Page 241 of Redeemed

The door to the judge’s office opens, and he beckons us in. Stepping inside feels like moving through a fever dream. Him and Colton have a short conversation, and the judge has us stand near his desk facing each other. Colton takes my hands in his, and a sense of dizziness washes over me.

My trust for Colton has grown slowly since we renegotiated our deal. It was without my permission at first, but then I let myself fall into it. Intohim.I wanted to be close to him again. Not just because of the protection he offers, but because I never truly stopped loving him. It’s why everything he did hurt so much.

And it’s why every gentle touch, every kiss, and every thoughtful gesture means so much to me.

I want him. I want all three boys.

I realize the judge is saying something, and when he finishes, Colton grimly says, “I do.” He reaches into his pocket and slides something onto my left ring finger.

Oh my god.

The silver band fits perfectly, and I stare at the shiny, round diamond in the center, surrounded by three smaller ones on each side. It’s beautiful in an almost understated way, which suits me perfectly.

This entire time, I’ve been staring at Colton’s chest, unable to look at him. As the judge starts up again, I meet Colton’s eyes in shock. His mournful expression mirrors what I’m feeling inside, and it breaks my heart.

This isn’t how this was supposed to go.

The judge finishes speaking. I didn’t make out a single word that came out of his mouth, but I know what he said regardless.

Unable to bear the look in Colton’s eyes, I drop my gaze back to his chest. “I…”

I want to scream. I want to tell Colton how unfair this is, but I know it’s unfair to him, too. I want to ask if I’m stupid for trusting him, but I can’t. I can’t because I want to trust him. Ineedto trust him.

“Haven,” Colton says softly.

I close me eyes. “I do.”

And then Colton kisses me. It’s not the first time he’s done so, but the way he moves his lips against mine feels like a new beginning. It pulls me out of my thoughts and back to the sparsely decorated room we’re in, and I grab at his arms to steady myself.

“See?” he whispers as he nudges my nose with his. “That wasn’t too bad, was it?”

I can’t say anything. I want to run from him, but at the same time, I want to bury my face in his chest and sob while he holds me.

“Just need you both to sign this,” the judge says.

With an arm around my waist, Colton turns us to the desk. He signs the certificate first. When he gives me the pen, I sign my name with a shaking hand.

“Thank you,” Colton tells the judge.

My eyes burn as he leads me out of the courthouse. The click of my heels against the tile fades from my mind because all I can focus on is the ring. I trace my fingers over it, memorizing how it feels.

It’s temporary. I know that. This isn’t how either of us wanted to get married. Whatever reason Colton has for this, it won’t last, and he’ll divorce me the moment it’s convenient.

That hurts more than it should.

Once we’re in the car, Colton drives off in silence. He doesn’t speed, which is a first for him, I think. I move my hand, watching the way the light dances off the diamonds. I think this is the prettiest thing I’ve ever had. Colton did a really good job picking it out.

I inhale sharply, my hand dropping.He picked it out. He got the dress. He filed the application.

Whatever trust I had in Colton falls away, and anger rises in its place.

“You okay?” he asks.

“You knew you were going to do this.”

“What makes you think that?”

“The ring. You already had the ring.” I turn to face him, my words burning with fury. “How long have you had it for, you asshole? How long have you kept this from me? This ismy life,Colton. You can’t just—”

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