W.S.
I have to disagree with the person who said Zeke's father wouldn't let his mom hurt his son, because he obviously doesn't see a problem with his mother in the first place, even though she was abusive to the other kids. If he grew up with her, then he doesn't know what's appropriate and what's not. So I wouldn't trust his judgement on that.
That's a difficult situation, though! I would definitely talk to him, and if he gets mad and stays away then that is his choice. You cannot "walk on eggshells" all your life worrying that he will pull out of your son's life if you cross him at all. You know? not saying go out of your way to make him mad, or not work on the relationship, but just if something needs to be said you need to say it. Technically, he has no right to take Zeke at all without your permission, right? And he certainly needs to respect your wishes, legally, just as any babysitter etc. would. Yes, he is Zeke's father, I am just saying that you have a right to determine where your son goes. I would have a calm discussion with him, not getting mad or accusing him or anything, just saying "look, I know you went to your mom's and you know that I don't want Zeke there...we are talking about Zeke's health and safety here and I cannot stand for putting him in danger. Why did you go behind my back like that? If you can't respect my desire to protect my own son, what do you think a rational person would do about that? Keep you from taking him out of the house? I really don't want to do that but I don't know what to do, I want you to be able to see your son but I also need to trust you." etc.
Maybe his mom still has a lot of control over him and he's afraid to go against her?
If you were married it would be a different story. Then it would be really hard...but at the same time, someone else could be abusive to your son at some point in the future that you are unaware of. What if you werent' there the day she abused her granddaughter? (scary thought, you'd still be bringing Zeke over there).
I don't know if you are a praying person, but ultimately all you can do is put Zeke into God's hands and trust that it will all work out for his good, no matter what, in the end. Make sense? We can't control everything, unfortunately. Do what you can, and trust the rest to God.
I dont' that I am right about all this, just my thoughts. Hope it helps!?
Blessings,
Lynn