"Walk us through those first few weeks."
Nora does, describing in detail how I went from helpless to competent and how Harper transformed from a scared infant to a thriving baby. She talks about sleep regressions, teething, and milestones, painting a picture of consistent, loving care.
"Ms. Collins, you've kept detailed logs of Harper's care. Is that correct?"
"Yes. I documented everything—feedings, diaper changes, sleep patterns, and developmental milestones. I wanted to track her progress and make sure we were meeting all her needs."
"And in your professional opinion, how is Harper doing?"
"She's thriving. She's ahead on most developmental milestones. She's happy, healthy, and securely attached to her caregivers. She's exactly where a nine-month-old should be."
Ms. Chen shows the charts again, and Nora explains the color-coding system, the tracking, and the attention to detail that went into documenting almost eight months of care.
Then Jessica's lawyer stands for cross-examination, and I can see him preparing to attack.
"Ms. Collins, you're romantically involved with Mr. West, correct?"
"Yes."
"When did that relationship begin?"
"January. About four months after I started working for him."
"So, you developed romantic feelings for your employer while living in his home and caring for his child?"
"It wasn't like that?—"
"Please answer yes or no. Did you develop romantic feelings for Mr. West while employed by him?"
Nora's jaw tightens. "Yes. But Harper's needs always came first. That hasn't changed and never will."
"How convenient. Fall in love with the single father, ensure your continued employment?—"
"Objection," Ms. Chen says sharply. "Counsel is testifying, not questioning."
"Sustained. Get to a question, counselor."
Jessica's lawyer shifts tactics. "Ms. Collins, you're aware that if Ms. Torres regains custody, your employment would end?"
"Yes."
"So you have a financial incentive to testify against my client."
"I have a moral obligation to tell the truth about Harper's care and well-being. Whether I continue to be employed has nothing to do with that."
"You're just the employee, though, aren't you? The girlfriend. Not family. Not a blood relative. Not anyone with actual legal standing in this child's life."
Nora's eyes flash, and I see her sitting up straighter.
"Family isn't about blood or legal documents," she says, her voice steady and strong. "Family is who loves you and shows up every day. Who rocks you when you're sick, who celebrates your milestones, and who puts your needs above their own. Harper knows who her family is. She knows who's been there for her every single day since she was eight weeks old."
"But you're not her mother."
"Neither is Jessica Torres. Not in any way that matters." Nora looks directly at Jessica for the first time. "You can't abandon a baby and then claim motherhood when it's convenient. That's not how it works."
"Objection, your honor?—"
"Withdrawn. No further questions."