Page 22 of Worship Him

“Because I’ve seen worse,” he replies, guiding me to a nearby bench. “And because I know you can handle this.”

I sit down heavily, my whole body trembling. The world feels like it’s spinning out of control.

“You need to talk to him,” Barrett says softly. “Not in a courtroom, not with lawyers present—just you and him.”

“And say what?” I snap, frustration bubbling over. “That I kept his child from him for a year because I was scared he’d want us back together for the wrong reasons?”

“Yes,” Barrett replies simply.

The honesty in his voice catches me off guard. He really believes it’s that simple.

“I don’t know if he’ll ever forgive me,” I whisper.

“Maybe not immediately, and maybe not at all,” Barrett admits. “But he deserves to know the truth. You know that.”

I nod slowly, the fight draining out of me. “You’re right.”

Barrett stands up and offers me his hand. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

“Can we really do that?” I really don’t want to go back, but don’t want to make things worse.

Barrett gives me an encouraging smile. “I’ll just say you needed a break. I’m sure the judge will understand. And it’s not like they can really do anything without us there.”

I smile weakly. “Thank you. I don’t think I can handle seeing Adam right now.”

As we walk away from the courthouse, I can’t help but glance back one last time. Adam’s still inside, probably fuming and plotting his next move.

“Do you think he’ll ever understand why I did it?” I ask quietly as we reach the parking lot.

Barrett pauses before answering. “He might not understand now, but give him time. The truth has a way of coming out.”

I take a deep breath and nod again, feeling a sliver of resolve amidst the chaos.

His hand rubbing my back helps me calm down and I feel a wave of relief wash over me. I’m lucky to have a lawyer who actually cares about me.

I give him a watery smile. “Thank you, Barret. I know I’ve messed up and this is all my own fault, but you’ve been really kind this whole time. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer.”

He awkwardly adjusts his glasses. “You’re most welcome, Des. I’ve come to think of you as more than a client—you’re a friend in a difficult situation. And I want to help you.”

I nod gratefully, filled with new hope. I may be sharing a bench with a divorce lawyer outside a courthouse after beingaccused of cheating, but I’m strong enough to weather through it.

Staring at my hands, I softly sob, feeling my shoulders tremble. Being strong means allowing yourself to cry when you need it, right?

Barret comforts me, his hand rubbing my back again, like a worried parent.

We’ll get through this. I have to. For Avery.

9

ADAM

The judge’s gavel slams down with a resounding crack. “Court dismissed!” His voice booms through the room, laced with frustration.

Destiny’s hasty exit has clearly hit a nerve. Can’t say I blame the man.

Thomas sidles up to me as I stride out of the courtroom, entering a quiet hallway. “This could work in our favor,” he says, a hint of optimism in his tone. “The judge didn’t appreciate her running out like that.”

“Great,” I say drily.

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