Asher’s breath left him in a whoosh as the sounds of the courtroom merged together, the thudding of his heartbeat drowning out the rest of what Judge Seville said, as well as the Haywards’ reaction. Overwhelming relief and gratitude swamped him, knowing his sister and brother-in-law’s wishes would be carried out. Knowing the last of his family wasn’t leaving his side.
He stood, turning to face Nat, who met him with open arms.
“Told you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Everything worked out perfectly.”
“Yeah.” He wrapped her in his arms, closing his eyes as he squeezed her to him.
This was exactly the outcome he’d wanted. June and Owen were safe with him. He’d be able to raise them how his sister and brother-in-law had wanted. But still, he couldn’t ignore the pit in his stomach as he held Nat. He might’ve won guardianship of the kids, but that meant what had brought her there in the first place…what had kept her there…was no longer relevant.
Nat was free to go.
* * *
Prior to today,Nat hadn’t known she could feel overwhelming gratitude and dread all at once. Asher had won custody, and he and the kids would be a family. But that was the crux of the dread… JustAsherand the kids would be a family. Never mind that it’d started to feel a hell of a lot like she was part of that.
After the hearing, they walked into her parents’ backyard, stepping onto the patio to a chorus of congratulations. Her parents, Gran, as well as Rory and Nash, were there. Mac and Hudson had to work so they’d be by a little later, and Will and Finn were currently on their honeymoon. Both Mac and Will had already sent congratulatory texts with offers to talk if she needed it.
Talk because they knew the secret. Knew these congratulations weren’t meant for her because it wasn’t her win…wasn’t her family who’d been kept together. Even though it did feel like it was her heart breaking apart.
But because this was a celebration, she pasted a smile on her face and pretended everything was fine.
“Uncle Asher!” June yelled. “I baked a pie!”
“She sure did. Strawberry, Asher’s favorite.” Her momma walked over and enveloped them both in a hug. “I’m so thrilled for y’all. This is just the best news.”
“Yeah, it is,” Nat said, even as June tugged Asher from her side, their fingers separating in the space between them.
“We have to eat somenow.” June pulled out a chair at the patio table before pushing Asher to sit.
With a laugh, he said, “Did you leave out the worms?”
“Should we have?” Gran asked from her spot under the table umbrella.
“We didn’t do worms, Gran,” June admonished. “Just strawberries and sugar and a whole lotta love. Right, Mimi?”
Nat’s breath caught in her throat.
“Right, sweetheart,” her momma said before turning back to her with worried eyes. “That’s okay, isn’t it? I just figured since y’all’re married and the kids are officially yours, best those little ones call me what all my grandbabies do.”
God, what had they done? Agreeing to this lie that didn’t involve just them. Yeah, the outcome was exactly what they’d hoped for, but at what cost? Everyone and their dog thought Nat and Asher were married. Theyweremarried. Both on paper and in her heart. But now, suddenly, they just wouldn’t be anymore?
“It’s fine, Momma. Perfect.”
Her mom blew out a relieved sigh and hooked her arm through Nat’s, pulling her toward the table where everyone sat.
“This must be such a relief for y’all.” Momma grabbed the dessert plates and started dishing up pie slices for everyone.
“Can’t tell you how much,” Asher agreed. “I was worried, but Nat never lost faith.”
“Nat’s certainty is pretty unshakable,” Gran agreed.
Rory sipped from her glass of sweet tea, one brow raised. “Some might call that bein’ bullheaded.”
Nat sat in the chair next to Asher. “Some might call you a—”
“Pie, sweetheart?” Momma interrupted, passing Nat a plate.
“Tryin’ to stop those two from arguin’ is like tryin’ to stop the sun from risin’,” Nash said.
