr. Vayez?"

"Alex and I met shortly after he left prison," Gloria said. "I didn't know at the time that he'd been in prison. I work at a beauty shop in Harlem and while I was having a cigarette break, he was passing through and started talking to me. We hit it off, we had a few dates and before I knew it, we were talking about moving in together, but I found out he was fooling around behind my back so I broke things off. Then I found out I was pregnant, I told him and he insisted we get back together and try to work things out for the sake of our baby. I told him I would agree to get back together but only if he promised not to cheat on me again. That lasted all of a month from what I could find out. The day I kicked him out, I'd gotten a call at the apartment from a woman named Chanel who was asking for him. I found out she was also pregnant and Alex was the baby's father. I did some digging and I found out about two more and he'd been seeing all of us. When I called them, they all told me he was still sleeping with them and telling them basically the same thing he'd told me: that he loved me and wanted to be with me and be a father to our baby. When he got back, I told him to take his shit and leave, we argued, I threw a lamp at him, someone called the cops, he left and that's the last I saw him."

"So wait," Kevin said. He'd allowed her to finish but the mention of another girl grabbed his attention, "he has how many women pregnant right now?"

"I'm aware of three others," Gloria said. She was getting a little teary eyed but it passed. She'd wasted enough tears on him. She wasn't upset they'd broken up. She was upset that she'd given Alex another chance and been bitten for it. "I can give you their names if you like."

"Yes, please," Kevin said.

"Maria Martinez, Chanel Thomas and Karen Vasquez," Gloria said. "Apparently we're all due around the same time and everything."

"When would that be if you don't mind me asking," Kevin said.

"July," Gloria said. "We've been in contact here and there. Just because Alex has been such an asshole, I don't think that should be our children's fault so I want to work something out where the kids can see each other. Problem is I'm the only one planning to keep the baby. When she'd found out about all this, Karen tried to get an abortion but they turned her away because she's too far along. They're all giving the babies up. I can ask them to contact you if necessary."

"That would be great," Kevin said after he'd taken a deep breath. "While we're here, though, let's focus on your relationship with Mr. Vayez. So in the time the two of you were together, what was he like?"

"It depended on the day," Gloria said. "He was prone to mood swings. Sometimes he'd be really sweet, other times he'd be cross. His mother was worse though. I'd rather see the devil himself than have to speak to her again. Honestly, had it not been for the cheating, his mother would have been my last straw. She was horrible and Alex was always really vocal about how he felt about her. I have never in my life met someone that called their mother a cunt before."

"And what about how he treated you specifically?"

"Again, it depended on the day," Gloria said. "In the beginning he was really charming and when we'd gotten back together, he was like that too. He was really excited about the baby but then he started insisting I not work anymore and that wasn't about to happen. I love my job and I'm not about to throw that away. He got more and more controlling as the weeks went on. He'd been a little possessive when we were first together but after I got pregnant it became worse. But I told myself that I'd deal with it if only for my baby's sake but….well, you know the rest."

"Did he ever hurt you?"

"He slapped me once when I tried leaving the apartment after an argument," Gloria said and rubbed her cheek absently. Kevin glanced at Mr. Lopez who was visibly upset. Whether it was because of what Gloria had just said or the situation over all, Kevin didn't know. "I told him that he was to never lay a hand on me again and he'd said he wouldn't. But he hit me again that day we argued and I threw him out. I'd thrown the lamp at him after he hit me and I was trying to get him away from me."

"Did you report this to the police?" Kevin asked.

"No," Gloria said with her shoulders slumped. "By then I'd known he'd just been let out of prison and I knew that if I said anything they'd have to tell his Parole Officer and if I did that, it would mean he couldn't see our child. At the time, I still wanted Alex to be a part of our baby's life, but now I just want him to help pay for expenses and be done with it."

"Have you spoken with him since then? I know you haven't seen him, but have you talked over the phone?"

"Yes, we have," Gloria said. "I keep it quick when we talk; just updates with the baby. If we talk too long, he tries to ask me back and I'm not going to do it."

"When was the last time you spoke with Alex?"

"This past Friday," Gloria said. "I'd had my latest ultrasound. He got mad at me because I didn't find out the baby's gender, I got him to calm down but then he got angry again when I told him I didn't want to name the baby after him."

"So he wants to name the baby after him?"

"Yeah," Gloria said.

"And you said Alex was pushing you to quit your job?"

"Yes," Gloria said. "He kept insisting that he wanted to take care of me and our baby. In retrospect, I think he just wanted me reliant on him. I'm just fortunate that I never agreed."

"Did Alex ever try to limit contact with your family?"

"Yes," Gloria said. "It started when we moved in together. He would start hovering over me when I was on the phone with my mom and he would insist that he wants to join me when I visited my parents but he'd always find an excuse that we couldn't go or he didn't want to go. It got to a point where I would have to call my parents before leaving work or visiting them on my days off and when Alex was out of the apartment for extended periods. I didn't really think about it until my mom pointed it out, but I didn't end things at that time."

"What did your parents think of Alex?"

"We not like him," her father spoke up irritably, then said, "Trató de llevarse a mi hija."

"I'm sorry?" Kevin asked.

"He said Alex tried taking me away," Gloria translated. "My parents don't like him. Never met him, but don't like him."

"I'm afraid that's a familiar story," Kevin admitted but cleared his throat a little before continuing. "How have things been since the break up? Have the two of you discussed any plans for shared custody?"

"We had in the beginning but my mom made no bones about not wanting Alex in the picture. I don't think that's fair to Alex – I'm far more concerned about his mother and making sure she's not around my child. Alex has told me about how Rita raised him – I won't stand for her doing that to my baby."

"Can you elaborate on that?"

"He told me things like he didn't naturally lose any of his baby teeth – Rita smacked them all out of him, he told me she used to beat him if he called her 'mama', he said she'd leave him places for hours on end rain or shine. Things like that. Honestly, Alex is full of shit, but that's the only thing he's told me that I believe."

"Has she ever gotten physical towards you?"

"No," Gloria said, "she just shit talks me in Spanish. Evidently I'm the only one that's met his mom, at least among the four of his baby mamas. Lucky me."

"I won't ask you to talk about Rita – we'll focus on Alex when we're before a judge," Kevin said.

"Fine by me," Gloria said. "So when will this happen?"

"We haven't set a date yet. Right now Alex still needs to see two more psychiatrists before a judge will see us. I made damn sure of that," Kevin said. "Does Alex know you came to talk to me?"

"No," Gloria said, breathing out a small laugh, "of course not."

"Did Alex ever talk to you about his previous relationship with Jaedynn and their son?"

"Yeah," Gloria said, the irritation apparent in her voice, "that was another thing that really bothered me. He'd told me in the beginning that the reason he was sent to prison was because of his ex. He said she betrayed him, she lied about what happened at the apartment and so on. I was sympathetic at first but then if we ever disagreed about something he'd say, 'Jaedynn never did that shit', 'Jaedynn never said no if I wanted something', 'Jaedynn would have done this for me', and so on. I got so sick and tired of hearing about fucking Jaedynn. He'd said once that if Jaedynn hadn't been a 'huge whore' to use his phrasing, they'd still be together. Hell, he even told me Jaedynn was the only woman he'd never cheated on. I don't believe that shit for a minute – I think she's just the first one that had the nerve to go and find something better."

"So he's spent more time complaining about Jaedynn and their breakup rather than his son?"

"He's talked about…you said Kamron's the little boy's name right?" Kevin nodded. "He's talked a little about Kamron but it was always to say that he and Jaedynn wanted a baby so badly and when he found out she was pregnant, they were ecstatic but then he found out she was seeing someone else and now he doesn't believe Kamron is his."

"Did you ever ask him what he's planning to do about it?"

"He never really talked about what he planned to do about it. He just complained about Jaedynn and how much she hurt him. Honestly, looking back on it it's pretty clear he started dating me and the others to replace her," Gloria said and then appeared thoughtful, "Jesus."

"Gloria?" Kevin said and she looked at him.

"Sorry," she said. "I just think I'm understanding him a little more now." She glanced at her belly still rubbing it and she looked furious. "I can't believe him."

Kevin allowed Gloria a moment to collect her thoughts. They continued speaking for another hour and when Gloria and her father left, she provided the numbers to each of the other women that she'd mentioned in their interview. He had his team make contact, but the others proved to be far less willing to talk. Chanel was the only one to agree to an interview but refused to be on the witness stand while the other two, in no uncertain terms, made clear they wanted nothing further to do with Alex. They were giving their babies up for adoption and washing their hands of the whole experience – no ifs, ands or buts about it. When Chanel came in to speak with Kevin, he was struck by how similar she looked to Jaedynn. The face was completely different and she was shorter, but she was pale, black haired and had brown eyes. It also didn't surprise him to find out Alex was evidently much meaner to her than any of the others. She answered all Kevin's questions honestly but made clear again that she never wanted to see Alex again. She'd accused Alex of being abusive and even showed a few bruises that were still healing but when asked why she didn't go to the police she only said, "I wanted to cut him out of my life now and not a moment later."

While Kevin was building his case, the courts were standing by for Alex to submit to all three evaluations that were demanded as well as required documentation. It wasn't until after March, but Alex eventually underwent everything after some urging from his lawyer and Kevin was able to get a hold of the records and it was just as he thought. Of course, Alex's lawyer also had access to those records and that led to yet more delays as Mr. Chamberlain started had Alex meet with yet another psychiatrist. When Kevin received those results, he almost laughed. He'd clearly been on his best behavior that fourth time round, same with the fifth psychiatrist he saw, but after the fifth one, Alex refused to see anyone else and was demanding things finally move along. All things considered, Roshad and Jaedynn wanted things to finally move along too. They were sick of pretending everything was fine with this weighing their minds and they wanted it done with. So Kevin petitioned to have a date set and, finally, a date was set for July 23rd. Roshad asked if it could be earlier but it was sadly the soonest they could get a date.

In June when their anniversary was approaching, Roshad started planning something special. They needed the be able to do something nice for themselves. Ashti, Bastet and Rashida assured they'd look after the children, so Roshad came up with something special where they could just run away together for a few days. So when the weekend of their anniversary came, Roshad made sure his and Jaedynn's bags were packed and Jaedynn made sure there was plenty of breast milk available for Iman and some formula just in case. Since she'd started eating solid food, it was considerably easier. Roshad booked a room at a nice hotel for them in Seattle making sure they got a room at the top of the building and making sure they had exclusive access for a night to that hotel's rooftop dining area that overlooked the city. It was raining that day, but the rooftop was covered with a beautiful wood canopy that was often used for weddings. It was still covered in white flowers on all the wood posts for the wedding that was planned for that Saturday. It meant they sadly couldn't use the rooftop when they arrived, but their anniversary was on a Sunday, so that worked out fine.

They arrived at the hotel on Saturday and used that afternoon to relax. Jaedynn's feet were killing her so Roshad spent hours rubbing her feet, her calves and her thighs to ease the stress. He set up the pillows on the enormous bed so that she was propped up while her hands stayed on her belly. She was definitely showing more so than she had with her other two pregnancies but her height still allowed for her to appear as though she only carried one baby. The twins were especially active and it left Jaedynn's back feeling horribly sore so Roshad massaged her back too.

"Thank you for this," Jaedynn said as Roshad's hands were trailing firmly up and down her back to ease the tension in her muscles. "I think we needed this time to ourselves."

"Indeed we did," Roshad said and placed a tender kiss to her neck. "Tomorrow I have something special planned for the two of us."

"We're having dinner on the rooftop right?" Jaedynn said and moaned when Roshad found a spot that was especially tender and he gave it extra attention.

"In short," Roshad said. "The rest is a surprise."

Jaedynn only moaned and nodded her head. It was the most relaxed she'd been in months. To most it might have seemed like a rather expensive version of a boring night in, but that's what Jaedynn really needed. The next day, Roshad ordered Jaedynn room service and after she finished her breakfast they went to the Botanical Gardens to enjoy the summer scenery. The sun was out for a time, but they had their giant umbrella ready for when it started to drizzle and eventually start pouring. Even when it was raining, though, they continued through the garden together holding hands and enjoying the serenity. When they returned to the hotel, Roshad told Jaedynn to go upstairs to their hotel room and treat herself to a shower letting her know there would be a present upstairs waiting for her.

"You aren't coming upstairs with me?" Jaedynn asked.

"Not this time. I have a few things I need to get ready for tonight. You relax; I'll see you on the rooftop at seven," Roshad said and gave her a loving kiss before she got into the elevator and returned to their room alone.

When she got back to the hotel room, there was a white dress laid out on the bed. It wasn't her wedding dress, but it was definitely inspired by her wedding dress. It was an empire waist dress the skirt of which was lace while the top was a solid white that went off the shoulder with strappy sleeves and the fabric at her shoulder had a line of pearls. Beside the dress was a box that contained a pearl necklace and pearl earrings. She got herself in the shower and then dried and styled her hair wanting to accomplish Farrah Fawcett's full curls. She got her makeup on while her hair was in the curlers and she was really proud of herself once it was all done. Then she got herself into the dress, the earrings and necklace once it was almost time to go upstairs. Jaedynn went up to the rooftop area with flowers hung on all the wooden posts of the canopy and the tables still had the white table cloths with blue runners, but the table Roshad had set up for them had a white table cloth with a burgundy and gold runner. A table beside that had a burgundy table cloth, flowers circling it and in the center was a large bowl holding Ghormeh Sabzi, a platter of basmati saffron rice with Tahdig, fresh pita bread and a creamy Greek yogurt spinach dip that Jaedynn had been inexplicably obsessed with this pregnancy. There was also a small plate of fresh sliced cucumbers. All the lights on the rooftop were off and instead there was a large white candle in the middle of the dinner table that Roshad stood beside. He wore a suit, a burgundy dress shirt and she could smell his cologne from the doorway. Jaedynn approached with a smile at the whole set up. There was a radio playing music quietly.

"I thought your mother said I can't eat Ghormeh Sabzi because the fenugreek induces labor," Jaedynn said with a light smile.

"I will tell you a secret," Roshad said as he pulled out Jaedynn's chair so she could take a seat, "it doesn't work."

"No?"

"No," Roshad chuckled. "Believe me; Aida and Fatimeh tried each pregnancy and it never worked." He pressed a kiss to her cheek then went to the other table to plate up a generous helping for food for Jaedynn and brought that over to her. "There is dessert so save room."

"What's for dessert?"

"Saffron ice cream," Roshad smiled.

"Oh," Jaedynn smiled, "That sounds delicious. Everything looks really good. How did you get all this ready?"

"I requested the hotel to allow me to use their kitchen," Roshad said. "Sadly the chefs aren't used to Persian food. One of them picked up a dried lime after I'd pierced them and said, 'Dear God, this smells like soap!'"

Jaedynn giggled, "I mean, those things do smell like soap. That's why I insist you cover them with something until you put it in the pot. That smell is way too strong for me."

"Yes, I know," Roshad smiled. "I suppose I'm just used to it. Some of the chefs were more open and even tried it once it was done and really liked it."

"I bet," Jaedynn said. "Thank you for all this. I think we really needed this."

"Hey," Roshad said when Jaedynn's shoulders slumped a little and he placed his gently on her arm, "Don't think about that right now. All we've done is think about that."

Jaedynn nodded and took a deep breath. Jaedynn enjoyed her dinner and dessert while they talked and enjoyed the view of the city from the rooftop. As she was finishing, Roshad went to the radio and changed it to a setting that played records and put on some Hayedah. Jaedynn had come to be very fond of her music since hearing it and now that Roshad had all his records from back home, he could listen to it whenever they felt like. He'd usually have it playing quietly when cooking dinner. Right now, he had it playing at a moderate volume and walked over to Jaedynn to ask her to dance with him. The rain was coming down creating a calming atmosphere. As they swayed together paying more attention to the rain than to the music, Roshad brought Jaedynn close so his lips were at her ear and started to recite a familiar poem. Without You written by Rumi. She remembered it so well. Even though he was reciting the original Farsi, she remembered the context of the poem and she remembered that night so well. She cuddled her head against his shoulder. His voice was the most soothing sound in the world and made her feel warm and fuzzy all over. When he'd finished reciting the poem, he kissed her ear and her cheek.

"I love you," Jaedynn said.

"I love you too," Roshad said. "Happy Anniversary."

Kevin continued to be in contact with Gloria who, for a time, continued to be in contact with Chanel and the others, but when July came, all contact basically ended. Karen and Maria went into labor around the same time. Karen delivered her baby at ten in the morning while Maria delivered her baby at eight in the evening. Both little boys who were born on the 4th of July. Meanwhile Chanel did not deliver for another week. On the 10th of July, she delivered yet another boy. Maria, Karen and Chanel all signed away any rights to the boys and were out of the hospital within 2 days of arriving. Gloria delivered yet another boy on July 8th and named him Raphael. Alex was at the hospital for all four births, though Gloria was the only one to let him into the room and only after Raphael was born. He went to see the others, but they were all so different. He got paternity tests done on all four boys: every last one was his. But he didn't sign the Birth Certificate for any of them except Raphael. That day in the hospital was the first time Alex met Gloria's parents and they weren't too happy to have him there and it was tense at best.

"I thought we said his name would be Alex," Alex said. Gloria's parents were in the corner staring daggers at him. Usually he and Gloria would speak Spanish, but with her parents there, he didn't want them butting in.

"That's what you wanted, Alex. I never agreed to that," Gloria said. Raphael was in his little bassinette provided by the hospital sound asleep. He had thick black hair and tan skin like his parents and was absolutely precious. Gloria loved that little boy the moment he was put on her chest. She couldn't hate Alex. Not after he'd given her Raphael. She was, however, less than impressed with his conduct with his other sons. "Have you seen the other boys? I heard from my nurse Chanel had the baby earlier today."

"I requested the paternity test," Alex said.

Gloria sighed heavily, "You're unbelievable."

"I have a right to be positive. I've already got one kid I'm not positive about. I'd rather nip the last of it in the butt now."

"Fine," Gloria said and looked at her little boy. "I hope you don't think Raphael isn't yours."

"Got a test done just in case," Alex said.

"Asshole," Gloria muttered, "Whatever. If you can look at that boy and not know, you're out of your mind."

"Don't give me sass. I'm not in the mood," Alex said. "My lawyer had me see five fucking Psychiatrists. He says my first interviews were 'problematic' and told me to be very careful with how I answered questions."

"Why did he say it was problematic?" Gloria asked, getting really nervous now.

"I don't know. I didn't look at it. I just went and did what my lawyer said. We're finally going to court the 23rd." Alex said. "You talked to my lawyer right?"

"Yes, Alex, I did," Gloria said. She should have figured Alex would find out. Given his lawyer had a right to question her as a character witness, she shouldn't have been surprised. "I will be honest, Alex."

"Fine," Alex said. "Maybe you could at least have the decency to talk about the good times."

"I will be honest, Alex," Gloria said firmly. She'd become all too familiar with his tactics. On the bright side, she'd learned how to deal with them.

"So after all this, when do I get to see my son?"

"I thought you wanted to wait until the test results came back," Gloria answered snappishly.

"Assuming that it comes back positive, when do I get to see my son?"

"I already told you: you can see him on weekends, but you will not let Rita anywhere near Raphael," Gloria said.

"Relax; she wasn't chomping at the bit to be a grandmother," Alex said. "Just don't try to pull the shit Jaedynn's trying to."

"You mean not allowing you visitation?" Gloria asked, having already been given quite the earful about this on both sides. She was well aware why. Kevin had already told her about the stabbing and what had landed Alex in jail in the first place, though she kept that to herself.

"Yeah," Alex said and glanced at the little crib. He stood up and went over to look at it. Ramon and Gloria's mother, Margarita, watched him like a hawk as he approached. "Don't you dare do that to me."

"We've been over this Alex," Gloria said. "Keep your mother away from him and you can see him when I'm around. If you do that, you'll be able to see him no problem. If the others are yours, what are you going to do?"

"My lawyer advised me to hold off until we see what happens with my lawsuit against Jaedynn," Alex said.

"Get through it then," Gloria said as she sighed heavily. "It's not right for those boys to be left without a home because of bureaucratic limbo." Alex nodded and walked back to his chair but didn't sit.

"When do you get out of here?"

"They're letting me out tomorrow morning," Gloria said.

"I was told we'll have the results of the paternity test by the end of next week," Alex said. "If he's mine, I want to see him."

"For the last time, Alex-"

"I know what you said, Gloria. I'm just making sure," Alex said and walked out of the hospital room.

About a week before the court date, Roshad and Jaedynn flew into New York with their children, with Jaedynn's parents, Ashti, Bastet and Rashida. That same afternoon they'd flown into New York, they had to take Kamron to the lab so they could get a swab from his mouth and ended up doing the same for Roshad. By then Kamron was extremely tired and therefore cranky, but one of the nurses was very kind and patient with Kamron and gave him a lollipop afterwards for being such a good boy. The next day, Ashti looked after the children along with Rashida while Roshad and Jaedynn went to Kevin's office with the family in tow so they could go over some ground work for the hearing. Jaedynn walked out of the office to use the bathroom and when she was on her way back, she saw this woman in the waiting room holding a tiny baby. One look at that boy and Jaedynn knew. She glanced at her uncle's office door then looked at the woman again. She wasn't sure what came over her, but she walked over to the woman and she looked up as soon as she noticed Jaedynn.

"Your son's very cute. How old is he?"

"He was born the 8th, so he's just over a week old," the woman answered and adjusted so she could offer Jaedynn a hand. "Gloria Lopez."

"Jaedynn Javadi," Jaedynn said as she accepted and the woman gave her a knowing look.

"So you're Jaedynn," the woman said and then looked at Jaedynn's belly. "When are you due?"

"I'm due in August," Jaedynn said, "so it's getting close."

"I can tell," Gloria smiled. "This is Raphael."

"It's nice to meet you both," Jaedynn said. "My uncle said you would be acting as a character witness? For Alex I mean."

"Yes," Gloria said, "I'll be honest. That's really all I can do."

"I know; I didn't come over to bug you about that or anything. I just saw your son and realized he looks a lot like Alex."

"He does," Gloria said. "He still had the nerve to demand a paternity test. Thankfully the hospital offers them. Came back positive. All of them did."

"All of them?"

"Yeah," Gloria said, "Alex has been a busy bee. I'm just one of four. The others didn't keep their babies though. Those boys are all stuck in foster care right now."

"Alex didn't try taking them home?"

"He didn't sign the birth certificates," Gloria said. "He only signed Raphael's and frankly, he's been a thorn in my side since. He keeps trying to show up unannounced and I have to remind him that if he wants to see Raphael it'll be on the weekends while I'm home. After I return to work, he'll need to wait until I get home from work."

"That sounds like Alex," Jaedynn said. "What do you do?"

"I'm a hair dresser," Gloria said.

"Are you? My little brother's married to a hair dresser. She does all our hair for free."

"Yeah, I do my parents' and my sibling's hair for free too," she smiled. "So how did you get mixed up with Alex?"

"My sister and I visited New York for Christmas a few years ago, I met Alex at a liquor store and we exchanged numbers. We went on a few dates while I was still here and then I went back to Washington. We were talking over the phone, but one day I got another woman on the phone."

"You too, huh?" Gloria said and then sighed. "Some things never change I guess."

"I take it he did the same to you?"

"Oh yeah," Gloria said. "So how'd he make you come back?"

"He told me she was an ex, he was trying to find a new living situation and that he loved me. He ended up convincing me to move to New York with him and I agreed. We lived together for a while, but it was clear pretty quick what he's really like and I started trying to leave. By then, I was pregnant with Kamron."

"Sounds about right," Gloria said. "I caught him cheating, kicked him out on his ass then found out I was pregnant with Raphael and he convinced me to give him another chance for the sake of our baby. Family girl that I am, I gave him a chance. Next thing I know, I find out he's got three other woman knocked up and is still seeing them behind my back. That was my last straw."

"I can imagine," Jaedynn said. "So what's going to happen to those other little boys?"

"I don't know," Gloria said with a sad tone. "They're in foster care right now pending the results of this whole thing. He pays more attention to Raphael than any of his other sons – honestly, I don't know how to feel about it. Thankfully Rita hasn't come around." Jaedynn shivered out of pure reflex. "You've met her too?"

"I've met her twice. That was enough," Jaedynn said.

"Fortunate," Gloria said. "I've met her dozens of times. Every time we've met and talked, she has nothing nice to say to me."

"She was never nice to me either," Jaedynn said.

"Jaedynn?" she heard Roshad call her name and she turned and saw Roshad leaning through the door of Kevin's office. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's fine," Jaedynn said and then looked at Gloria. "I'd better get back in. It was nice speaking to you."

"You too," Gloria replied.

Jaedynn returned to Kevin's office with Roshad so they could continue preparing for court. All the while, everything was kept quiet around Kamron in the hope that this really could blow over somehow. The night before they were to go before a judge, Jaedynn was extremely anxious. Kamron and Iman were already put down for bed and everyone was trying to get some sleep, but Jaedynn couldn't fall asleep. The last time she was in the same room as Alex had been in a court room over two years ago. She wasn't looking forward to being there even if her father, mother, her uncle, her husband, three vampires and security would be present the whole time. Roshad held her through the night to comfort her while also trailing his hand back and forth over her belly to feel their babies kick. As they'd done with Iman, they were waiting until after the babies were born for find out the gender. They'd done the best they could to focus on the pregnancy despite this situation. Roshad did everything he could to reduce Jaedynn's stress and his efforts had done wonders, but this night, even the most magical foot and back massage wasn't enough to make her feel better. The next morning, Roshad was up early and made everyone some breakfast to ease the tension. While he was cooking, Kamron wandered into the kitchen with Ashti following behind him.

"Morning, Kamron," Roshad said. Kamron was still rubbing his eye in drowsiness. He'd woken because he had to use the bathroom and stayed awake because he smelled breakfast and he went to Roshad to hug his leg. Roshad lifted Kamron into his arms and maneuvered Kamron so he was on his hip.

"I'm hungry," Kamron said as he had his head on Roshad's shoulder.

"I know, Kamron. I'm making kuku Sabzi. I put extra leek in it," Roshad said and Kamron smiled.

"I want Tahdig," Kamron said.

"We can have that with dinner tonight," Roshad said and kissed Kamron's head. Ashti had her eyes open looking at Roshad. She wore a teal hijab today while her dress was long sleeved, floor length floral with pinks, whites and the same teal. "Is Iman still sleeping?"

"She has been changed and I brought her to Jaedynn to feed," Ashti said.

Ashti lifted her hand to rub Kamron's back. The boy was already starting to doze back off. There was a smile in her eyes and she cooed to him in Farsi. That was enough to put Kamron back to sleep. Roshad looked at Kamron and his sleeping face and then looked at Ashti again. He wasn't crying, but he was on the verge. He'd spent the past several months being the rock Jaedynn needed. He'd spent all this time keeping things normal, not allowing any of this to disrupt Kamron's life and basically pretending everything was fine. Now he felt like the world was slamming onto his shoulders and he actually felt scared. Every possible worst case scenario was rushing through his head at once and he was looking at his mother feeling helpless and like a child.

"It will be alright, Roshad," Ashti said to Roshad. She came closer to hold Roshad and Kamron in her arms and then she began to pray. He'd not prayed in so long, but now seemed as good a time as any.

Kevin left the apartment first so he could get to court early and do any last minute preparations before the judge was ready to see them. Everyone else convened in the kitchen to have breakfast together and kept to small talk since Kamron was there. Ashti would be staying behind to look after Kamron and Iman while everyone else left the apartment to go to the courthouse allowing themselves plenty of time to get there and make sure they were early. The drive to the courthouse was eerily quiet. After their prayer that morning, Roshad put on a brave face for his sake and for Jaedynn's. Kevin met them outside once they arrived and led them to the courtroom where they would meet before the judge. The room itself was rather empty. Alex was already there with his lawyer which shocked Jaedynn. She'd never known Alex to be particularly punctual, though that was likely more so down to his lawyer pressing him to do so. Gloria was there holding Raphael and an older woman and three other women sitting beside her. Jaedynn smiled pleasantly at her and she smiled back, but the interaction remained brief.

With the exception of Jaedynn, Roshad and Kevin, everyone else sat in the gallery section behind the rails and just waited. There was a security guard or bailiff standing near the judge's stand and the judge was there but appeared to be reviewing the case in front of him. Kevin watched the judge carefully trying to gage the man's initial opinion of the situation, but the judge conveyed nothing. Roshad kept staring at the clock waiting for things to start. Jaedynn, Roshad and Kevin were to the right of the room and Jaedynn was sitting at the furthest right most part of the table trying to stay as far away from Alex as possible and she refused to look at him. She kept staring either forward or down at her belly rubbing it affectionately. She felt one of the babies kicking gently and it was a source of comfort. Roshad reached over and rubbed her belly lovingly needing the same comfort but also trying to comfort Jaedynn as well.

"Please rise," the bailiff said when it was time to start things off. "In the case of Alex Vayez vs. Jaedynn Javadi case number 114, the honorable Judge Henry McMichael presiding. You may be seated."

"Thank you, Mathew," the judge said. "Mr. Chamberlain, your client is petitioning the court for a paternity test for Kamron Javadi and, should the results prove your client to be the father he is petitioning the court for full custody. Is this correct?"

"Yes, your honor," Mr. Chamberlain answered.

"Mr. Black," the judge continued, "you and your client do not dispute paternity, however you are petitioning the court to refuse custody. You argue Mr. Vayez is mentally and emotionally unstable and is not capable of raising his son in a healthy environment. You are petitioning the court to revoke any and all custody requests or visitation between Mr. Vayez and Kamron Javadi. Is that correct?"

"That is correct, your honor," Kevin answered and the judge nodded.

"Alright," Judge McMichael said, "let's start from the beginning. Mrs. Javadi, how did you and Mr. Vayez meet?"

"I met Alex Christmas of 1971. My sister Ivory and I came to New York for vacation, I met Alex in a liquor store and we started talking. We exchanged numbers and we went on a few dates while I was here and after I returned to Washington we kept in touch."

"So it was a long distance relationship at the start?"

"Yes, your honor," Jaedynn said. "He'd convinced me to move to New York with him and I did that around summer 1972."

"Mr. Vayez," the judge said, "is that more or less how you two met according to your recollection?"

"Yes, your honor," Alex said.

"So the two of you meet and eventually decide to move in together. Eventually Mrs. Javadi, you find out that your pregnant?"

"Yes, your honor," Jaedynn said.

"Mr. Vayez, walk me through the events that give you reason to doubt paternity."

"I found out she was cheating on me, your honor," Alex said. "With that asshole no less."

"Language Alex," Mr. Chamberlain said calmly.

"Yes, watch your language in my courtroom," Judge McMichael said. "Mrs. Javadi, is that what happened?"

"Yes, your honor," Jaedynn said. "After we'd moved in together, Alex was becoming extremely possessive and controlling. When I found out I was pregnant, I didn't really know what to do. I wanted out of the relationship but finding out about Kamron made things difficult. Roshad and I met shortly after I found out I was pregnant."

"So you didn't meet your husband until after you were already pregnant?"

"Correct your honor," Jaedynn answered.

"So there's no possibility of Mr. Javadi being Kamron's father?"

"No your honor," Jaedynn said with a heavy heart.

"And Mr. Javadi is the only man that you were romantically involved with around the time Kamron was conceived?"

"Correct, your honor," Jaedynn said. She heard Alex say something but Mr. Chamberlain got him to keep silent until spoken to.

"You don't believe that is the case, Mr. Vayez?"

"No I don't," Alex said.

"I see," Judge McMichael said. "Let's move on to the day that led to your first appearance in court. Mrs. Javadi, please tell me what happened in your own words."

"I'd gotten to a point where I didn't want to be with Alex anymore. Like I mentioned, since we'd moved in together he became controlling and physically abusive to an extent. Finding out I was pregnant just cemented that I couldn't stay with him anymore. So I started removing my things a little at a time and keeping them at my uncle's place. Roshad and I were seeing one another by this point. In October, Roshad and I were playing soccer together in Central Park one Saturday and when I got back to the apartment that day, Alex was there and waiting for me. I found out he'd had his mother basically spying on me, she told him I was with Roshad and Alex got really upset. I tried saying Roshad was just a coworker, Alex didn't believe me and I ended up admitting that I was seeing someone else."

"You found a rebound is what you did," Alex said.

"Please, Mr. Vayez, let her finish. You will get a chance to respond," Judge McMichael said. "Please continue Mrs. Javadi."

"Thank you, your honor," Jaedynn said. "So I admitted I was seeing someone else, Alex got angry and the altercation turned physical. I tried to keep him away from me, but he pulled out a knife on me and I'd bit him trying to get him away and that's when he stabbed me in the shoulder and ribcage. Our neighbor Martha overheard the commotion and called the police. Alex left the apartment and was gone by the time the ambulance and police arrived."

Judge McMichael nodded then looked at Alex. "From what I'm seeing of the transcripts from your trial, you pleaded guilty to assault but you say Mrs. Javadi's account is not what happened. Can you please elaborate on that?"

"Basically she said she was leaving and we argued. I admit to that. I didn't come at her with a knife though. What happened was I asked her not to leave and she responded by threatening to stab herself so she'd lose the baby. I was trying to get the knife out of her hand and was able to stop her from doing real damage. After she was on the floor, I panicked and ran out of the apartment."

"That is not what happened," Jaedynn said but she said it under her breath in frustration.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Javadi, what was that?" the judge asked.

"I said that's not what happened."

"I already told the court what happened and frankly, I was found guilty for something I didn't do," Alex said.

"That's not true and you fucking know it!" Jaedynn yelled and the judge slammed his mallet for order. Roshad held her hand while Kevin requested Jaedynn to stay calm. He did the same to Nathan, though did so silently. The man was on the edge of his seat and Kevin needed him to stay down.

"Order," the judge said after slamming down his mallet.

"Your honor, my client has admitted to and served time for assault. I would ask that we focus on the topic at hand, that being the matter of Kamron's paternity."

"Forgive me your honor, but Mr. Vayez's previous actions are not irrelevant. Kamron's paternity is not what's in question here. What's in question is his safety should Alex be given any form of visitation much less custody," Kevin said.

"Your honor, any animosity that exists is between my client and Mrs. Javadi – if Kamron is his, he only wants to be a father to his son. Any issues between him and Mrs. Javadi he is willing to work out with that goal in mind," Mr. Chamberlain said.

"Bullshit," Nathan muttered under his breath and, once again, Kevin pushed, 'be quiet' into his head.

"Let's move on," the judge said and took a hold of something, then presented it to Jaedynn. It was a picture of Kamron that was very recent. "This is Kamron?"

"Yes, that's him," Jaedynn said. The judge nodded and put the picture back down.

"He's a cute little thing," the judge said.

"Thank you, your honor," Jaedynn said.

"It appears that you also have a restraining order against Mr. Vayez," the judge said.

"That is correct your honor," Jaedynn said.

"And since Kamron was born, has he had any contact of any kind with Mr. Vayez?"

"No, your honor," Jaedynn said. "My husband signed Kamron's birth certificate and he's stepped up as Kamron's father."

"And Mr. Javadi, you knew about all this when you met your wife, am I right?"

"Yes, your honor," Roshad said. "Jaedynn was honest with me from the beginning."

"So you knew, when you met, that she was still in a relationship and was pregnant?"

"Yes, your honor, I was aware," Roshad said.

"And you didn't think anything of starting a romantic relationship with a woman that was still seeing someone? And was pregnant no less?"

"I knew Jaedynn wasn't happy and I knew Alex was mistreating her. I did not know the full extent of this mistreatment until the day Martha called me and told me that Alex had put her in the hospital."

"So you've more or less been there from the beginning?"

"Yes, your honor," Roshad said. "I might not be Kamron's birth father, but I consider him my son."

"And there's no possibility whatsoever that Kamron is yours?"

"Regrettably not, your honor," Roshad said.

"I see," the judge said. The judge evaluated a few things on his desk, found something he thought was odd and then looked at Alex. "Mr. Vayez, what do you do for a living?"

"Pardon?"

"What do you do? What is your profession? What is your job? How do you make money?"

"I'm an event planner, I refurbish and resell tossed out items, and I host poker tournaments," Alex said.

"I see," the judge said, remaining stone faced and appearing unfazed, "and from all that, what would you say is your yearly income?" Alex was about to answer, but Mr. Chamberlain stopped him.

"My client does a lot of freelance work, so his revenue will vary. It is, however, enough to take care of himself and his son should Kamron be his and custody be granted," Mr. Chamberlain said.

"What do you mean by 'varies'? Give me a ball park estimation of how much you make in a year," the judge asked. Mr. Chamberlain was about to speak but the judge said, "I didn't ask you, Mr. Chamberlain. I asked your client. Mr. Vayez, give me an estimation of how much you make in a year."

"I don't have to answer that," Alex said and Kevin could feel Mr. Chamberlain's frustration with the answer though the man hid it well.

"You most certainly do, Mr. Vayez. You do if you want me to entertain the possibility of custody over Kamron if he's yours," the judge said. Alex sighed heavily and rolled his eyes. The judge ignored it and waited for Alex to give him an answer.

"If I had to estimate," Alex said, "anywhere from $8,000 to $11,000 a year."

"That's a hell of a gap Mr. Vayez," the judge said. "Do you have proof of this? Tax return forms, checks; anything?"

"No, your honor," Alex said.

"On your person or at all?" the judge asked.

"Your honor," Mr. Chamberlain stepped in, "if it will put the state at ease, I would request an extension and my client will happily obtain these documents."

"Objection, your honor," Kevin spoke up, "Mr. Vayez was made well aware of what he was required to provide to the court including proof of income. His failure to do so is, frankly, not our problem."

"I agree Mr. Black. The motion is rejected," the judge said. "Let's move on to your living situation, Mr. Vayez. Since your release you've lived in three different locations that you've reported. Have you obtained a permanent address?"

"I provided my address to the court," Alex answered.

"And how long have you lived at this residence Mr. Vayez?"

"Since April," Alex said.

"So about 4 months," the judge said and looked through his paperwork again. "Mrs. Javadi, you and your husband got married last year, correct?"

"We married two years ago in Washington and then we had a wedding in Iran June 29th of last year," Jaedynn said.

"Well, congratulations," the judge said. "And you two have had a daughter since then? Obviously another one on the way."

"Yes, your honor," Jaedynn said.

"And Mr. Javadi," the judge continued as he lifted a piece of paper, "you've recently received your Green Card but are originally from Iran correct?"

"Correct, your honor," Roshad said.

"And what is it you do for a living?"

"I'm a spice vendor," Roshad said.

"What spices in particular?"

"I own crocus fields and cultivate saffron, I own pomegranate fields for the purpose of selling pomegranate molasses, herbs, cinnamon; I cover a high volume of different spices and work with cultivators in India."

"So a little of everything basically?"

"Yes, your honor," Roshad said.

"And what made you decide to move here to America when you have such a lucrative business in Iran?"

"I came to New York on a visitor's visa and had planned to live in New York for the year but Jaedynn and I met, we fell in love and I decided I would move here rather than make her move to Tehran. I have a very small family, but Jaedynn has a large family and it wouldn't be fair to her to make her relocate," Roshad answered.

"Fair enough," the judge said. "So at this point, you've raised Kamron since infancy. I assume he addresses you as father?"

"Yes, he does," Roshad said.

"Alright," the judge said. "So Mr. Vayez, aside from the affair you found out about, do you have any other reasoning that you think Kamron isn't yours?"

"She told me he wasn't," Alex said.

"Is that true, Mrs. Javadi?"

"It is, your honor," Jaedynn said. "I'd already had a restraining order against him but he'd somehow gotten our number. I'd told him Kamron wasn't his so that he'd leave us alone. We reported his violation of the restraining order after that and I was content to let him think Kamron wasn't his."

"Violation of the restraining order," Alex muttered irritably. "I have a right to call and demand an update on my kid. Or what you had told me was my kid."

"You have a lot of nerve demanding anything after what you did," Roshad blurted out.

"All I did was try to get her not to kill my son; assuming he's mine," Alex said.

"Order," Judge McMichael ordered as he slammed his mallet. "So, Mr. Vayez, your primary concern lies on the fact that you found out she was seeing someone else and she outright told you that you weren't Kamron's father."

"Yes, your honor," Alex said.

"And prior to that, were you excited about the baby? Had the two of you discussed having children previously or was Kamron an accident?"

"It was an accident but we were excited," Alex said.

"He was excited your honor," Jaedynn said. "We'd not discussed having children. I didn't even know he wanted children. When I found out I was pregnant I was rattled and extremely upset. I didn't know what I wanted to do but when I told Alex, he more or less made the decision for me saying he wanted to keep the baby. All the resources I'd received from the doctor he'd taken and thrown away without asking what I wanted to do or taking into account how I was feeling. He just told me we would make things work and didn't give me an option in the whole thing."

"So he was excited about the pregnancy but you were not," the judge said.

"She never told me she didn't want the baby, your honor," Alex said.

"That's not true," Jaedynn said. "I told him I wasn't ready to have a baby and that I wasn't happy but he didn't listen to me. He only made me promise not to leave him and that we would work things out."

"She didn't even try, your honor. She just found herself a golden goose," Alex said snappishly.

"She found someone that actually cares about her," Roshad said.

"Oh, fuck you; I did care about her," Alex said.

"Order!" Judge McMichael said as he slammed his mallet again. Kevin reminded Roshad not to argue with Alex and to just speak to the judge when spoken to. Mr. Chamberlain advised Alex to do the same. The judge sighed heavily. "I've heard enough. Mathew, please give me the test results." The bailiff handed over the documents and the judge started opening the first envelope. "Before I read the results; Mrs. Javadi, you are certain Mr. Javadi is not the father?"

"I'm sure," Jaedynn answered with her head down.

"And there's no possibility that anyone else might be the father?"

"No, your honor," Jaedynn answered in the same sad tone.

"Alright," the judge said. "Mr. Javadi, you submitted to the DNA test. We will start with those results for certainty's sake. Where it relates to Kamron Javadi in the case of Javadi vs. Javadi, it has been determined by this court: Mr. Javadi, you are not Kamron's father." He'd already known. They'd all already known. Yet hearing it said officially and in so blunt a tone felt like a stab to the heart. Roshad took a deep, calming breath. "Mr. Javadi, you appear upset." Roshad didn't speak. "You said you'd already known?"

"I did your honor," Roshad said. "Regardless, I've been Kamron's father in every fashion that counts. By blood or not, he's still my son."

"I'm happy to hear you say that, Mr. Javadi," the judge said and then opened the next envelope. "Now, Mr. Vayez, hearing those results, do you still have any doubt as to whether or not Kamron is yours?"

"I'll doubt until you tell me the results," Alex said. "For all I know she had to throw bread to a couple different geese until one took the bait."

"You watch how you address my wife," Roshad said with an acidic tone.

"Hey, for all you know she's lied to you too. Maybe those other kids aren't yours," Alex said. The look of rage on Roshad's face was frightening, but it was directed at Alex. "Maybe you should get the other's tested."

"Unlike you, I don't feel the need to waste the court's time or mine proving something I already know," Roshad answered.

"Something you think you know," Alex said.

"Enough," the judge said in a stern voice and then slammed his mallet. Mr. Chamberlain asked Alex to exercise some restraint. The judge pulled out the results from the next envelope and then read off the results. "Where it relates to Kamron Javadi, in the case of Vayez vs. Javadi, it has been determined by this court: Mr. Vayez, you are Kamron's father." The silence was deafening in the courtroom. Judge McMichael waited a moment to say anything wanting to gage Alex's reaction. He was visibly irate. "You're Kamron's father, Mr. Vayez." Another silence passed before Alex finally broke it.

"Two years," Alex said.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Vayez?" the judge asked.

"Two years you took away from me," Alex said, directing the statement to Jaedynn.

"I didn't take anything from you," Jaedynn said.

"You took two years of my son's life away from me!" Alex yelled.

"You did this to yourself," Roshad said.

"Bullshit!"

"Order!" the judge said and slammed his mallet.

"You did this! We were happy and then you took my son away!" Alex continued despite the judge's order.

"You nearly killed him!" Jaedynn screamed back.

"Order!" the judge yelled and slammed his mallet again.

"I wasn't trying to kill him! You promised you wouldn't leave but you cheated on me anyway you fucking whore!"

"Don't you dare call her a whore!" Roshad yelled back. Kevin grabbed Roshad's arm to silence him.

"I call her a whore 'cause that's what she is! You should know!"

"God damn it! I said order!" the judge yelled and slammed his mallet so hard he hurt his hand. Only then did the yelling stop, but Alex was fidgeting with rage. Roshad was trying his best to calm down, but it was really difficult.

"I want his name changed," Alex spoke up suddenly and Roshad gawked at him. "And I want his name off my son's birth certificate and mine on it."

"Over my dead fucking body!" Roshad yelled and Kevin gripped Roshad's arm again and the judge slammed his mallet again.

"Enough," the judge said. "Now that we know Kamron's paternity, let's move on to the custody dispute. Mr. Black, you and your client are requesting that custody not be granted and you're requesting visitation be forbidden as well?"

"Yes, your honor," Kevin said.

"I want to see my son, your honor," Alex said.

"Just a moment, Mr. Vayez," the judge said. "Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Black, you have both brought expert witnesses. I would like to hear from them. We'll start with Dr. Tanner. Mathew, please escort Dr. Tanner to the stand." The bailiff left the courtroom and soon returned with an older woman walked in and was escorted to the stand. "Please state your name for the record," the judge asked.

"Dr. Angela Tanner," the woman answered.

"Dr. Tanner, you performed a psychological evaluation of Mr. Vayez on April the 10th as well as April the 30th. Is that correct?"

"That is correct your honor," Dr. Tanner answered.

"Mr. Black, your witness," the judge said and Kevin stepped around to approach the stand.

"Dr. Tanner, can you start by providing a background on your qualifications?"

"Yes, sir. I earned my doctorate from the University of New York after which I spent ten years providing services to inmates to rehabilitate them for release. I then went to open my own practice and have been treating patients for the past seven years."

"Thank you, Dr. Tanner. What can you tell us about your evaluations of Mr. Vayez? Was there anything that you found concerning?"

"To begin, Mr. Vayez displayed an inflated sense of self importance. In just the total of six hours spent in my office, I have been given reason to believe that Mr. Vayez suffers from Narcissistic Personality Disorder."

"Can you explain for the court the symptoms of this disorder and how Mr. Vayez displays them in your professional opinion?"

"There are nine criteria for Narcissism. In order for a patient to be diagnosed, they must meet five or more of the criteria. Based on past actions, records I've reviewed from his prison time and our time in my office, Mr. Vayez has displayed seven of the nine criteria."

"What criteria did he meet?"

"Firstly, an inflated sense of self importance. Mr. Vayez has expressed accomplishments of his on numerous occasions when we've spoken. He's also preoccupied with both these claimed accomplishments as well as plans he has for future endeavors. He's displayed a constant need for affirmation and admiration and has shown to have a sense of entitlement regardless of validity. However most concerning is a lack of empathy on Mr. Vayez's part, manipulative behavior and an abuse of relationships to get what he wants."

"Can you give examples?" Kevin asked.

"One such example is his behavior displayed towards Miss Lopez. Miss Lopez asserted that Mr. Vayez often used her pregnancy with their son as leverage: an exploitation of interpersonal relationships. In addition, Miss Lopez mentioned infidelity and while Mr. Vayez did eventually admit that there was infidelity on his part he went on to blame Miss Lopez."

"And in your professional opinion. Dr. Tanner, how does this disorder affect one's ability to be a parent?"

"It is a far from ideal environment to raise a child in," Dr. Tanner said. "The narcissist will always prioritize themselves and will demand love and adoration from their children and act out if they do not receive it."

"Thank you, Dr. Tanner," Kevin said. "No further questions, your honor." The judge nodded and Kevin returned to the table with Roshad and Jaedynn.

"Mr. Chamberlain, your witness," the judge said.

"Thank you, your honor," Mr. Chamberlain said and approached the stand. "Dr. Tanner, you said you have reason to believe the diagnosis is Narcissistic Personality Disorder."

"That is correct," Dr. Tanner answered.

"However, you have not officially diagnosed him as such?"

"No, sir," Dr. Tanner answered. "In order to make an official diagnosis, I would need more time and undergo additional tests."

"Thank you, Dr. Tanner," Mr. Chamberlain said. "No further questions your honor."

"You may step down, Dr. Tanner," the judge said and the bailiff escorted her off the stand.

There were four more doctors to question and each one played out more or less the same. Each doctor expressed a concern for Alex's mental stability but with each witness Mr. Chamberlain pointed out a diagnosis was not officially made and therefore should not be considered. The two doctors Mr. Chamberlain had sent Alex to interview with were the only ones to not present the possibility of a mental disorder however Kevin made a point to interject that each of these doctors had only interviewed Alex one time for an hour and were not provided with Alex's criminal record. The real fight, though, came when the judge requested Gloria to take the stand.

"Please state your name for the record," the judge said.

"Gloria Lopez," Gloria answered.

"Mr. Black, your witness," the judge said.

"Thank you, your honor," Kevin said. "Miss Lopez, can you tell the court your profession?"

"I'm a hairdresser at Ally's Beauty Shop in Harlem on W. 145th Street," Gloria said.

"And how long have you been working there?"

"It'll be two years in August," Gloria said.

"And Miss Lopez, can you tell the court how you know Mr. Vayez?"

"We have a son together," Gloria answered.

"Can you tell us about your relationship with Mr. Vayez? How did you two meet?"

"We met while I was outside the beauty shop having a cigarette break. We hit it off and became romantically involved until I found out he was cheating on me. We broke up but I found out I was pregnant and Alex convinced me to give him another chance. I did but soon caught him cheating on me again and we broke up. Since then, we've maintained a co-parenting relationship."

"Can you tell us about the second break up? The police were called when you and Mr. Vayez were fighting correct?"

"Correct," Gloria said. "Alex had moved in with me and we were planning to make things work for our son. While Alex was out and I was at the apartment, I got a call from a woman named Chanel Thomas. I found out from her that she and Alex had met about the same time I had met him and he'd been in a relationship with her the whole time we'd been together. I started going through Alex's things and found out there were two other women he was seeing behind my back, all of whom were also pregnant with his children. I called them and they gave me the same story Chanel did. When Alex got back, I'd already packed all his things and demanded that he leave my apartment. He claimed that I was being crazy and he wasn't cheating on me. I knew he was lying to me and demanded that he leave. When he didn't, I threw a lamp at him after which he slapped me. By then, one of my neighbors had called the police and Alex left with his things the moment he heard the sirens."

"And after the altercation, did Alex try to call you?"

"He called me several times but I ignored his calls at first. I did eventually answer him, but only to tell him I would not be taking him back and I was only interested in him being a father to his child."

"Does Mr. Vayez respect these boundaries?"

"No, not really," Gloria said. "He will still try to convince me to take him back. I just remind him I won't and he'll drop it until next time."

"To your knowledge, is he still seeing the other women?"

"No," Gloria said. "After the others found out about one another, they all wanted nothing more to do with Alex. After their sons were born, they gave the boys up and I haven't heard from them since."

"Mr. Vayez had a paternity test done on all four boys that all came out positive, correct?"

"Correct."

"So Mr. Vayez has three sons in foster care at the present time?"

"Yes, sir," Gloria said. "Alex said he was advised to wait until after this hearing before he sought custody of his other sons."

"And has Mr. Vayez seen his sons?"

"To my knowledge, Alex hasn't seen his sons since they were born," Gloria said. "He's focused his attention on Raphael."

"And how has Alex been with your son thus far?"

"He's been trying," Gloria answered honestly. "He gets frustrated with Raphael easily but has been good about visiting regularly."

"What do you mean he gets frustrated with Raphael?" Kevin asked.

"Sometime Raphael will start crying and Alex will get upset and ask me why he's crying. I tell him not to take it personally, but he seems to do so anyway."

"And what else does he do for Raphael? Does he provide any financial support?"

"No, he's not provided any financial support," Gloria said.

"What about other necessities? Diapers, clothes, food: anything like that?"

"Not really," Gloria said. "He comes over and spends time with Raphael but that's about it."

"I've given you shit for the baby; don't fucking lie," Alex finally said.

"Quiet, Mr. Vayez," the judge said. "Mr. Vayez, since you disagree with Miss Lopez, please tell the court what have you done to care for Raphael?"

"I've brought her diapers, I've brought her toys and I've given him clothes," Alex said.

"No you haven't, Alex," Gloria said firmly.

"Mr. Vayez, do you have any receipts to prove you've provided any financial support or provided Miss Lopez with necessities?"

"No," Alex said irritably.

"Financially speaking, your honor, I've been Raphael's sole provider," Gloria said. "My parents help, but that's all the help I have received."

"You're so full of shit," Alex said.

"Enough, Mr. Vayez," the judge said. "Please continue with your line of questioning, Mr. Black."

"Thank you, your honor," Kevin said. "Miss Lopez, you mentioned that during the altercation, Alex slapped you. Has he ever become physical with you before or after that?"

"He'd not slapped me before then, but he would grab me and get aggressive with me if he was getting upset with me. Since breaking up, he's not gotten physical with me again," Gloria said.

"In your interviews, you had mentioned that Chanel had confided in you about how he treated her?"

"Yes," Gloria said. "She told me that he had hit her on multiple occasions and that Alex had bullied her into keeping the baby."

"Objection, your honor," Mr. Chamberlain said. "This is hearsay and Miss Thomas is not present to provide testimony and has refused to do so. I move that Miss Lopez's claims be withdrawn."

"Sustained," the judge said.

"Withdrawn," Kevin replied. "Miss Lopez, has Mr. Vayez expressed to you any plans of how he'll care for his three other sons?"

"He's not relayed anything to me," Gloria said.

"Thank you, Miss Lopez. No further questions," Kevin said and stepped away.

"Mr. Chamberlain, your witness," the judge said.

"Thank you, your honor," Mr. Chamberlain said and approached the stand. "Miss Lopez, you admit that, during yours and Mr. Vayez's altercation, you threw a lamp at him and it was only after that point that he slapped you, correct?"

"Yes, sir," Gloria said.

"And since then, you and Mr. Vayez have maintained a working co-parenting relationship, correct?"

"Yes," Gloria said.

"And Mr. Vayez has been consistent in visiting his son?"

"He has," Gloria said.

"And has he given you any reason to believe that your son is unsafe with him?"

"I know Alex loves our son in his own way," Gloria said. "He's still getting used to being a father and I know he's trying. As long as I'm with him, Raphael has been fine. He's never been alone with our son."

"But Mr. Vayez has never shown any signs of being abusive towards your son?"

"No, he has not," Gloria said.

"Thank you, Miss Lopez," Mr. Chamberlain said. "No further questions."

"I'd like to ask Miss Lopez some additional questions, your honor," Kevin said and approached the stand again. "Miss Lopez, you said Alex loves your son 'in his own way'. What do you mean by that?"

"I mean that he wants to be involved in our son's life and is doing his best to adjust," Gloria said.

"You also mentioned he seems fine with Raphael as long as you're present. Would you ever be comfortable letting Mr. Vayez be alone with your son?"

"I would not be comfortable with that at this time, no," Gloria said.

"Thank you, Miss Lopez. No further questions," Kevin said.

"You may step down," the judge said and Gloria stepped off the stand and returned to the gallery. "Let's move on to the actual discussion of custody. To be blunt, after hearing from you both and with the evidence provided, I cannot in any kind of conscience grant full or shared custody to you, Mr. Vayez." Jaedynn released a breath she'd been holding, a sense of relief coming over her.

"I deserve to see my son, your honor," Alex argued.

"You don't 'deserve' anything," Roshad spoke up.

"No one fucking asked you! He's not your son; he's mine!"

"And what have you done for Kamron?! Have you put food on his table? A roof over his head? Clothes on his back? Have you been there to comfort him when he's crying? Have you loved him unconditionally? No! I have! While you were sitting in prison for nearly murdering Jaedynn and Kamron along with her, I have stepped up as Kamron's father! Jaedynn was willing to work things out so you could be in Kamron's life! You threw that away! You have no one to blame but yourself!"

"I'm not the one that cheated! She is! You're the one that ruined our son's life!"

"You nearly killed him!" Jaedynn screamed.

"No, you did!" Alex yelled back. "This is your fault you fucking whore! You left and let another man raise my son and tried keeping him away from me!"

"This is your own fault!" Nathan said, standing up from his seat. "You nearly murdered my daughter! You're lucky you're still among the living you little shit! It'll be a cold day in hell before I let you anywhere near my grandson!"

"Nathan, quiet!" Kevin ordered.

"Order!" the judge demanded and slammed his mallet. "I would remind the gallery that they are guests of the court and if they cannot conduct themselves in an appropriate manner they will be asked to leave." The courtroom was quiet for a moment until the judge continued. "Back to the discussion of visitation."

"I want to see my son," Alex said.

"Mr. Vayez," the judge said, sitting up straighter and appearing extremely serious, "I understand you want to see your son. The issue that arises is Kamron's safety. Two women have accused you of abusive behavior towards them, there are police reports showing that such altercations did indeed happen, you've served time for assault on your son's mother, you have failed to prove a consistent income, multiple doctors that you've been interviewed by have voiced concern over your mental health and you've shown a gross lack of respect towards every one of the mother's of your sons. For God's sake, Mr. Vayez, the Arab has showed your son's mother more respect than you." Roshad's eye twitched at being called 'Arab' and worse the implication the judge was making but he stayed silent. "In addition, you have three boys in foster care! What am I supposed to think? You can't pick and choose who you want to be a father to. You have to be responsible for all your sons. Not just the one's you've picked out as special. As to your request to put your name on Kamron's birth certificate –"

"I want that bastard's name off my son's birth certificate," Alex said.

"Alex," Mr. Chamberlain said firmly.

"Mr. Vayez, do you understand what you are requesting?"

"She took the first two years of my son's life away from me and I don't want to lose any more," Alex said.

"What you are requesting is to be held financially responsible for Kamron," the judge said. "By putting your name on that birth certificate, Mrs. Javadi will be entitled to Child Support that you will be legally required to pay. Failure to do so can result in garnishing your wages or jail time." That seemed to grab Alex's attention. "Now, Mr. Vayez, do you still wish to press the matter of putting your name on Kamron's birth certificate." There was another moment of silence and Alex did not make any motion of affirmation or decline.

"That's what I thought," Roshad muttered.

"Fuck you!"

"Order!" the judge yelled accompanied with the sound of his mallet.

"Your honor?" Roshad said.

"Yes, Mr. Javadi?" Judge McMichael replied with a heavy sigh.

"May I please make an offer?"

"What offer is that, Mr. Javadi?"

"I don't know why Mr. Vayez is doing this but I don't believe it's out of any love for Kamron. If it will make Mr. Vayez leave us and Kamron alone and agree to relinquish any and all visitation rights, I will pay whatever amount he wants."

"You want to pay Mr. Vayez to relinquish his parental rights?"

"Yes, your honor," Roshad said. "Just name your price and I'll pay it, then you have to leave us and Kamron alone."

"Mr. Vayez, what say you to that?"

"You can take your money and shove it up your ass," Alex said. "I'm not fucking going anywhere. I'm sick of this shit. Just let me see my son."

"You'll have to go through me," Roshad said.

"Big talk from someone that's not even his father."

"I'm more a father to Kamron than you ever have been or ever will be," Roshad said in a cold, vicious tone.

"That's enough," the judge said. "Mr. Vayez, your son's welfare is of the utmost concern of this court as should it be yours and you have not given me any reassurances that you are able to provide a safe environment. Mr. Javadi, I empathize that you have been part of Kamron's life since his birth and for that I commend you. I've no doubt that you love Kamron as your own and he's very fortunate to have you . Now," the judged paused, "having said all that: Kamron does deserve to know his birth father. However, Mr. Vayez you need to make some serious changes to your life. Not just for your sons but for your own sake as well. You need to seek counseling for starters. Regardless of official diagnosis or not, the results of your evaluations are troubling and it's clear to me that there are personal matters that you need to sort out. See a therapist on a regular basis to help you through the emotional problems that you face. You also need to obtain more stable employment or prove to this court that the freelance work you currently do is indeed a stable income. Reside at a single address more than just a few months. You need to prove to this court that you value your sons' wellbeing enough to better yourself. Are you willing to do that, Mr. Vayez?"

"Yes, your honor," Alex answered. Jaedynn didn't believe him but she couldn't see his face to determine if he was or wasn't being honest.

"Good," the judge said. "Now, until you have met these requirements that have been presented by this court, any and all visitation with your sons, be it Raphael, Kamron or your sons in foster care, will be limited and with supervision of child care professionals and the boys' guardians. What are your other three sons' names, by the way?"

"I don't know," Alex said, "I didn't give them any." The judge stared at Alex at a loss for words at the moment.

"You haven't named them?"

"I haven't had the opportunity to bond with them," Alex said.

"Mr. Vayez, you had plenty of opportunity. You simply chose not to take it," the judge said. "This is completely unacceptable Mr. Vayez." Alex didn't speak though he definitely looked like he wanted to say something. "Thus far, you've focused all your attention on Kamron despite him having a good home but you've not given an ounce of consideration towards the three boys that need you the most. You've as good as washed your hands of them yet you have the nerve to demand full custody of a little boy that's enjoyed a loving and happy home thus far."

"Jaedynn's toy isn't Kamron's real father, your honor. I am," Alex said.

"Mr. Javadi has been Kamron's father by action, Mr. Vayez," the judge said firmly, "and actions speak louder than words. And trust me, your actions in and out of my courtroom have spoken volumes." Another silence filled the air as Judge McMichael stared at Alex waiting for a response or any show of remorse. However, what he got was more of the same.

"I just want to see my son, your honor," Alex said. The judge sighed.

"Mrs. Javadi," the judge said, "would you consent to Mr. Vayez meeting his son?"

"No your honor, I do not," Jaedynn said.

"You can't keep him from me forever," Alex said.

"Watch me," Jaedynn said.

"Order," the judge said with another swing of his mallet. "Mrs. Javadi, you can rest assured there will be a bailiff and child care professional present at the time of this meeting and your husband can be present as well as any other family members you would request to be present."

"With all due respect, your honor, I don't want Alex near my son," Jaedynn said.

"He's my son too."

"You should have thought about that before you came at Jaedynn with a knife," Roshad said.

"Let's have some order," the judge interrupted. "I understand your hesitation and concern, Mrs. Javadi, but Mr. Vayez has promised that he will seek help as directed by this court. Any further visitation in the future will require satisfactory evidence presented to the court that he has done as ordered. It would be good motivation if Mr. Vayez could meet his son for the first time." Jaedynn shook her head gently and Roshad took her hand. "We can arrange for a neutral environment to make this as easy on everyone as possible."

"I don't believe he'll ever change, your honor," Jaedynn said.

"Fine," the judge said, "if he never changes, then he will not be granted visitation again in the future. The guidelines for seeing Kamron will be made very clear so any judge can enforce those rules. However I do think Mr. Vayez will be more likely to make those changes if he could meet his son." Jaedynn was quiet again. "Are there any terms under which you would consent to Mr. Vayez meeting Kamron? A location you are comfortable with, chaperones you wish to have present: anything?" Jaedynn looked up at the judge. He was giving her a gentle, fatherly look pleading with her. Jaedynn took a deep breath and a tear fell from her eye that she rubbed away.

"Alex can meet him at this courthouse," Jaedynn finally said, "and I want my husband and my father in the room at all times as well as a police officer. And if Kamron is uncomfortable or wants to end the meeting at any time, I want Kamron removed from the room as soon as possible."

"We can absolutely accommodate that, Mrs. Javadi," the judge said. "Where is Kamron right now?"

"He's back at my uncle's place," Jaedynn said.

"Would you permit to Mr. Vayez meeting Kamron today?" All Jaedynn did was nod her head weakly as an answer as her eyes were burning. 'Thank you, Mrs. Javadi. We will make a room available and Mr. Vayez, you can see your son for one hour after which the court will require updates on your progress where you have been ordered to make improvements to your health and livelihood. Further visitation will be determined upon these requirements being met. Mr. Vayez, you will have three months to show proof of improvements. This court is adjourned."

Jaedynn felt sick to her stomach. One of the babies was kicking and she had her hand rested over the spot. Alex and his lawyer stepped out first with the bailiff escorting them somewhere that Alex could meet Kamron that was within Jaedynn's conditions. Once he was gone, they all finally walked out.

"I will get him," Bastet said and walked out of the courthouse to go get Kamron and Ashti.

"I don't give a shit what the judge says: he's not seeing Kamron," Nathan said.

"After this, he probably won't," Kevin said.

"And how do you figure?" Nathan asked. "Roshad offered to fucking pay the man for fuck sake and he didn't even take it! The judge just gave him visitation!"

"No, he gave Alex a chance to prove he can be stable," Kevin said. "Now Nathan, you look me dead in the eye and tell me there's any shot of that being possible." It was only then that Nathan finally calmed down a little.

"So you think he'll give up?" Nathan asked.

"I'd wager my life on it," Kevin said. "What the judge is demanding of him in order to see Kamron will take hard work, persistence and a willingness to change. Sure, he'll try for a bit but I promise you the moment things get difficult, he'll cut his losses and give up."

"That doesn't mean he won't try to see Kamron," Roshad said.

"He's not come to Washington yet and fortunately he seems to have the good sense to know better," Kevin pointed out. "And as long as there is no legal obligation to do so, we do not have to bring Kamron here."

"And what if he meets the judge's requirements?" Nathan asked. Kevin just stared at Nathan. "Okay; for argument's sake what if he meets the judge's requirements?"

"If he actually follows through with making changes to his life, I would consider that a good thing," Kevin said. Roshad was holding Jaedynn rubbing her shoulder to help her relax but also to help himself relax. He didn't relish the next several hours.

"Jaedynn?" they turned and saw Gloria approaching with Raphael in her arms.

"Hello, Miss Lopez," Kevin said. "Thank you again for acting as a character witness."

"You're welcome, sir," Gloria said and shifted her attention back to Jaedynn. "How are you feeling? I know things got heated in there."

"I'm okay," Jaedynn said. "I just want this day to be over."

"I know what you mean," Gloria said. "You're leaving to go get Kamron?"

"My father-in-law went to get him," Jaedynn said. "How are we going to explain all this to him?"

"I'll figure something out," Roshad said. "Hopefully after this Alex will never see Kamron again."

"Do you think he'll do as the judge asked him?" Jaedynn asked Gloria. Her shoulders slumped a little as she was rubbing Raphael's little back. The boy was asleep on her shoulder, his chunky little cheek acting like a pillow.

"I want him to," Gloria said. "I don't think he will, but I want him to."

"He won't give you a hard time for being a character witness will he?" Jaedynn asked.

"He's been giving me a hard time since he found out," Gloria said. "I've gotten used to his shit by now. He'll be irritable about it but he'll get over it eventually. He always does. I just hope meeting Kamron goes well." Jaedynn didn't say anything. "How are you feeling as far as the baby is concerned?"

"Tired," Jaedynn said. "Honestly, I'm just happy this whole thing hasn't sent me into early labor."

"When are you returning to Washington?"

"Day after tomorrow," Jaedynn said. "Did you want to have dinner with us tomorrow? I think after today we could all use some time to relax."

"Would you mind terribly if I brought my family?"

"Not at all; please do," Roshad said. "Dinner's on me."

"No, I'll help pay for dinner," Gloria said.

"No, no, no, I insist," Roshad said. "Just tell me where you want to go and I'll make the arrangements."

"Why don't I make you all dinner? My mother's Mole Negro recipe is unsurpassed," Gloria said.

"I haven't had Mole Negro in years," Nathan said, the thought admittedly extremely tempting.

"Oaxaca is known for Mole Negro, but my mother's is the best in the world," Gloria smiled pleasantly.

"So your family's from Mexico?" Roshad asked.

"Yes, my parents were born and raised in Oaxaca. My older sister Manuela was born there too. The rest of us were born here in New York," Gloria said. "Have you ever been?"

"I've not had the pleasure," Roshad said. "My father-in-law has."

"That would be you, right?" Gloria asked Nathan and offered a hand that he accepted.

"Yes, I'm the father-in-law," Nathan said.

"You look so young; what's your secret?"

"Diet and exercise," Nathan said.

"Whatever you do, it's working," Gloria smiled. "Well, I'd better find my parents and get going. Do you have something to write with and some paper and I'll give you my address for dinner tomorrow."

"No, please, we'll have dinner at my place," Kevin said. "If there will be a lot of people, the more space we can utilize, the better."

They all exchanged numbers and addresses and agreed on a time to meet the following day for dinner before Gloria walked away to find her parents so they could return home. Shortly after saying goodbye to Gloria, Bastet returned to the courthouse with Kamron. Ashti was with him holding Iman in her arms as well. Kamron was still in his casual clothes from that morning: just a small pair of denim overalls and a yellow shirt with Winnie the Pooh on the front. He was looking around but his vision zeroed in on Roshad and Jaedynn once he saw them and he reached for Roshad as soon as he was close enough.

"Alright," Roshad said once Kamron was in his arms. "Let's get this over with."

"Do you want me in there too?" Bastet asked.

"Yes, please," Jaedynn said.

"Maman," Iman managed – still getting used to using that word.

Jaedynn took Iman from Ashti and Iman began playing with Jaedynn's hair. Now that they had Kamron, they were led to the room that had been assigned for the meeting and Alex was already in there with his lawyer and a police officer. They didn't go in right away, though. There was a bench right by the door so Roshad sat down with Kamron on his knee dreading the conversation he was about to have with him.

"Kamron," Roshad started, "there's someone you're about to meet and we need to talk before we go in there." Kamron was looking at Roshad waiting quietly for him to continue, noticing how serious Roshad looked. "I don't really know how to say all this," Roshad mumbled after prolonged silence.

"Did I do something bad?" Kamron asked.

"No," Roshad said, "no Kamron. You did nothing wrong." He was quiet again trying to gather his thoughts before he continued. "The person you're about to meet…his name is Alex Vayez."

"Who's that?" Kamron asked. Roshad choked on his words but eventually got them out.

"He's your father," Roshad answered. Then Kamron looked confused. He looked up at Jaedynn then at Roshad again and shook his head.

"No," he said and pointed at Roshad, "You're my baba."

"Yes, Kamron," Roshad started, barely getting it out. "I'm your baba. But Mr. Vayez is your birth father."

"Nah uh," Kamron shook his head. Initially Kamron was smiling thinking Roshad was telling a joke or being funny, but his face stayed serious.

"You see Kamron," Roshad said, "before your maman and I met…..she was involved with Mr. Vayez. While they were together, she got pregnant with you. Things turned bad between Mr. Vayez and your maman and he needed to go away for a long time. Now that he's back, he wants to meet you." Kamron's smile was long gone and now he looked confused again. He stared at Jaedynn again but she couldn't look at him. She felt so ashamed. So Kamron looked at Roshad again. He didn't fully understand what Roshad was explaining to him except that it sounded scary. "He's in the room waiting to meet you. Your grandpa Nathan, grandpa Bastet and I will be with you the whole time."

"I don't want to," Kamron said.

"Kamron," Bastet said and sat beside Roshad on the bench, "everything will be okay. All we have to do is step inside, say hello to Mr. Vayez and if you don't want to stay in there, we can leave."

"No!" Kamron said. He started squealing and throwing a tantrum. He held onto Roshad and was crying and it was the worst feeling in the world. Jaedynn sat down and tried to comfort Kamron but he hit her hand and kept holding Roshad crying that much harder. Eventually, Mr. Chamberlain stepped out of the room after the crying had gone on for so long.

"What's the matter?" Mr. Chamberlain asked, directing the question to Kevin figuring he was likely the most levelheaded person in the group.

"Roshad's trying to explain what's going on," Kevin answered.

"I see," Mr. Chamberlain said. "One moment." He stepped back inside, closing the door behind him, and was in the room for a few minutes before stepping back outside. "Mr. Vayez is asking when he can see Kamron."

"Tell him he'll meet Kamron if and when he's ready," Nathan said. "'If' being the operative word."

"Do you mind if I try talking to him?" Mr. Chamberlain asked. Bastet got off the bench so Mr. Chamberlain could take his seat. "Kamron?" Kamron didn't answer, still crying. "My name is George. Could I talk to you a second?"

"No!" Kamron screamed and held Roshad tighter. Mr. Chamberlain waited a few minutes before trying again.

"Kamron, I know this is very scary, but your father is in the other room and he really wants to meet you," Mr. Chamberlain said.

"No!" Kamron screamed again as he continued to cry. Then the officer came out of the room and saw how upset Kamron was. He patted Mr. Chamberlain's shoulder and he stepped aside for the officer who got on his knee beside Roshad.

"Young man?" the officer said but Kamron didn't move or stop crying.

"Kamron, the officer is trying to talk to you," Bastet said. Kamron stayed still until Roshad patted his back.

"Go on, Kamron," Roshad soothed and finally Kamron turned his head to look at the officer.

"What's your name?" the officer asked. Kamron sniffed, his face red and his nose snotty. Bastet took out a handkerchief and rubbed Kamron's nose clean which made Kamron whine more but he stayed still. "What's your name, son?" the officer asked again.

"Kamron," Kamron finally said.

"It's good to meet you, Kamron. I'm Officer Ferris. Can you tell me what has you upset?"

'I don't want a new baba," Kamron cried. The officer looked at Roshad.

"Baba just means father," Roshad said.

"Who said you were getting a new father?" the officer asked.

"Baba," Kamron said as he was crying. "He said he's not my baba."

"Kamron, I promise that's not what your baba meant," the officer said. "You see, the man in the other room is your birth father. That just means he and your mommy made you together. This man?" the officer pointed at Roshad, "he's still your baba. That man raised you, he took care of you, and he loves you. That'll never change. Not ever. The man in the other room just wants a chance to finally meet you."

"I don't want to," Kamron said. He was still teary eyed but he'd calmed down quite a bit.

"I know," the officer said. "I know this seems scary and I know you don't want to go in there. Sometimes there are things that scare me that I don't want to do and I know your baba is scared too. But sometimes when you face your fears, you might find it's not as scary as you thought it would be." Kamron shook his head and continued holding Roshad. "Why don't we do this? Let's pretend this room right here is a cave and inside there's treasure. I'll be part of your crew and you don't even have to split the treasure with me."

"But if you helped me, I have to share," Kamron answered in a small voice and the officer chuckled.

"Normally that's true, but this time I'm voluntarily letting you have all the treasure. I'm sure everyone else going in with you will let you keep the treasure to yourself too. Right?" the officer asked Roshad and he nodded, going along with it. "There, see? Baba said he'd let you have all the treasure. And I'll tell you something else. If you go in there, I'll give you a badge."

"A badge?" Kamron asked and the officer pulled out a toy police badge from his pocket.

"That's right; a badge. All bravery deserves a reward. So what do you say, Kamron? Will you brave the cave for your treasure?" Kamron was quiet but eventually nodded his head. "That's a good little man," the officer smiled and stood up. Roshad stood up from the bench with Bastet and Nathan close behind him.

"Remember: if Kamron wants to leave, that's the end of it," Jaedynn said to Mr. Chamberlain and Officer Ferris.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Javadi. I've made the conditions clear to Alex," Mr. Chamberlain said.

"I don't doubt that. What I doubt is that he listened to you," Jaedynn said. The aggravation on his face relayed the truth of her statement but Mr. Chamberlain didn't respond.

The officer went to the door first and walked in. Mr. Chamberlain walked in next and Roshad followed with Kamron in his arms. Nathan and Bastet came in behind Roshad and Bastet closed the door behind them once they were all inside. The room was a conference room but the large table was pushed out of the way so a rug could be put down and there were toys on the floor. Alex was at one side of the room and Mr. Chamberlain went right to Alex.

"Remember what we talked about, Alex," Mr. Chamberlain said. "This is a big shock for him so give him time to come to you okay?"

"Kamron, why don't you come down. See all the toys? It's all that treasure we talked about," the officer said. Kamron looked around the floor at the toys the officer mentioned. There was a red wooden fire truck toy on the floor that grabbed Kamron's attention and he pointed at it.

"Baba, can I play with that?" he asked.

"Sure, Kamron," Roshad said and kneeled down so he could put Kamron on his feet.

Once on the floor, Kamron went straight for the fire truck and completely ignored Alex. Kamron played with the truck pushing it around and making little noises while everyone in the room watched him play. Roshad watched Kamron while Nathan never took his eyes off Alex. Alex was calm at first watching Kamron play.

"He looks like Jaedynn," Alex said as he watched Kamron.

"Fortunately," Nathan said meanly and Alex leered back at Nathan.

"Kamron," the officer said and kneeled down to Kamron's level, "do you know who that is?" He pointed at Alex and Kamron looked. Alex was tense and already frustrated. Kamron sensed the ill ease and immediately didn't like the man. Kamron looked up at the officer and shook his head. "That man over there is your birth father. Do you want to say hello to him?" Kamron shook his head and got off the floor to run around so he was standing behind Roshad.

"Alex, get down to his level and relax," Mr. Chamberlain said. Alex took a deep breath and kneeled down so he was sitting on the floor. Once on the floor, Alex smiled at Kamron. His smile was pleasant and kind, but it was insincere. At least to Roshad it was insincere.

"Don't be shy, Kamron. Go ahead and say hello," the officer encouraged. "Remember what we talked about before we came in, okay?" For reference, the officer presented the toy badge. Kamron looked at the badge and then at Alex. He didn't look quite so scary now so Kamron finally came around Roshad and started to slowly approach Alex. All was going smoothly until Kamron got far enough and Roshad began to slowly follow after him in case he was needed. When Alex noticed him doing this, he got upset.

"For fuck's sake, will you back off? What do you think I'm going to do to him?"

"I don't know. That's the problem," Roshad said.

"Well, I'm not going to do anything to him, so get out of my face," Alex said and then reached to grab Kamron. The sudden movement and irritation on Alex's face scared Kamron and he screamed when Alex put his hands under his arms and got away from him, going right to Roshad reaching up to him. Roshad quickly picked Kamron back up and backed away.

"I think we're done here," Nathan said.

"Like hell we're done here; I still have 40 minutes," Alex barked back yelling over Kamron crying.

"Alex, try to calm down – Kamron's already crying and you don't want to make it worse," Mr. Chamberlain said.

"I'm not the one making it worse!"

"We agreed to this with the understanding that we can end it at any time," Nathan said, "and we're choosing to end it."

"I was promised an hour! Now hand him over!"

Kamron continued crying so Roshad went to the door and stepped out of the room. It took Nathan and Bastet restraining Alex for Roshad to get out of the room and he closed the door behind him. Roshad told Bastet they were all leaving and was already walking down the hall with Jaedynn and the others following after him while Nathan and Bastet stayed behind to control the situation as best they could. Kamron was still crying once they were outside and wouldn't let go of Roshad. Wanting to get Kamron as far away from the situation as possible, they all got into two taxis and made the trip back to Kevin's apartment. Kevin stayed behind to deal with any fall out that might arise and Kamron didn't calm down until they were in the car and driving away. When they finally made it to Kevin's apartment, Ashti went to Roshad and patted Kamron's back, cooing to him in Farsi to sooth him, but he was still crying.

"I'll talk to him," Roshad said to his mother and to Jaedynn. "Come get me if Kevin calls, okay?"

"Okay," Jaedynn said. Iman wasn't crying but she was distressed and Jaedynn was trying to comfort her as well.

Roshad retreated to the master bedroom and closed the door behind him so he and Kamron could have a little privacy. Then he sat on the edge of the bed cradling Kamron until he finally stopped crying. He waited to speak until then before he finally broke the silence.

"I'm so sorry about what happened today," Roshad said. "Your maman and I never wanted this to happen."

"I don't want him to be my baba," Kamron said and was starting to cry again.

"He won't be," Roshad promised, "I swear he won't be. Your Uncle Kevin is making sure you will never have to be around that man again; I promise. We'll go back home and you'll never have to go through this ever again."

"Baba," Kamron said as he was crying a little and held Roshad tighter.

"It's alright, Kamron. I'm your baba not matter what and nothing will ever change that. Everything will be okay now." Roshad rocked Kamron back and forth until he finally stopped crying again. He wouldn't let go of Roshad even when he was starting to get tired. He stayed quiet so Kamron could relax and it was several minutes before Ashti came into the room.

"Jaedynn has Kevin on the phone," Ashti said.

"Alright," Roshad said and stood up from the bed. Ashti went to hold Kamron, but he held Roshad tighter refusing to let go. "I'll hold him, maman."

"It's okay, Azizam," Ashti said to Kamron and rubbed his back. "Baba will make everything better." Roshad smiled appreciatively at Ashti and left the room to go to the kitchen. Ada María was holding Iman while Jaedynn spoke with Kevin.

"Roshad's here," Jaedynn said when she noticed Roshad come into the kitchen. She pressed a few buttons then put the phone on the receiver. "Uncle Kevin, can you hear me?"

"Yes, I can hear you," Kevin said on the other line on speaker phone.

"What happened after we left? Is Nathan with you?" Ada María asked.

"Yeah, Nathan and Bastet are with me," Kevin said. "Basically, after all of you left, Alex started a fight with Nathan and Bastet and when reinforcements were called, he fled the courthouse. I went back to the judge and in lieu of what just happened, the previous decision has been overturned. There will be no further dispute over visitation."

"Really?" Jaedynn asked eagerly.

"Yes, really," Kevin said. "If he tries this again, the request will be thrown out."

"Thank God," Jaedynn said with a deep breath.

"We'll be back in about an hour. Nathan's still giving his statement to the officers on site so everything's being documented."

"Thank you, Uncle Kevin," Jaedynn said.

"No need to thank me, Jaedynn. We'll see you when we get back, okay?"

"Alright; talk to you then," Jaedynn said and they disconnected.

The news was exactly what they'd needed and they could finally breath a little easier. That same day, Gloria was at her apartment she was sharing with her parents and youngest sister. They were getting the mole sauce prepared and the apartment was filled with the smell of dried chilies being toasted on a cast iron pan. Daniella, Gloria's younger sister, was holding Raphael while he was sound asleep and Ramon was sitting in his recliner listening to Spanish radio. While Gloria was attending to the chilies, there was a pounding on their door that made everyone jump.

"Gloria! Open the door! It's Alex!"

"What is he doing here? Ramon!"

"Son of a bitch," Ramon muttered and got up from his chair.

"It's alright, daddy, I'll talk to him," Gloria said. "Danni, take care of the chilies." Daniella put Raphael down in his carrier and came to the stove to tend to the pan while Gloria opened the door, stepped out and immediately closed it again. "Are you insane! You can't just pound on the door like you own the place!"

"Maybe if you answered your phone I wouldn't have to!"

"We were at the super market! We just got back twenty minutes ago!"

"Fine, whatever; where's Raphael?"

"He's inside," Gloria said and side stepped to block Alex when he went for the door. "You're not going in there until you calm the fuck down."

"I can't calm down!"

"Take some deep breaths and you will eventually," Gloria said, lowering her voice but staying just as firm. "Now what's the problem?"

"I was promised an hour with him; an hour! Then they leave after just twenty minutes and then call the cops on me," Alex said and started pacing.

"Why? What happened?"

"He started crying! I try to hold my son, he starts crying and they left without giving me a chance!"

"Alex, they only agreed to let you see him –"

"Don't fucking lecture me," Alex said and then started rubbing his face. "This is bullshit."

"Alex, you need to understand this is probably really traumatic for Kamron. How would you feel if you knew someone as your father your whole life and then met someone you don't know that says he's your father?"

"I'd be damn grateful to know my real dad."

"No you wouldn't, Alex; you'd be terrified. Especially if you were just a little kid," Gloria said. "Alright, just calm down. The judge gave you guidelines to follow, so just do as you were told and you'll get another chance."

"Fucking 'guidelines'," Alex said irritably, "I'm his father – I shouldn't have to do a damn thing except be in his life!"

"Alex, it takes more than your presence to be a good father," Gloria said. "I'm serious, Alex. Just do what the judge said. It'll do you good to talk to a professional."

"I don't need a God damn 'professional'; there's nothing wrong with me," Alex said. Gloria sighed heavily and crossed her arms.

"If you're serious about seeing Kamron then I hate to break it to you but you do need a 'professional'." Alex was pacing more and Gloria waited for him to say something.

"He looks like Jaedynn," Alex said. "I swear the bitch did it on purpose."

"For God's sake, Alex, don't be stupid. She can't help how Kamron looks," Gloria said. "Have you tried calling your lawyer?"

"He's probably not in the office."

"Well, call him when you get a chance and ask for advice. See what he says about the therapy the judge ordered, stay at your current apartment for the year at least and get yourself a job. A real job I mean. Not this criminal mastermind shit you do."

"It's not criminal mastermind shit."

"Fine, whatever it is you do currently," Gloria said. Alex finally stopped pacing but he didn't look any less calm. "When you call your lawyer, ask him what your options are as far as your other sons. Maybe they can be adopted to good homes and you can still see them at least."

"Adopted by who? I don't want them adopted by people I don't know. Maybe you should adopt them."

"Excuse me? Alex, I can barely afford to take care of Raphael! I've already had to move back in with my parents because of all this!"

"Christ almighty, Gloria, they're just babies. How much could they possibly cost?"

"How much could they cost? How much could they cost?! Let's start with diapers! That's $10 a box, 30 diapers in a box and Raphael alone goes through six a day on a GOOD day! So to make sure he has enough diapers, I need to buy 3 to 4 boxes every paycheck – that's $30-$40 alone! Now let's move on to clothes! Raphael's growing so everything I get him, he'll grow out of in no time and I have to buy more! Now let's talk about cost for health insurance – that used to be $7 out of my paycheck. Now it's $15 to make sure our son is covered if he gets sick! Do you know how much money I make before tips? $300 after taxes and insurance! You know how much of that I get to keep after Raphael's expenses are met? Fucking $75! And guess what – that's all from my savings because I'm on maternity leave and am not being paid until I go back to work! On top of all that, I'm still trying to pay off what's left of my medical bills when I delivered! I'm barely scrapping by!"

"You don't have to be mellow dramatic," Alex said and Gloria stared daggers at Alex a moment.

"You're un-fucking-believable," she finally said. "Whatever – I will take care of my son."

"He's my son too."

"Maybe you should start acting like it," Gloria said. "I'm going back inside. My family and I are making dinner."

"I said I want to see Raphael," Alex said.

"Fine," Gloria said, "you have ten minutes."

"I'll stay as long as I want. I was already robbed of a previous 'time-limit'."

"You'll get ten minutes and you'll be grateful," Gloria said and opened the door to step in. "You can have more time on Saturday when it's the usual scheduled day."

"Fine," Alex said and followed Gloria inside. Her parents and sister looked right at Alex critically. Ramon especially. Alex went into the tiny apartment and to Raphael who was still asleep. "Can you wake him?"

"No, Alex, if I wake him, he'll get fussy. Just let him sleep," Gloria said. Alex sighed and started rocking the little carrier Raphael was napping in. "We're still trying to set up his Christening. It's looking like it won't be until September."

"Complaining about money yet wasting it on a Christening," Alex said.

"It's a necessity," Ramon said irritably.

"Why is it necessary to throw water on the kid? Hell, I can do that for you for free," Alex said.

"Alex, stop it," Gloria said. A few moments later of Alex rocking Raphael's little carrier, he started to squirm and opened his eyes.

"Hey, Mijo," Alex said, smiling at the little boy, "how's my little man doing?" He reached into the carrier to pick Raphael up.

"Watch his head, Alex," Gloria said.

"He's fine; stop worrying so much," Alex said as he picked Raphael up and put the baby on his shoulder. "Jesus, you stink kid."

"He probably needs to be changed," Gloria said and went over to take Raphael from Alex's arms and retreated further into the apartment to the room she shared with her little sister. Alex got up to join her but was stopped.

"You stay where I can see you," Ramon said.

"You need to relax, old man," Alex said.

"You need to show your elders some God damn respect," Ramon answered. The room was quiet save for Raphael's noises from the other room. When Gloria came back, she handed Raphael over to her sister so she could wash her hands.

"What's your name again?" Alex asked the sister.

"Danni," she answered.

"You can hand him to me, Danni," Alex said. Instead of doing it, she looked at Gloria.

"It's fine. Go ahead," Gloria said and finally Danni walked over and handed Raphael over to Alex. Gloria walked back over so she was close to him. "Have you gotten a landline yet?"

"I'm getting on it."

"Damn it, Alex, you need a land line! How am I supposed to get a hold of you if something happens to Raphael?"

"I said I'm getting on it," Alex said irritably. "Stop nagging me."

"I'll nag you until it's done," Gloria said and then glanced at the clock. It had been twenty minutes. "It's been ten minutes, Alex."

"Can I at least burrow your phone to call my lawyer?"

"No, Alex," Gloria said. "Can I have Raphael back please?" Alex muttered some obscenities under his breath as he stood and handed Raphael over to her. She walked him to the door and was about to close the door once he'd stepped out.

"Things would be a lot easier if we were living together," Alex said. "Maybe we could give us another chance."

"As I've said, Alex: I'm not taking you back. I did it once; never again. I'm happy to co-parent with you and I'll never keep you from our son, but that's it."

"Fine," Alex said. "I'll call you later." Alex finally walked away and Gloria closed the door.

"Asshole," Danni said and Margarita smacked her shoulder. "I don't know what you ever saw in him."

"I don't remember anymore," Gloria said. Raphael started making loud noises for no reason in particular and Gloria kissed his tiny, fuzzy head. "At least I got you, Mijo."

Alex was eventually able to get a hold of Mr. Chamberlain, but the conversation did not go well. The man was livid and spent tens of minutes chewing Alex out and stopping him the moment he tried to offer any manner of excuses. When Mr. Chamberlain relayed the news that because of his actions that day the judge's decree had been overturned but not to Alex's favor and that resulted in even more yelling. When Alex eventually got around to asking about his three other sons and getting custody over them, Mr. Chamberlain said, "If you think a judge is going to grant you custody after today, you're delusional," and then hung up on Alex. After all that, Alex called Gloria to vent and, for lack of really any other recourse, she kept the phone off the line so he could vent and stayed close enough that she could pick up the phone to answer him when it was necessary. Thankfully, he was in such a rage that he didn't notice the sound of the phone moving around.

By the following day, Kamron had finally calmed down completely. He'd stayed in bed with Roshad and Jaedynn that night but by morning, he seemed to be his usual self. They made sure the apartment was ready for guests and were dressed nice by the time Gloria and her parents arrived. Kevin let the front desk know they were welcome upstairs and Roshad answered the door to welcome them.

"It's good to see you again, Gloria," Roshad said and took her hand, then they kissed one another's cheeks.

"Good to see you too. Thank you again for having us over," Gloria said.

"It's our pleasure," Roshad said. "Do I smell cocoa?"

"Yes, that would be the mole negro," Gloria said. "We use Oaxacan chocolate too but we can only get it when family mails it to us, so it's a special treat."

"I can't wait," Roshad said and then stepped aside, "Please come in."

"Would it be alright if my mother and I burrowed your stove?" Gloria asked.

"Yes, go right ahead. Can we get you anything? I confess this is my wife's uncle's home otherwise I'd say what we have, but we definitely have water at least," Roshad said.

"I'll have water. Mamá, quieres agua?"

"Sí," Margarita said.

"Tiene cervesa?" Ramon asked.

"Ven aquí; Tenemos cervesa en el fridge," Nathan said from the kitchen. Roshad led them to the kitchen and got Gloria and Margarita a glass of water while Nathan opened a beer for Ramon then began to converse in Spanish. Ada María began speaking with Margarita while Gloria focused on getting the mole ready to serve.

"I'd thought you were all middle eastern," Gloria said to Jaedynn.

"No, just my husband," Jaedynn said. "My dad did a lot of traveling in Mexico and South America so he's fluent in Spanish. My big sister Scarlet and my brothers all speak fluent Spanish too. My sister Ivory and I on the other hand don't know how to speak Spanish. You said you're from Mexico right?"

"My parents are, yes," Gloria said. Jaedynn glanced at Raphael who was cozy in his grandmother's arms.

"So how's Raphael doing?"

"He's doing alright," Gloria said. "I return to work next week; thankfully mom can look after while I'm at work."

"That's good," Jaedynn said.

"What about you? How are you feeling?"

"Much better now," Jaedynn said. "I don't suppose you heard about what happened?"

"Oh yeah, I heard," Gloria said. "This was before he finally called his lawyer after the dust settled, but he told me that I should adopt his other sons. Then I had to explain to him that children are expensive."

"So what's going to happen to them?"

"I don't know," Gloria said solemnly. "According to the woman I spoke to this morning, their chances of being adopted aren't great. Apparently any child of color or Hispanic decent aren't adopted very easily. They think Chanel's son will be alright but the others aren't likely."

"That's horrible," Jaedynn said.

"Yeah," Gloria said. "I actually started thinking about it you know? Not for Alex, but for those boys. I want Raphael to know all his brothers but I can't be sure whomever would adopt the others would cooperate with me. And if any of them stay in foster care, keeping in touch might be virtually impossible." Jaedynn was quiet while Gloria mixed the mole sauce and homemade chicken broth together to start stewing and reducing and then put in some bone-in chicken to cook in the sauce. "I'd give anything to be able to help those boys, but I can't."

"Do you know of anyone that could take them?"

"All the people I know are already busy with their own kids and aren't eager for more," Gloria said. "A bunch of them are single mothers just like me so money's tight on top of that."

"So outlook is pretty grim?"

"Sadly," Gloria said.

Jaedynn's hands kept roaming slowly over her belly. She was beginning to think there was no way she'd last to August. As she did, her mind kept wondering back to those three boys. Effectively homeless because of Alex. Then she started thinking and the thought crossed her mind that it was her fault. She'd heard about Chanel. Particularly that she'd looked very similar to her and, consequently, she'd been the one Alex had been meanest to. She couldn't help thinking this all happened because of her. She'd been the one to leave and she'd been the one to betray Alex as he almost certainly saw it. What if she and Alex had never met? Would any of this had ever happened? He'd spent years prior to this being careful and not having kids, so why would he be so reckless now?

"Was he trying to replace us?" Jaedynn asked suddenly to Gloria.

"What?"

"Four women, four kids all at once – he's never done anything like that before. Until me, he'd been careful and I'm certain he got me pregnant because he thought it would force me to stay. I don't even think anyone's ever left him before. He's always left them."

"I'd thought about it," Gloria said. "I can't speak for Alex, but I wouldn't put it past him to do something like that."

Jaedynn sighed and rubbed her face, "This is all my fault isn't it?"

"None of this is your fault," Gloria said. "The only one responsible for this is Alex." Another silence passed between them. "I hope this isn't too much to ask," Gloria eventually continued, "but is there any way we can keep in touch? At least for Kamron and Raphael's sake? Regardless of how all this happened, that's still his big brother. I don't know what I'd have done if I didn't know my siblings. They drive me insane, but I'd be lost without them."

"I would like that," Jaedynn smiled pleasantly.

Jaedynn and Gloria worked out the details once dinner was served and they could all sit together. Nathan and Ada María spoke with Ramon and Margarita the whole night while Gloria spoke with everyone else. Kamron and Raphael were properly introduced to one another and Kamron was, thankfully, much happier to find out he had a little brother. With Gloria's help, Kamron was even able to hold him. Roshad had, of course, overheard everything Jaedynn and Gloria had spoken about. The prospect of what those boys would face hurt to think of, but he'd pushed such thoughts from his mind. This was all Alex's doing, not Jaedynn's or his. Gloria and her parents stayed over with Raphael for hours and left after Kamron had fallen asleep for the night. Once they were gone and things were cleaned up, the family started getting settled for the night. All the while, Jaedynn kept thinking of those three boys again and it weighed heavily on her mind. The next morning Jaedynn woke up really early and felt horrible. She ended up lying in bed for an hour just staring at the ceiling before Roshad turned and woke.

"Roshad?" Jaedynn said when he was waking up.

"Jaedynn?" Roshad said in a groggy voice, "what are you doing up so early?"

"I couldn't really sleep," Jaedynn admitted. "Can we go somewhere to be alone?"

"Of course; where did you want to go?"

"I don't care; anywhere we can be alone," Jaedynn said.

"Alright," Roshad said and got out of bed to get dressed. Jaedynn did the same and quickly fed Iman and changing her diaper before they left, making sure she didn't wake Kamron. They left the apartments and went just up the road to a little coffee shop. Jaedynn got herself some tea and a bagel with some cream cheese but once they were seated somewhere in the shop far from the windows, she suddenly lost her appetite. "What did you want to talk about?"

"I don't suppose you overheard what Gloria and I were talking about did you?" Jaedynn asked as she was holding the bagel in her hand. "Regarding the other three boys in foster care?"

"Yes," Roshad said in a slightly hushed voice, "I did." He paused a moment as he looked into her eyes. "Gloria's right: none of this is your fault. Alex is responsible for his own actions."

"Alex is," Jaedynn said, "those boys aren't. You heard him, Roshad. He hasn't even given them names."

"I know," Roshad said. "Did I hear her say Alex wants Gloria to adopt the boys?"

"Yes, and she said no – she can't afford it no matter how much she does want to help them," Jaedynn said. "She wants to keep in touch so Raphael and Kamron can grow up together."

"I know," Roshad said. "I'm happy to work with her on that."

"I knew you would be," Jaedynn smiled lightly at him but soon lost her smile again. Roshad waited for her to speak. He had a feeling he knew what she wanted to ask. "I don't know how to ask you this but if I don't say something, I'll hate myself for it."

"Ask me anything," Roshad said and took her free hand in his in a supportive gesture. "If it's about helping Gloria adopt those boys and offering financial support, we can discuss that with her."

"It's not that," Jaedynn said and now Roshad was a little surprised. "I was actually thinking we should adopt them." Roshad kept holding her hand but she could feel him suddenly get really tense.

"You want to adopt them?" Jaedynn nodded her head.

"I know this is Alex's own doing but I can't help feeling responsible. Maybe this is insane of me, but I can't help feeling like if Alex and I had never met, none of this would have happened."

"Jaedynn, it's not your responsibility to clean up after him," Roshad said.

"It's not about cleaning up after Alex. It's about doing the right thing. At least to me," Jaedynn said. "I know it's asking a lot."

"Jaedynn," Roshad started but didn't continue at first. When he finally spoke, he said, "Kamron is different, Jaedynn. He's a part of you. The other children are not a part of you or me – they're a result of Alex being a monster. He's done enough damage – I won't let him continue to ruin your life."

"It's not my life he's ruining," Jaedynn said pleadingly.

"We already have our own children with two more on the way," Roshad said. "And with all that you want to take on three more?" Jaedynn was silent after he presented his question with her head low. Roshad rubbed his thumb over her knuckles trying to comfort her but it didn't seem to be working. "Your heart is in the right place, Jaedynn."

"I just wish it were enough," Jaedynn said.

Jaedynn didn't talk about it or really say much else after and kept picking at her bagel. After they'd been there for a half hour, the finally left to return to the apartment, but now the thought was in Roshad's head. When they returned to the apartment, everyone was getting their things together preparing to leave. Their flight left that afternoon so Roshad focused his attention on packing, but it didn't last long. After he'd packed his and Jaedynn's things, made everyone breakfast and it was still on his mind, he looked at Jaedynn. She was attending to Iman and Kamron, but he could tell she was still upset. After all the dishes were cleaned and put away from breakfast, Roshad asked Kevin to come out of the apartment with him to talk. They stayed in the building but wandered the hallways of Kevin's floor.

"What did you want to talk about?" Kevin asked.

"It's about something Jaedynn asked me this morning. She wants to adopt Alex's three boys," Roshad said.

"She wants to adopt three infants with twins due with weeks to spare?" Kevin asked.

"Yes," Roshad said. "I'd said no initially but now it's stuck in my head."

"Why?"

"I suppose because I know how it feels to have an absent father," Roshad said. "And I know the good having a father figure in one's life can bring. I had told Jaedynn I wouldn't let Alex ruin her life anymore and she says to me it wasn't her life he was ruining."

"I suppose that's technically true," Kevin said.

"So my question is what would it take to adopt those boys?"

"Well," Kevin began with a sigh, "it depends. We need to contend with New York state laws as well as Washington state laws which can delay things a bit. You're financially secure so that will operate in your favor and you and Jaedynn have plenty that would happily vouch for the two of you being good parents."

"How long would all this take?"

"It can take anywhere from a few months to years – it really just depends."

"For Jaedynn and I with our set of circumstances and knowing we want to adopt those three boys, how long would it take?"

"If I had to guess, with everything I mentioned and my team behind you," Kevin started and they had a small laugh at Kevin's confident statement, "I'll condense the process to months. If you and Jaedynn are sure about this, we can start the application process right away and set a goal to have those boys home and adopted by Christmas."

"You're sure?"

"It might not be Christmas, but I will do everything I can," Kevin said. "So what do you say? Do you want me to get things started?"

Roshad was quiet a moment before saying, "Let me speak with Jaedynn first and I'll have an answer for you before we leave."

"Alright," Kevin smiled and patted Roshad's shoulder. "You're a better man than me."

"I wouldn't say that," Roshad answered.

They returned to the apartment and Roshad took Jaedynn aside so they could speak privately in the master bedroom. She was holding Iman and Kamron followed them to the bedroom. Given the discussion he and Jaedynn were about to have, he decided they would include Kamron in it.

"What did you and Uncle Kevin talk about?" Jaedynn asked once they were alone.

"We talked about what the three boys," Roshad said, "and how you wanted to adopt them."

"I suppose Uncle Kevin thinks I'm crazy," Jaedynn lamented.

"Perhaps a little," Roshad said, "but he's willing to help."

"Help?"

"Yes," Roshad said. "I've been thinking about it."

"You have?"

"Yes," Roshad said, "You're right: whatever Alex's faults, those three boys aren't responsible and shouldn't have to suffer because of him or be separated from one another. We can keep in touch with Gloria, Kamron can know all his brothers and we can give those boys a better life. I'll help Gloria in any way I can for Raphael but we'll talk about that more later. Kevin said he could try to make the adoption official by Christmas or around Christmas."

"You mean it?" Jaedynn asked with a smile.

"Yeah," Roshad smiled back and brought a hand to her cheek, "I mean it. Maman will stay and help with the children as she's always done and we'll hire a nanny if we need more help. We'll make it happen." Jaedynn got teary eyed and leaned forward to hug Roshad and he hugged her back. Wanting the same attention, Kamron patted Roshad's knee over and over until Roshad picked him up and put the boy on his knee so he could join in the hug. "What do you say, Kamron? Do you want three more brothers?"

"Baba, maman is only having two," Kamron said and patted Roshad's face which made him chuckle.

"At the moment yes, but your maman and I want to adopt your three brothers."

"Raphael?"

"No, no, not Raphael – Gloria is providing a good home for him. You have three little brothers that still need a home and a loving family, though. Do you think maman and I would be able to give them a good home and a good life? I think with your help we can."

"You do okay," Kamron said and Roshad laughed and kissed the little boy's head as he too was laughing.

"You're so cruel," Roshad said and then looked at Jaedynn again. "I guess it's official."

"Do you think we could see them before we leave? We need to name them."

"True," Roshad said.

They left the bedroom to speak with Kevin and let him know they'd made a decision. Everyone else was rather apprehensive with the idea of Roshad and Jaedynn adopting Alex's boys but reserved their opinions and insisted on joining them. Kevin made a few calls and was able to expedite everything, but they needed to delay leaving. Finally that afternoon, all three boys were brought to the nursery of the local hospital so Roshad and Jaedynn could meet them. Alex had still not signed their birth certificates and since no one had seen or heard from him since the boys were born, it was presumed he was waiving his rights.

When they arrived and were taken to the nursery, the three little boys were in their own cribs of which were labeled Baby Thomas, Baby Martinez and Baby Vasquez. Those labels were a sad sight to see. All three were wide awake and wiggling although Baby Thomas was the calmer of the three. He was the paler of the three as well but they all had jet black fuzzy hair and brown eyes. Baby Martinez and Baby Vasquez looked so similar to Raphael and they were adorable.

"Can we hold them?" Jaedynn asked.

"Of course," the nurse smiled and guided her around.

She and Roshad held each child and looked at them. Each little boy tugged on Jaedynn's hair and when Roshad held them, each little boy smelled Roshad's cologne and began snuggling up to him. He could feel the last of his apprehension melt away. Then he started thinking about what names they should give the boys – to call them 'the boys' was no longer acceptable.

"Raphael was a painter," Roshad said.

"You mean the renaissance painter right?"

"Yes," Roshad said. "I confess I was a big fan of his art but I never commissioned any artwork." Roshad looked at the three boys a moment longer. "Perhaps all four of them should have names of Renaissance artists – after Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni and Donatello Niccolo di Betto Bardi?"

"I'll agree to Leonardo, Michelangelo and Donatello," Jaedynn smiled. Then she looked at Baby Martinez who was in her arms. "You will be Michelangelo," she looked at Baby Thomas, "You will be Leonardo," then she looked at Baby Vasquez, "and you'll be Donatello."

"Mikie, Leo and Don," the nurse said with a smile, "those are precious names."

"I think so too," Jaedynn said and looked at Roshad with a loving smile.