Everyone laughs.
“You made them sound like a music group.” Sawyer laughs.
We hear someone on their side call Sawyer a slut. In response, one of our shifters growls. You can feel the vibrations from it.
“Fuck, I wish I could do that,” I say softly as we all look over at the assholes. Their eyes look like they’re going to pop out of their skulls.
“Holy shit, I felt that in my chest.” Sawyer giggles. “Imagine their faces if one of you walked in shifted? Could you even fit through the doors?”
“No. We wouldn’t fit.” Apollo laughs.
Almost two hours later, the bailiff announces that the judge is on his way back to the courtroom. We all stand up as we wait.
“You’re fucking going down,” we hear Palmer sneer at us.
I have to keep repeating to myself not to react to him. Palmer and the assholes all have the cockiest smiles on their faces. I’m guessing they’re expecting to win today.
After the judge sits down, we all sit too. I take a deep breath and hold Sawyer’s hand. If we lose today, I don’t know what we’ll do.
“I’ve looked at all the evidence that’s been presented to me. And I’ve also made a few phone calls. I find that Mr. Beaumont has no claim over the minor child. His claim that Sawyer Hamilton didn’t use the clinic to have her son is false.”
“That’s bullshit,” Palmer exclaims.
Palmer’s attorney is telling him to be quiet. The judge clears his throat.
“As I was saying, I’m throwing out all requests made by Palmer Beaumont IV. I am also charging him and all four of the Hamilton family with perjury. Each of you will serve five years and pay a fine of twenty thousand dollars each.”
“What the fuck? We didn’t do nuthin’ wrong.” Krystal frowns.
Palmer’s attorney turns to the assholes and says something to them. Whatever he says makes them all shut up.
“You each have seven days to turn yourselves in to start your sentences. You will start payment on your fines the month you’re released from prison. As for Sawyer and River Hamilton, I’m granting you a restraining order on Palmer Beaumont IV, Steve, Martha, Krystal and Brooke Hamilton. This restraining order is good for two years and there’s no limit to how many times you can renew it. Mr. Emerson O’Connor, I wish you luck on your adoption journey. I think you’ll make a great father for River. Court is adjourned.”
We all stand as he bangs his gavel and leaves the courtroom.
“This isn’t the end, you whore. I will get my son from you,” Palmer says to Sawyer.
“Is your client threatening mine? Here in court?” Lorenzo says as he looks at Palmer’s attorney, who turns and says something to Palmer.
“You’re a shit lawyer. You’re fucking fired,” he snaps back at him.
Palmer starts to walk towards us, Apollo and Ares step in his way.
“Get the fuck out of my way, you fucking neanderthals.”
Ares laughs. “No.”
Palmer tries to stand taller, but at his full height of six-three, the brothers still dwarf him. Ares is six-seven and Apollo is one inch shorter. I’m beginning to think Palmer has no survival instincts. He’s glaring at the brothers and now Georgíos is standing with them too.
Finally, Palmer and the assholes leave the courtroom. After they leave, the bailiff comes over to us.
“The judge left you this note,” he says as he hands it to Lorenzo.
“It looks like the judge has signed your adoption papers.” Lorenzo smiles and hugs both of us. “Congratulations, Da.”
Holy shit. I grab Sawyer and kiss her, while the others surround us in a massive group hug.
“I have a son.” I smile.
