Page 61 of Hers to Hold
It didn’t take long for the judge to award him sole custody of Chastity. After hugging his lawyer, he interlaced his fingers with Kady’s and the three of them walked out of the courtroom together.
“I thought you weren’t going to make it,” Wes said.
Kady squeezed his hand with both of hers. “I was able to catch an earlier flight. Came straight from the airport.”
“How was the interview?”
“Good. Typical.” She kept her gaze forward.
“You sabotaged it.”
“Why would I do that?”
“Because you want to stay with me. A man who’s honest, caring, and kind.” His brows quirked.
She laughed. “Don’t make me take it back.”
“You said you weren’t having any luck because of Yates.”
“I did think he might’ve whispered in a few ears that I was unmanageable, but every HR director I’ve spoken to said there just isn’t enough work to go around in this little town. Besides, I’ve seen an uptick in my blog performance and I’m not hurting for freelance work. I think I’ll work for myself for change.”
“Kady that sounds incredible. We should celebrate! Pick up Chastity from school and go to an early dinner and movie. You too, Ms. Holiday.”
Wes’s attorney laughed lightly. “I appreciate it, but I’d have to bill you for my time. You all enjoy yourselves and let me know when I can be of service again.”
Wes shook her hand. “Thank you. You don’t know what this means to me…to have my daughter.”
“I can only imagine. My assistant will send you all the final paperwork. Have a good evening.”
Wes and Kady slowly descended the steps of the courthouse, still linked. “Have I thanked you for your testimony, Ms. Martin?”
“You haven’t, Mr. Solo.”
They reached his truck and he pulled her into his embrace before pinning her against the truck. He took her lips in a slow, deep kiss. “Thank you.”
She giggled. “People are watching.”
“Oh, so I embarrass you?”
She playfully slapped his arm. “You know you don’t.” Then she cradled his face in her hands. “I’m proud of you, Mr. Wesley Solo. You’re an amazing man and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t thank God I met you.”
“You came to town with an agenda and now you’re staying with a family.”
He saw the smile in her dark eyes. “I’ve been blessed, that’s for sure.”
“We both have. But I think I’m getting a better deal.” He kissed the tip of her cool nose. The fall weather was chilly, indicating the coming of a colder-than-normal winter. But after today’s ruling, it might as well have been spring; a fresh, new life for him and his daughter.
“How you figure?”
“You’ve been amazing with Chastity. Teaching her about journalism and helping with her writing and book reports.”
Kady snorted. “Your daughter doesn’t need any help, trust me. She’s a genius.”
“Don’t know where she gets it from.”
“From you, silly.” She pressed her lips to his. “They way you manage Drew’s companies now that he’s a congressman. You’re brilliant.”
Confidence boosted, he stole a quick kiss before his lips parted into a semi-permanent grin.
