Chapter 85 Protecting What Matters
Daylan's POV
I woke up the next morning, the events of the previous day still weighing heavily on my mind. Brie was sleeping peacefully beside me, her breathing steady and calm. I carefully got out of bed, not wanting to disturb her. She needed rest after everything that had happened.
As I made my way to the kitchen, I knew I had to take action. Abby had crossed the line, and I couldn't allow her to threaten our peace any longer. I made a quick breakfast, leaving a note for Brie to find when she woke up. I needed to get this restraining order sorted out immediately.
The ride to the courthouse was tense. I hope that things will go as planned. I hope the restraining order will be granted. Abby had shown up uninvited, disrupted our lives, and had the potential to cause even more harm. I couldn't let that happen again.
I pulled up at the courthouse, and then walked inside. I filled out the necessary paperwork and waited for my turn. The minutes ticked by slowly, each one feeling like an eternity. Finally, my name was called, and I stood before the judge, explaining the situation in detail.
"Your Honor," I began, my voice steady but firm, "I'm here to request a restraining order against one of my former colleagues. She has been harassing my partner, and me. She showed up at our apartment uninvited, causing a scene and creating unnecessary stress for my girlfriend, who is currently pregnant and has a serious medical condition."
The judge listened intently, asking a few questions to clarify the situation. After what felt like an eternity, the judge nodded.
"Mr Hart, based on the information you have provided, I will grant a temporary restraining order. Your former colleague is to stay away from you and your girlfriend. A hearing will be scheduled to determine if a permanent order is necessary."
I thanked the judge, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. This was the first step in ensuring our safety and peace. As I left the courthouse, I knew there was still more to be done. Abby was relentless, and I needed to be prepared for whatever she might try next.
My next stop was Tabitha's office. She had been there for us and has continued to do so, and I valued her advice. As I walked into the sleek, modern building, I felt a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. I made my way to her office, knocking lightly before entering. She was seated behind her desk, with files in a pile on the desk, a pen in hand.
"Daylan," Tabitha greeted me warmly, but her smile faltered when she saw the look on my face. "What's wrong?"
"Well, Abby showed up last night before Brie came home from work. Abby wanted me again and she was relentless. She even taunted Brie, and she was basically willing to lie about what we did. All I did was listen to what she said and demanded that she leave, but she came onto me and I stopped her because I don't want her. Brie came and saw that she was there. Abby just made everything worse and then Brie left. Rick showed up and we looked for her in the park. That was where Brie was sitting all alone on a cold evening on a bench. I don't want her to get hurt because of Abby. I have a feeling that she won't stop because Brie has what she can't have," I sighed. It was a mouthful.
"I'm so sorry you are dealing with this," she said, her voice filled with genuine concern. "Abby has always been a bit unhinged, but this is a new level of instability. You are doing the right thing by getting a restraining order. I still can't believe you left me to f^ck her for years." she shook her head as she shifted in her seat.
"I know," I replied, running a hand through my hair. "But I can't help worrying about Brie and the baby. Abby will do anything to come between us. I don't want to lose Brie's trust or put her at risk."
Tabitha nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. The restraining order is a good start, but you need to take additional precautions. Make sure Brie isn't alone for long periods. Keep your phone with you at all times. And consider hiring private security, at least temporarily. It's better to be over-prepared."
I took a deep breath, absorbing her words. "You're right. I will do whatever it takes to protect them."
Tabitha smiled as she stood up and walked around her desk, stopping in front of me. She placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You are a good man. Brie is lucky to have you. Just stay vigilant, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it." She removed her hand.
"Thank you. I just had to come here with this frustration. You were always such a great listener, even when I had my bad days from work. I never knew that we would be in this place since we divorced. We are friends, and we are supportive. I always thought that you would hate me." I smiled.
"Well, I do kinda hate you, but we have to move on. We cannot live in the past forever. We may not forget about it, but we have to forgive. I did that and this is why I'm able to be that supportive person that you need. You and Brie," she said.
"You mean a lot to us, and I'm happy that you are there for Brie most of all. She needs you the most when all else fails."
"You got that right. Thanks for stopping by." She said.
"I will see you around." I gave a soft smile before I left her office. As I walked down the hallway, I took my phone out of my jeans pocket and called a security company, arranging for a consultation. It felt like a necessary step, given the circumstances.
When I returned to the apartment, Brie was awake, sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of tea. She looked up as I walked in, her eyes filled with questions.
"Where did you go?" she asked, her voice gentle but curious.
I sat down beside her, taking her hand in mine. "I went to the courthouse to get a restraining order against Abby. She won't be able to come near us anymore."
Brie's eyes widened. "You really did that for us?"
"Of course," I replied, squeezing her hand. "I won't let anyone threaten our peace or safety. I also talked to Tabitha, and she gave me some good advice. I wanted to hire security, but they didn't seem like they would want to protect us. So, it will be a restraining order and I think you should keep pepper spray on you and a pocket knife. Anything is possible with Abby."
Tears filled her eyes, and she leaned into me, resting her head on my shoulder. "Thank you. I feel so much better knowing you are taking these steps."
I kissed the top of her head, holding her close. "We are doing this together and no one will come between us." I reassured her.
As we sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, I couldn't help but think about the future. Abby might be a persistent threat, but our love and determination were stronger. I would do whatever it took to protect Brie and our unborn child.
As evening arrived, we sat down for dinner at the kitchen counter. I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope as I watched Brie eat my special Pasta. Abby might try to disrupt our lives, but we were stronger than her threats. Brie and I had built something beautiful together, and no one would tear it apart.
As we finished our meal, I took Brie's hand, looking into her eyes. "I love you. And I promise, no matter what happens, I will always be here for you and our baby."
She smiled, her eyes shining with love and gratitude. "I love you too. I will always be here for you too."
We spent the rest of the evening talking about our future, making plans and dreaming about the life we wanted to build. As we went to bed, I held Brie close as if I was protecting her from anything.
"Have you thought of any baby names yet?" she asked.
"No, but we can come up with a few. I do like the name Brianna. Name her after you." I said as I nuzzled my face in the crook of her neck.
"We can call her Brianna for now. We need to come up with more and make a final decision before she is born," she replied.
"Whatever you say."
No matter what challenges lay ahead, I knew we could face them together. And as I drifted off to sleep, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Our love was worth fighting for, and I would do whatever it took to protect it. Getting to name our daughter just ended my night on a perfect note.