Chapter 182

ROBERT'S POV

The judge’s words echoed through the courtroom, but the specifics blurred in my mind. All I heard was the end result: Nate would be ours. A rush of joy surged through me, and it took every ounce of my self-control not to jump up and shout with happiness. I squeezed Ariana's hand, feeling her warmth and strength beside me. This victory was beyond anything I had dared to hope for. Josh’s character witness had been the tipping point. His words had painted a picture of me that even I hadn’t fully seen.

We left the courtroom, the heavy doors closing behind us with a finality that signaled the end of a long, hard journey. Outside, Sylvia and Josh were waiting. Ariana and I exchanged a glance, and she broke the news.

“Nate's ours,” she said, her voice choked with emotion.

Nate’s reaction was instantaneous. He ran toward us, his little face lighting up with pure joy.

“Dad!” he shouted, launching himself into my arms. I caught him, hugging him tightly. His small arms around my