Chapter 26 Sara

Waiting for the judge to return was somehow worse than telling Salvatore about Gabe. Worse than the CPS interview. Worse than knowing they took Gabe from school. My heart wouldn’t slow down. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking. Every breath felt too shallow.

Salvatore sat beside me, his knee brushing mine, a quiet reminder that I wasn’t alone. My uncles sat behind us. Talia and Daniel were a wall on the other side of the room. Ava was calm, collected, flipping through her notes like she already knew the outcome. I didn’t. I was terrified to hope.

The bailiff opened the door. “All rise.”

The judge walked in, looking more serious than before. He sat, folded his hands, and let out a long breath. “In all my years on the bench,” he began, “I have never seen a case like this.” My stomach dropped. He turned his gaze on Kara, and the temperature in the room seemed to plummet.

“Ms. Barns, your conduct in this case is unacceptable. You are entrusted with the safety of children. That means real children in real danger, not manufactured emergencies, falsified reports, or manipulated court dates.” Kara stared at the floor, trembling.

“This removal was improper,” the judge continued. “It was rushed, unsupported, and unethical. And it will be addressed.” He shifted his attention to me. “As for Ms. Vega… the court finds no evidence of neglect, abuse, or risk. Quite the opposite. You have a strong support system, stable employment, and a child who is clearly loved.” My breath caught. “I rule in favor of Ms. Vega. Gabriel Vega is to be returned to his mother immediately.”

The room erupted. My uncles cheered. Talia clapped once, sharp and proud. Daniel grinned. Ava let out a breath she’d been holding. And Salvatore...

He pulled me into his arms before I could even stand. I didn’t care that everyone was watching. I didn’t care that Juan was still in the room. I didn’t care about anything except the warmth of Salvatore’s arms around me and the way he whispered, “It’s over, amore. You did it.” He kissed me, quick, fierce, full of relief, and I melted into him.

But the moment shattered when Juan stood. “This isn’t over,” he snapped, pointing at us before storming out. A problem for another day. And one Salvatore could handle.

Before I could even process it, Talia was already moving. She approached the bailiff, spoke quietly, and within seconds Kara was being escorted out of the courtroom in handcuffs. She didn’t look at me. She didn’t look at anyone.

She knew it was over. The judge cleared his throat. “Bailiff, bring the child in.” The door opened. Gabe rushed inside, eyes wide, scanning the room until he saw me.

“Mama!” I dropped to my knees just in time for him to crash into me. I held him so tightly I felt him squeak, but he didn’t complain. He wrapped his arms around my neck and buried his face in my shoulder. “Can we go home now?” he asked, voice small.

Salvatore knelt beside us, placing a hand on Gabe’s back. “Yes, buddy. We’re going home.”

My uncle Rafael stepped forward. “And afterward, everyone is coming to the house. We’re celebrating. And thanking every single person who stood with our girl.”

I nodded, tears still streaming. “Yes. All of us.”

As we stood to leave, the judge approached us. He shook Salvatore’s hand, then mine.

“For what it’s worth,” he said quietly, “a marriage would strengthen your position if anyone ever tries something like this again. And an updated birth certificate would be wise.”

My cheeks warmed, but Salvatore only nodded respectfully.

“We’ll take that under advisement, Your Honor.”

The judge smiled, just a little. “You have a beautiful family. Protect it.”

We walked out of the courtroom together, me, Salvatore, and Gabe, surrounded by family, surrounded by support, surrounded by love. For the first time in days, I could breathe. And for the first time in years…I felt whole.

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