Page 115 of Off Limits Daddies
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NOAH
I arrive at Mia's apartment Monday morning to find her pacing the living room like a caged animal. Her dark hair is pulled back in a messy ponytail, and she's still wearing the same clothes from yesterday. The twins are at school, but the apartment feels suffocating with tension.
"He's going to take them." Her voice cracks as she turns to face me. "Marcus is going to take my boys."
I cross the room and pull her into my arms, feeling her body tremble against mine. "Tell me exactly what he said."
She pulls back, her blue eyes red-rimmed from crying. "He threatened to file for custody. Said he'd claim I'm an unfit mother because of my relationship with you, Jack, and Blake. That any judge would see he's the better parent."
My jaw tightens. Throughout history, men have used children as weapons in power struggles. Marcus is no different. "He has no legal standing. He's not their biological father."
"But he could still drag me through court." Mia wraps her arms around herself. "He could expose everything about the three of you. The scandal would destroy your careers and paint me as some kind of ... of ..."
"Don't." I cup her face in my hands, forcing her to meet my eyes. "Don't let him make you feel ashamed of what we have."
"I'm not ashamed." Her voice drops to a whisper. "I'm terrified."
I study her face, taking in the exhaustion etched into her features, the way her full lips tremble slightly. Even devastated, she's beautiful. Even broken, she makes my heart race in ways I didn't think possible anymore.
"We need to consult a lawyer," I say, already pulling out my phone. "I have a friend from college who practices family law. Let me see if he can fit us in today."
Twenty minutes later, we're in my car heading downtown. Mia sits in the passenger seat, her hands twisting in her lap. I reach over and thread my fingers through hers, feeling the ice-cold touch of her skin.
My friend's office is in a sleek building downtown. He greets us with a firm handshake and concerned eyes that immediately put me at ease. We've been friends since our undergraduate days, and I trust him completely.
"Noah, good to see you." David gestures to the chairs across from his desk. "Though I wish it were under better circumstances."
We settle into the leather chairs, and I notice how Mia's leg presses against mine, seeking comfort. David's gaze flicks between us with professional assessment.
"Walk me through the situation," he says, pulling out a legal pad.
Mia explains everything. Marcus's three years acting as the twins' father figure. His recent threats. Our unconventional relationship. David takes notes without judgment, his expression neutral.
When she finishes, he sets down his pen and leans back. "I'll be honest with you. This situation is complicated."
"How bad?" I ask.
"Marcus has no biological claim to the children, which works in your favor. However, he could argue he acted inloco parentisfor three years. That's Latin for 'in place of a parent.' Some courts recognize that relationship and grant visitation rights."
Mia's hand tightens on mine. "He could get visitation?"
"It's possible, though not guaranteed. The bigger issue is what happens during the court proceedings." David's expression turns grave. "If Marcus petitions for custody or visitation, the court will investigate your current living situation. Your relationships. Your fitness as a parent."
"And they'll find out about Jack, Blake, and Noah," Mia whispers.
David nods. "Family courts tend to favor traditional family structures. A mother involved with three men simultaneously would be viewed unfavorably by most judges, especially in a conservative jurisdiction like this one."
The words land like punches. I watch Mia's face drain of color, her breathing becoming shallow.
"What are our options?" I ask, keeping my voice steady even though rage simmers in my gut.
"Option one: Mia could end her relationships with all three of you and present herself as a single mother focused solely on her children." David holds up his hand when I start to protest. "I'm not recommending it, just laying out possibilities."
"Not happening," I say firmly.
"Option two: One of you could step forward as a committed partner, making the relationship appear more conventional. Courts respond better to stable, monogamous partnerships."
