Page 32 of Adventures in Spring

“Uh-huh. Okay. So shehasyelled at them.”

Rhett sighs. “If my parents were alive, they’d still yell at me for doing something wrong. All kids get yelled at. It’s part of growing up. The difference is Emiko doesn’t yell at them for being kids. Or tell them things that will hurt them.”

“You also said you haven’t been with Sabrina McCann for five years? Then can you explain this?”

He brings out a picture of Sabrina leaning over the pharmacy counter. And it looks like she’s kissing Rhett.

“Your Honor, we’ve never seen this picture. And obviously, it’s been staged. How else would they have a picture that someone else took?”

The judge asks to see the picture up close.

“Your Honor, that picture looks photoshopped. The counter at my pharmacy doesn’t look like that. In fact, I have a picture of me behind my counter that Emiko took and sent to me. Can I show it to you?”

The judge says yes and has Rhett show him the picture that I took of him. It’s obvious that the picture the Summerses’ lawyer has was doctored. The judge scolds their lawyer for not doing his job and making sure that it was a real photo. That’s one for us and zero for them. I’m silently cheering.

After everything is done, the judge looks at all of us. And starts reading from his papers.

“Earlier today, I was able to talk to Kaito and Miyuki. They are very well behaved and know how to express how they feel. They told me how they had never met Mr. and Mrs. Summers before the day they were forced to go and see them. Those were their words. Forced. They said they did not want to go without their other grandparents. But that they had to. So they did and spent the whole day with them. They were told to call them ‘Grandpa’ and ‘Grandma,’ even though they didn’t want to. And then when it was time to go home, they were told that they would be living with them from now on. That their mommy was a bad person and that she didn’t love them. When they saw their other grandparents outside, they said they screamed for them. And then the police came. But before the policemen came, they were told that their mommy was the reason their daddy was dead.” He takes a deep breath and faces the Summerses’ table.

“I understand that you’re still angry that your son chose his girlfriend and their unborn children over you. But that’s not a reason to say the things you said to those children. Maybe if you had been more compassionate when they came to you at the start, none of you would be here now. And after talking to the children and seeing their reactions to the questions that were given to them? I don’t think they’re lying about any of it. Their mother has been their rock since the day their father was killed in the line of duty.”

The judge looks at me.

“Your boyfriend gave his life in a way that no one can repay you for. And I believe that you’ve done everything you can for these children.”

The judge stops again and looks at everyone.

“My judgement is for Emiko Yamaguchi. Mr. And Mrs. Summers? Maybe one day you can find a way to make it up to her and you’ll be able to see your grandchildren. But lying about her and trying to kidnap them is not the way to do it. And for you, Sabrina McCann? There are consequences for lying in court. I’ll leave it at that.”

The judge bangs his gavel and we all stand as he walks out. Rhett jumps over the rail and holds me tight. I can see the twins jumping up and down.

We. Won.

ChapterFifteen

Rhett

After Emiko won her case, we stayed in Springfield for a few weeks. I know she needed to be with her family and I wanted to get to know all of them better. We’re in Lake Renegade for the next two weeks. Kaito and Miyuki reminded me that I promised to take them to meet Saoirse and the other kids of the families after the hearing. So that’s what we did. We’re staying in a house on the property and I have to admit I love living with Emiko and the kids.

I plan to ask Emiko to marry me. I bought a ring before the trial started. Before we left Springfield, I asked her dad for his blessing. He said that he would be honored to have me as a son-in-law. I told him I also wanted to talk to the kids first. To make sure that they’re okay with me being their dad. So that’s what I’m doing tonight and then I’ll be asking her to marry me tomorrow night. I’ve got it all planned out and Emiko’s parents and brothers are coming. She has no idea.

“If it’s okay, I’m going to take Kaito and Miyuki on a little hike,” I say to Emiko.

“Sure. I was going to head to Precious Risings Bakery. Graínne, Caitríona and Rosaura said that they’re going to show me how to make butter-shortbread cookies. I told them it was my favorite but I’ve never made them.”

“Mmm. Make sure to bring me home some please.” I smile as I kiss her.

“That depends…what are you going to give me for them?” she licks her lips and smiles.

Fuck me.

“I’ll give you anything you want. Anything.”

“I like that. Don’t forget you said that.”

I laugh. “I don’t think that’s going to be a problem.” I slap her ass as she laughs and walks out the door.

“Kaito! Miyuki! How about going for a hike?” I call out.

---