Diane's POV
I sat in the rocking chair, gently swaying back and forth. Her soft breathing was peaceful, but my mind was anything but calm. Yesterday's phone call with Liam kept replaying in my head, his desperate voice begging to see the children, the way it cracked when he said he was sorry, and then that familiar flash of anger when I refused.
It was like watching someone drowning, reaching out for help, but knowing that pulling them to shore might drag you under too.
Joan had called me afterward to let me know she'd sent the birth notification to the court. The legal wheels were in motion now, soon there would be a custody hearing, a date set in stone where I'd have to face Liam again and fight for my children's safety.
The thought made my stomach churn, but I knew it was necessary. He had rights as their father, even if every instinct I had screamed that he was dangerous.
