Just when we were starting to get back on track, Molly returned, demanding custody of Amelia. “Tanner’s ready to be a dad now,” she said. “Hand over my daughter.”I was furious. “She’s my daughter! I’ve been here all along!”At the custody hearing, I feared the worst. Mothers usually win. As I sank into despair, I heard a familiar voice speak up. It was Amelia, standing tall at the witness stand. “I know I’m just a little girl,” she began, “but I know who loves me.
My daddy makes my breakfast, helps me with homework, and scares away the monsters at night.”She looked at her mother. “Mommy wasn’t there for me. She doesn’t even know my favorite color or what I want to be when I grow up.”Amelia’s words stunned everyone, including Molly. The judge, moved by her testimony, ruled in my favor, granting me full custody. As I hugged Amelia, I knew our lives would never be the same, but we’d face the future together.