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“How’re you doing?” Cassidy asked quietly.
“Don’t know.” My hands trembled as I organized my notes, the words blurring on the pages. “Actually, yes, I do. I’m freaking the fuck out.”
“You’re not going to back out now, are you?”
“Of course not. I don’t know. Maybe. Probably.” Jesus Christ, I was a wreck. Maybe the idea of just marching up to Rhett right now and blurting out my feelings wasn’t such a bad one. Then at least all this uncertainty would be done with.
How was I supposed to argue this case properly when just the sight of Rhett robbed me of rational thought? Taking another fortifying breath, I tried to calm down, reminding myself of my professional duty. I was a fierce environmental lawyer - not some love-struck fool.
Yet as I stole another glance at Rhett, I knew it was a losing battle. My heart wanted what it wanted and didn’t give two fucks about the consequences. The bailiff walked in and called the court to order. It was at that moment that I realized this case might be the biggest challenge of my career - going head-to-head with the man I loved, and my own overwhelming emotions. “All rise for the honorable Judge Marianne Kensington,” the bailiff announced.
We all stood as the judge took her place at the bench. With a curt nod, she gave us permission to be seated again.
“Calling the case of the Alliance for Susceptible Species versus Rivers Enterprises,” she stated, peering over her glasses at the court files. “Counsel, I’ll hear any pre-trial motions at this time.”
Just as I was gathering my notes, ready to stand and address the court, Bob Miller cut in, pushing to his feet. “Your Honor, if I may?”
The judge frowned, glaring down at Bob. “If you may, what?”
“Address the court, your honor. It’s, uh, necessary to proceedings.”
Cassidy pushed to her feet too, leaning close to me. “What the fuck is going on?” She whispered.
“I don’t know.” My gaze was fixated on Rhett, willing him to look at me. To give me any sign that this was all going to be okay. But he didn’t.
“If it’s necessary for proceedings, as you say, then I’ll allow it.”
“Your honor,” Bob paused, mopping at his brow with a handkerchief. Then he shot Rhett a look, a confused question in his eyes. At Rhett’s firm nod, he continued. “My client has re-evaluated their position on this matter. In the interests of environmental preservation, they wish to withdraw the proposed development plans.”
A murmur rippled through the courtroom at his words. I could feel the surprise and confusion radiating from Cassidy beside me.
“Furthermore,” Bob went on, “Rivers Enterprises would like to commit the full amount of disputed land to the establishment of a protected wildlife sanctuary under joint management with the Alliance for Susceptible Species.”
My jaw dropped as I processed his words. A full sanctuary? Managed by us? This was... this was more than we ever could have imagined!
Unable to contain myself, I turned to face Rhett again. He was already looking at me, the faintest hint of a smile playing at thecorners of his lips. My heart stuttered in my chest as our eyes met and held.
In that endless moment, all the turmoil, the anger and hurt feelings, the bitter legal battles - they all just melted away under the warm intensity of his gaze. A look passed between us then, one that spoke volumes without a single word.
This was his way of making things right. Of proving himself to me. Oh god.
As the judge called for order, I found it difficult to focus. My mind was reeling with a thousand questions.
The judge’s gavel rapped sharply, cutting through the buzz of murmurs filling the courtroom. “In light of the defendant’s concessions, I hereby dismiss this case with prejudice. Ms. Wright, you and your clients have achieved a tremendous victory here today.”
I barely registered the judge dismissing the case or the Alliance members’ words of gratitude. My eyes were locked on Rhett as he gathered his things, that same enigmatic half-smile still playing on his lips.
When our gazes met again, the world around me seemed to fade into the background. The only thing that mattered was the storm of emotions swirling in those deep brown eyes of his. Longing, regret... and something more I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
“Scarlett? Did you hear what I said?” Marissa was speaking, but her words were just white noise.
Without breaking eye contact with Rhett, I held up a hand to silence her. “Give me a minute.”
For a moment, I thought he might just turn and walk away, leaving me in agonizing limbo once more. But then he gave a barely perceptible nod towards the doors and started moving.
My heart leaped into my throat as I realized he wanted me to follow. Mumbling a hasty apology to the Alliance members, I hurried after the man I loved.
He was standing just outside the door when I burst through the doors. The intensity in those molten eyes damn near stole my breath away.