Page 67 of Cloudless
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LILA
“I am awarding full custody of Posey and Jasper Sullivan to their sister, Lila Sullivan. Effective immediately.” Her warm eyes flick to mine. “It looks like you found your village, Miss Sullivan.”
My heart stalls in my chest as Maxwell’s chair clatters against the floor. “You can’t do this! We have ample evidence why that child should not have custody of those kids!”
Despite my heart being firmly lodged in my throat, my legs carry me swiftly to my wide-eyed siblings.
Not even seconds later, a solid wall of muscle acts as a barrier between me and my grandparents.
Ellie practically vibrates with rage next to me as she seethes under her breath. “Karma’s a bitch, isn’t it, old man?”
Mr. Thorne’s face turns a ghostly shade of white as he backs away slowly from the scene developing in front of him like he’s cornered by a wild animal instead of a grown ass man.
“Mr. Abernathy! You will exit this Court with dignity before I find you in contempt.” The judge’s clenched teeth and stern palm halt the words threatening to spill from his mouth.
“Yes, that’s right. You think I didn’t notice the slanderous letters regarding Mr. Stryker’s and Miss Sullivan’s character were not signed affidavits?
I can’t help but wonder why that is, Mr. Thorne.
” The bailiff’s eyes flash with worry as he aligns himself between the judge and the table on the other side of the room.
“The next time you find yourself in a courtroom, you would do well not to insult the judge's intelligence, Mr. Abernathy.” A tilt of her head is all that’s required to stop his coming words.
“And yes, I believe there will be a next time, but not on this matter. You seem to be well acquainted with the Court of Law.”
“But—But?—”
How the judge doesn’t roll her eyes, I’ll never know. “Stammering is not befitting of a man of your stature, Mr. Abernathy.” A smile touches the corner of her lips as she glances at me. “Court is adjourned.”
“All rise.”
Since I can’t rise any more than I already am, I incline my head and return her smile as she disappears into her chambers.
Maxwell’s face turns a bright shade of red as he backs away from the bailiff like a small child would his mother. “You can’t do this to me! I have connections! Powerful connections!”
The placating tone of the bailiff’s voice brings a smile to my face. “I’m sure you do, Mr. Abernathy. If you would please allow me to escort you to your car, we could all get on with our day.”
Victoria’s voice filters through the room for the first time as she lodges her handbag firmly on her shoulder. “Oh, for heaven's sake, Maxwell. Give it a rest already. I told you we didn’t have a case. Can’t you see you’re only making a fool of yourself?”
Dax’s shoulders shake from barely contained laughter in front of me as I watch through the gap of his arm and Kam’s.
Maxwell’s nostrils flare as he wags a finger in Victoria’s face. “Do not talk back to me , woman!”
She rolls her eyes at her unhinged husband as she turns to leave. “I’ll be in the car. Don’t you dare make me late for my hair appointment, Maxwell. I won’t have Alexander waiting for me. He’s booked out for months.” Her eyes flash to mine before she dips her head. “Goodbye, Lila.”
The gap in the guy’s arms closes, cutting off my view, as Maxwell’s eyes blaze with a storm of fire. “Don’t you walk away from me when I’m talking to you! I am the man of this house, and you will listen to me .” His words fade as he storms after his wife, who is clearly unaffected by his behavior.
Dax whistles as he stuffs his hands in his pockets. “If they’ll act like that in public, I’d hate to see how they act at home.”
As the door slams closed behind Maxwell, the bailiff lets out an exhausted breath and drags his feet all the way to the door leading to the judge's chambers. He disappears without another word.
My dress bounces around my waist as Jasper pulls on the hem. “How’d we do, Lulu?”
I smile as I pull them both into a crushing hug. “You both did great! You were so brave.”
His brows crease as he pulls away from my hug. “You’re not mad?”
“Why would I be mad?”
He shrugs as he looks down at his feet. “I didn’t want to tell you about the mean things they said. I knew it would make you sad.”
My finger under his chin brings his eyes back to mine. “You did the right thing, Jas. I couldn’t be more proud of you.”
Mace saves me from having to explain the tears threatening to spill from my eyes as he says, “Who’s ready for some homemade ice cream?”
A chorus of children and deep voices alike all say, “Me!”
Their laughter follows them all the way through the door as silent tears fall down my face. Warm, secure arms band around my waist as I cry. His deep voice, now as familiar as my own, rumbles through me as I lay my head back on his shoulder. “Are those happy tears?”
My smile is watery as I nod. “Yeah. They’re happy tears.”
I can feel his smile against the top of my head as his tender kiss melts into my very soul. “I figured. There aren’t any clouds in your eyes.”
His chocolate eyes snare mine as I look over my shoulder with a smile on my face. “When did you have time to pay for Posey’s ballet and take that drug test?”
A blush creeps over his cheeks as he shrugs. “You make time for the people you love.”
A fresh wave of tears threatens to spill down my cheeks. “Take me home, Trouble.”
His smile mimics mine as he looks down at me with such love it takes my breath. “You are my home, Sunshine.”
“And you are mine.”
LILA’S JOURNAL
Hi, Mom
We’re going to be okay.
Love always,
Lila