Chapter 107 - What if it's the last time?

[Matilda]

"Mommy, why does the judge want to see us?"

This was the third time Austin had asked me that same question since we started getting ready. I had tried to explain it in the simplest way possible

I plopped down onto their bed, opening my arms wide for them without a word

"I don't know, baby," I said quietly, smoothing my hand down Austin’s back. "But like I said before, Daddy and Mommy are having a little misunderstanding, and the judge just wants to meet you both. That's all."

I had spent the entire morning explaining who a judge was. Surprisingly, they caught on quicker than I expected

"Okay, Mommy... so Daddy will be there?" Aiden’s voice broke into the thick air between us. I nodded, reaching down to tuck his little shirt properly into his pants.

I tucked in Austin’s too, even though it was already straight. My hands needed something to do. Anything to keep from shaking.

"Ready!" I said finally, my voice almost too bright as I looked at my two little men. They beamed at me