Page 117 of Small Town Sizzle

He hands the folder to the bailiff, who brings it to the bench. The judge flips through the pages, her expression shifting from curiosity to concentration to something I can only describe as satisfaction.

“This is… enlightening,” she says, looking up at Natalie, who’s starting to squirm in her seat.

“Your Honor, if I may,” Mike begins, his voice steady and confident. “These documents prove that Northridge Environmental Agency, Plum Lane, and Oakmont Holdings are all front companies operated by the same individuals. They’ve been using these entities to launder money, acquire land under false pretenses, and exploit natural resources. What’s more, the individuals in question are operating under aliases. And as of last month, there are active warrants for their arrests in multiple states.”

The courtroom erupts into gasps and murmurs, but the judge doesn’t flinch. She taps her gavel twice, silencing the room.

“I’ve done my own research into this matter,” she says, her voice calm but firm. “And I’ve come to the same conclusion. The youth center and the wetlands are protected properties under state and federal law. The claims made by the plaintiffs are not only invalid but fraudulent.”

My heart soars, and I glance at Maya, who’s watching the scene unfold with a look of quiet triumph.

“As for you two,” the judge continues as she glares at Natalie and TJ, “you are hereby remanded into custody until arrangements can be made to transfer you to the appropriate jurisdictions. Bailiff, please escort them out.”

Natalie’s face twists into a mask of disbelief and rage as the bailiff steps forward, pulling a pair of handcuffs from his belt. She tries to argue, to protest, but it’s no use. The courtroom watches in stunned silence as she’s led away, her head held a little less high than before.

The room erupts into cheers and applause when the judge adjourns the session. People swarm toward me and Maya, congratulating us and thanking us, but all I can think about is getting to her.

We finally make it outside, standing together on the courthouse steps as the crowd begins to disperse. The sun isshining, the air crisp and clean, and for the first time in weeks, I feel like I can breathe again.

“You did it,” she says softly, looking up at me with a smile that could light up the darkest night.

“You did more than I did, coming in hot and heavy with that folder.”

“I heard what you said in there,” she continues, her voice tinged with pride. “About the town, about your mom… about everything. I’m so proud of you, Garrett. You’ve grown so much since you came back here. You’ve changed.”

I swallow hard, my throat tight with emotion. “That’s because of you, Maya. You reminded me of what really matters.”

She smiles again, and I can’t help myself. I pull her into my arms, holding her close as I kiss her.

When I pull back, she rests her forehead against mine, her eyes sparkling. “What now?” she whispers.

I take a deep breath, reaching into my pocket for the small velvet box I’ve been carrying around for weeks. My heart pounds as I drop to one knee, holding the box up to her.

“Maya,” I begin, my voice shaking slightly. “You’ve changed my life in ways I never thought possible. You’ve made me want to be better, to do better, and I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life without you. Will you marry me?”

Her eyes widen, her hand flies to her mouth, and tears spill down her cheeks. For a moment, she doesn’t say anything, and the world seems to hold its breath.

And then she nods, her voice breaking as she says, “Yes. Yes, of course I will.”

The crowd erupts into cheers around us, but all I can see and feel is her. I slip the ring on her finger. I stand and pull her into a hug, spinning her around as I do.

“How’d you know I’d be here?” she giggles.

“I didn’t really.” I shrug. “I was relying on Alex to work his magic.”

“Wait, he…”

“A lot has changed, my love,” I laugh. “He thought that telling you about the wetlands would get you out of the house. He said he had a few tricks up his sleeve.”

“I’m glad the two of you are talking.”

“We’re getting to know each other. Lot of time to make up for.”

“We have forever for the two of you to do that,” she breathes as she leans forward and kisses me gently.

That we do.

Epilogue