SHE’S NOT GOING TO VETO the petition.

That’s my first incredible thought—that my case isn’t going down in flames yet, even after Julia’s testimony.

My second thought is that Julia is as ripped up about this case and what it’s done to Anna as I am, exceptshe’s put it out there on display for everyone to see.

Judge has chosen this moment to become a colossal pain in the ass. He sinks his teeth into my coat and startstugging, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to break before I hear Julia finish.

“Ms. Romano,” DeSalvo asks, “what’s your recommendation to the court?”

“I don’t know,” she says softly. “I’m sorry. This is the first time I’ve ever served as a guardian ad litem andbeen unable to reach a recommendation, and I know that’s not acceptable. But on one hand I have Brian andSara Fitzgerald, who have done nothing but make choices throughout the course of both their daughters’ livesout of love. Put that way, they certainly don’t seem like the wrong decisions—even if they aren’t the rightdecisions fo............