Page 79 of Beachside Kisses With My Best Friend

I take a breath. “I love her when she’s covered in flour from head to toe. I love her when she’s crying over a romcom. I love her when she’s wearing that smile she gets when she’s creating something delicious and beautiful. I love her when she’s teasing me, and I love her when she’s indignant for her friends. But most of all”—I lean into the microphone, my voice strong and crisp and clear, leaving no doubt of the truth of what I’m saying—“I love her when she’s a mom to our son.”

My voice cracks at the last words, and I quickly swipe at a tear that finds its way down my cheek. “I love Ryder fiercely, but that woman right there… She loves him tenderly, the way a mother should. And if you truly want what’s best for him, you wouldn’t dream of taking him away from her.”

And I didn’t think Marilee had any more tears left, but I should have known better, because my sweet, sensitive best friend—my wife for who knows how much longer—is crying again.

“But she’snothis mother!”

This from Constance, who has shot to her feet.

The judge seems taken aback. “Madam, it is not your turn to speak.”

Constance shakes her head vehemently. “I’m just making a statement. He’s calling that woman Ryder’s mother, but hisrealmother—my daughter—wanted us to have custody of him. You saw the will.”

“Again, Madam, it is not your turn to speak. I realize that family court is a bit less formal than other proceedings, but we will still have decorum and order.” The judge turns to Sam. “Counselor, you may proceed.”

“No further questions.”

“Ms. Devoney, would you like to cross-examine the witness?”

Sheila glances at me, then at Constance, who has slumped down in her chair. She must decide that my testimony was either damning enough, or that asking me further questions will not be good for their case, because she mumbles, “No, Your Honor.”

The judge tells me I can step down.

I slide back into my chair and feel a strong hand on my shoulder. Surprised, I glance back to find my dad blinking at me. He gives my shoulder a squeeze and releases me, sitting back.

It’s brief. To anyone else, it would seem like nothing more than a passing affection.

But to me, it’s everything.

And it’s all because of Marilee.

* * *

The rest of the trial feels like a whirlwind as Sam calls Landon and Blake both to the stand, and both confirm my story. After brief cross-examinations, in which Sheila tries to catch them in lies—and make me look like an irresponsible liar—my attorney says we rest our case. He wanted to get Marilee on the stand, but I said no. She’s already done enough by being here, and I’m not going to put her through that.

Sam gives me a firm nod that tells me we’ve got a good shot at winning this thing.

At the other table, Constance and Sheila are whispering loudly. I can’t hear what they’re saying, but the tension snaps in the air like a whip.

I have no clue what Judge Terpstra is thinking. I can’t decipher the expression behind his glasses, and he merely sits there, head tilted as he appears to study us. Finally, he sits back in his seat. “I know this is most unusual, but I feel I need more information before I can make a decision. Young lady.” His eyes find Marilee—and she freezes. “Would you mind joining me at the bench, please?”

“Um. Yes. I mean, no, Your Honor.” Marilee stands, at first leaving the paper behind on the wall. Then, with a glance back at it, she hurries to snatch it up before approaching the judge.

What does he want to ask her? I glance at Sam, but he just shrugs and redirects his attention to the front.

“Please state your name for the court.”

“Marilee Moffitt. I, um, haven’t had a chance to change it to Carmichael.”

Aw, Lee.

“That’s all right.” Waving her off, the judge leans forward and studies her. “I cannot force you to take the stand, but I do have some questions for you if you wouldn’t mind answering them.”

“Oh, um. Of course.” She’s standing at a slight angle below the judge, so I can see her profile. Her fingers crinkle the paper.

The judge seems to notice too. “Is that paper relevant to today’s proceedings? You seem particularly attached to it.” And that’s when I notice it—a shift in his demeanor. His voice is soft and pliable, almost fatherly.

I want to laugh. Without meaning to, Marilee’s cast her spell over him, the same way she does most everyone she meets.

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