The custody battle lasted 4 months.
Ethan tried everything.
He brought up what had happened in the garden. He called Daniel a predator. He even tried to use my pregnancy as evidence that I was "unstable."
But Alison was prepared.
She came to court with the facts: no criminal record, no neglect, no abuse. Lily was healthy, happy, and doing well. Whatever anyone thought of Daniel and me, we were two consenting adults who weren't related by blood.
In the end, the judge granted Ethan visitation every other weekend but denied his request for custody.
"Ms. Rudd," the judge said, "I'm not here to decide whether I approve of your personal choices. I'm here to determine what's best for your daughter. And based on the evidence before me, Lily is loved, cared for, and safe. That's what matters.
