Though Wes was headquartered out of Baltimore, he found every excuse he could to work from Blue Ridge Hollow. Rowan wasn’t complaining. They had a lot of time to catch up on.
She was also traveling back and forth to LA to wrap upSilent Witness—with a new director now. Wes planned to go with her whenever he could. But she’d decided to establish her homebase here in Blue Ridge Hollow.
She wasn’t giving up on acting. She still wanted to be in new movies. But when she wasn’t filming, she planned on living in Virginia.
Naomi appeared at her shoulder. “Can I steal you for a second?”
Something in her tone made Rowan set her coffee down.
They drifted toward the far end of the porch, and Naomi turned to face her. “I was waiting for a moment alone to tell you this. I have an update on Sissy.”
“What’s going on?” Rowan’s eyes narrowed.
“She told us that the Hardings have filed a formal custody petition for Grace.”
The warmth of the morning pulled back slightly. “What?”
“She’s been hearing things through her lawyer.” Naomi’s jaw tightened. “She doesn’t want Richard’s family anywhere near Grace. Whatever else you can say about Sissy—she knows exactly what she wants and doesn’t want.”
Rowan looked across the yard to where Grace sat propped against Hadley’s chest near the refreshment table. The baby blended with the family so well. She was loved and adored.
The thought of her being taken away by the Hardings . . . Rowan could hardly stomach it.
She looked back at her sister. “What happens now?”
“Our lawyer says we have a strong case. Caleb and I have been Grace’s primary caregivers since she was born. Sissy’s testimony will help.” Naomi paused. “But the Hardings have money, and they have motivation, and nothing they do comes from a good place.”
Rowan could read between the lines. “They want Richard’s legacy.”
“Exactly. They want control. They’re not getting her.” The certainty in her voice was quiet and absolute. “We’re going to fight this. I just wanted you to know.”
Rowan put her arm around her sister’s shoulders. “You’re not fighting it alone.”
Naomi leaned into her before straightening. “Thanks.”
“Of course.”
“Okay.” Naomi exhaled once. “Now I’m done being sad. Today is a good day, and I refuse to let Richard Harding ruin it.”
“Good.” Rowan flashed a reassuring smile. “You ready to join everyone?”
“Let’s go.”
They looped arms with each other and were halfway back across the yard when Micah fell into step beside them.
“Morning,” he told Naomi.
Naomi practically glowed as she looked up at him. “Morning.”
He murmured something to her and pressed a soft kiss on her cheek.
Then he turned to Rowan, his expression neutralizing. “Rowan . . . I was actually looking for you. I have an update.”
Rowan looked at him. She’d known this was coming, but she wasn’t sure if it would be good or bad news. Either way, she’d face it.
“I’m ready,” she told him.
“I wanted to let you know that Vince Furlough was formally arraigned this morning. The DA filed charges—involuntary manslaughter, evidence tampering, witness intimidation. Lauren Holt is fully cooperating, and the evidence against him is very hard to ignore.”
