CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY NINE - The Unraveling of a Perfect Plan

Logan joined the hug, his strong arms encircling both of them. "That's right, princess. We're in this together, always." As Kayla drifted off to sleep, Deonna and Logan retreated to the living room. The weight of tomorrow's decision hung heavy in the air between them. "Logan," Deonna began, her voice barely above a whisper. "If... if things don't go our way tomorrow..." Logan pulled her close, his embrace fierce and protective. "Don't think like that. We have to believe that the judge will see the truth. That she'll understand that Kayla belongs with us." Deonna wanted to believe him, but fear and doubt gnawed at her insides. "But if she doesn't? Logan, I can't lose our daughter. I can't." Logan cupped her face in his hands, his eyes intense as they met hers. "Listen to me, Deonna. No matter what happens in that courtroom tomorrow, we are not giving up. If we have to, we'll appeal. We'll fight this all the way to the Supreme Court if we have to. But we are not losing Kayla. I prom