Page 171 of Clinically Delicious
“We ask that you consider joint custody, allowing Megan to have a relationship with both parents. Thank you, Your Honor.”
He sat down.
That’s it?
That’s his closing argument?
Judge Winters was silent for a long moment, reviewing her notes.
The courtroom was so quiet I could hear my own heartbeat.
Please.
Please, please, please!
“I’ve reviewed all the evidence presented,” Judge Winters said finally, her voice measured and calm. “The testimony from Dr. Lyon’s colleagues, the Child Services report, and the testimony from both Dr. Lyon and Mrs. Lyon.”
She looked up, her gaze moving between Gabriel and Tonya.
“This case is about one thing: what is in the best interests of Megan Lyon. And the answer to this court is abundantly clear.”
My breath caught.
“Megan is currently in a loving, stable home. She has a father who has raised her with dedication and care, despite the demands of his profession. She has a stepmother who, regardless of the timeline of their relationship, clearly loves her deeply. She has a routine, a support system, and a life that is working.”
Judge Winters’ expression hardened slightly as she turned to Tonya.
“Mrs. Castellano, I want to be very clear about something. You made a choice three years ago to leave your daughter. You walked away from your family, leaving Dr. Lyon to raise a child alone while maintaining one of the most demanding careers in medicine. You were not there for the sleepless nights, the illnesses, the first days of school, the scraped knees, or any of the countless moments that make up a child’s life.”
Tonya’s face went pale.
“And now,” Judge Winters continued, her voice firm, “you want to disrupt the stable life that Dr. Lyon has built for his daughter. You want to upend her routine, her home, her sense of security not because you’ve demonstrated a sustained commitment to her well-being, but because you’ve decided, three years later, that you want to be a mother again.”
Oh my God.
She’s—the judge is—
“This court will not allow that disruption,” Judge Winters said. “The evidence shows that Megan is thriving. Ms. Rodriguez’s report was overwhelmingly positive. Dr. Lyon’s colleagues testified to his character and dedication. And Mrs. Lyon’s testimony, while unconventional, demonstrated a genuine, deep love for this child.”
She looked directly at Gabriel.
“Dr. Lyon, this court grants you full, permanent custody of Megan Lyon.”
We won.
Oh my God, we won.
The relief hit me so hard I couldn’t breathe.
Gabriel’s hand was crushing mine now, but I didn’t care.
We get to keep her.
We get to keep Megan.
“Mrs. Castellano,” Judge Winters continued, “you may petition for supervised visitation in the future if you wish. But primary custody remains with Dr. Lyon. This court will not disrupt a child’s stable, loving home.”
She brought down her gavel.
