Page 142 of Anything To Be With You

Luke continues to read through the papers. My heart jumps into my throat every time I catch him glancing at me. It feels like I’m meeting him for the first time all over again. My pulse races, my hands become clammy and my body flushes.

He sits next to me, stealing Gabe's laptop and begins making notes while speaking to Mark in hushed voices.

"It’s bullshit, Archer." I mutter after a bit.

"I know, baby." He answers, not looking in my direction.

I fire a glance at Gabe, his hands are clasped behind his head, leaning back in his chair with a smirk.

"Did you just call me baby?"

"It slipped out," he mutters.

"I smell bullshit."

He rubs his temples, finally meeting my eyes. "Sweetheart, now is not the time to argue."

My heart melts at the endearment. One I’ve missed hearing these last three months.

Gabe chuckles. "Yeah, Dani girl, it turns him on."

He flips Gabe off.

"It turns you on?" I ask.

"It does not." He retorts.

"Yes, it does. You’re getting a woody right now." Gabe chimes in.

"Shut it, Gabe." Luke barks.

"Isn't arguing foreplay for you two?" Mark pipes up and we both flip him off.

Mark goes back through the papers on the table. "John has been lining the pockets of the judges for years to make sure Josh’s cases get thrown out. This is going to be no different," he informs us. "I hate to ask this, but would Mason testify against his father?"

"Fuck yeah he would," I confirm with a thump of my fist on the table. "After what he witnessed, he wouldn’t think twice about it."

"Would he be comfortable on the stand or would you like me to work with him?" Luke asks.

The sincere tone of his voice has me fighting back tears. No man—besides Dad—has ever offered to help Mason with something.

"That…that would be great. Thanks, Archer."

He smiles, flashing those dimples I love so much and nods once.

"Anything for you, Sweetheart."

I’m sandwiched between Mark and Gabe, watching my baby take the stand. Something I never thought I would ever witness. We only had four days to prepare Mason for court. The case was bumped up extremely quickly, I have a feeling John and Helen had something to do with that. He did really well at home, but I can see the nervousness in his eyes as he sits.

I give him a smile and blow him a kiss, hoping it helps him relax.

Josh’s lawyer stands and starts with the questioning. "State your name for the record please."

"Mason Carter."

Josh huffs. "She didn’t even give him my last name. Selfish bitch."

I roll my eyes and glance to where Josh is sitting. He has three sets of stitches and a busted nose. I peek at Gabe and stifle the laugh that is fighting to get free. He smiles and kisses his busted-up knuckles, giving Josh a finger wave.

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