Page 175 of Rule Breakers Fall Hardest

He turns the radio off, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel while he waits for the light to change so he can turn into the parking garage.

With a steadying breath, I put my hand on his knee, offering my silent support.

After we get into the garage and park, he puts Sammy in the stroller, and I grab the diaper bag.

The wait for the elevator is achingly long, which leads to Daire pushing the button in rapid succession like somehow that will make it appear faster.

As he’s reaching to jab it again, I grab his hand.

“You poking it like that isn’t going to make it appear.”

“Maybe not, but it makes me feel better.”

With a small smile and a shake of my head, I pull out myphone. I send a text to my mom, letting her know that we’re in the garage waiting for the elevator. She replies quickly, informing us that they’re all waiting in the lobby of the courthouse.

Finally, the doors open, and we get on. As we ride, Sammy giggles at his reflection in the shiny silver doors. “Hi.” He waves.

Daire grins, looking more relaxed than I’ve seen him all day. “He’s so smart.”

I can’t help but smile. Daire is the definition of a proud papa bear.

When the doors open onto the ground level, we walk out into the sunshine and stop at the curb, waiting to cross the street.

I reach for Daire’s hand, finding it clammy with sweat.

“Sorry,” he mumbles, cheeks flushing. “My nerves are getting to me.”

“It’s okay.” I give his hand a squeeze.

We cross the street and enter the courthouse lobby, where we find our friends and family waiting for us, including Daire’s best friend, Cree, and his girlfriend, Ophelia. Beside me, Daire sucks in a surprised breath at the sight of them but quickly recovers.

Nina Voss waves us over and pulls Daire aside, no doubt running through what he should expect.

I’ve been okay so far, but suddenly, I find my pulse racing.

And in the next instant, I swear my heart falls out of my chest. Because an older couple I recognize from the funeral step inside the courthouse doors. Danielle’s parents.

Daire must see them the same moment I do because he blurts at Nina, “What are they doing here?”

For an instant, worry flashes across her normally composed face, but she quickly schools her expression. “I’m not sure,” she admits.

Daire lifts a shaky hand and runs his fingers through his hair, clearly agitated. “If they try anything?—”

“There’s nothing they can do at this point,” she assures him. “This hearing is a formality. Take a breath. It’s almost our time.” With that, she turns and heads toward a man I don’t recognize.

“Rosie,” Daire whispers, his eyes swimming with terror. “If they?—”

I grab his wrist and give it a gentle squeeze. “You heard Nina. They can’t do anything. Breathe.”

He rubs a hand over his jaw. “Should I go talk to them?”

“No,” I insist, tugging him back when he takes a step in their direction. “I don’t think that would be a good idea. They seemed kind enough at the funeral.” At least in our brief interaction. “Just focus on getting through this, and don’t worry about them. Okay?”

“Okay,” he agrees reluctantly.

Ten minutes later, Nina comes to get us, and our family and friends follow behind us. I assume Danielle’s parents are back there somewhere as well.

The courtroom is identical to the one we got married in, which brings me some level of comfort. I’m not sure Daire feels the same.

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