Levi’s eyes open, finding mine, and he smiles. “Morning.”
“Morning.” I can’t help but smile back.
“You’re smiling” he observes.
“I am,” I admit. “Is that okay?”
He pulls me closer, pressing a kiss to my forehead, his nose smearing across my skin. It’s the type of touch that a couple who’ve known each other for a long time experience. “It’s more than okay, Magnolia Grace. It’s everything.”
We’re lying there, wrapped up in each other, when my phone buzzes. I reach for it, and my good mood evaporates when I see Shelby’s name.
Shelby: Need you to come into the office ASAP. Something’s come up.
“Shit,” I mutter.
“What’s wrong?”
I show him the text. “My lawyer.”
“Want me to take you?”
“No,” I say automatically. Then, seeing the hurt flash across his face, I think differently. What if Cody is there? What if I’m not strong enough to handle him on my own? “Actually…yeah. Yeah, I’d like that.”
We drag ourselves off the couch, and go get dressed. I take off my makeup from yesterday and try to make it look like I didn’t sleep on the couch wrapped in the arms of a man who isn’t my husband last night.
The drive to Shelby’s office is quiet, Levi’s hand resting on my thigh, his thumb rubbing gentle circles that somehow keep me from completely spiraling.
When we arrive, I’m surprised to see Sullivan’s police cruiser parked outside. He’s Shelby’s husband and an officer with Laurel Springs PD.
“That’s weird,” I mention, glancing over at Levi.
Levi notices too, his expression going cop-serious. “Let me come in with you.”
“You don’t have to,” I try to smooth everything over.
“Magnolia Grace, I’m coming in with you.”
There’s no arguing with that tone, so I don’t try.
Sullivan meets us in the lobby, pulling Levi aside immediately. “Harrison. Got a minute?”
Levi looks at me, and I nod. “Go ahead. I’ll be with Shelby.”
I watch them walk away, Levi’s shoulders tense, before I head into Shelby’s office.
She looks tired, her usual put-together appearance slightly rumpled.
“Magnolia, sit down.”
I do, my heart pounding. “What’s going on?”
“Cody’s attorney served us yesterday, on Thanksgiving like the piece of shit he is. He’s questioning your financial situation, demanding access to all your accounts.” She stops for a moment, and I know I don’t want to hear what’s coming next. “Including the new ones you just opened. He also wants to know where you’ve been.”
My stomach drops. “How did he know about those?”
“I don’t know, but he knows.” She slides some papers across the desk. “He’s alleging you’re hiding assets, that you’re deliberately trying to avoid a fair division of property.”
“That’s insane! He’s the one who drained everything!”
