Page 60 of Hers to Hold
“I haven’t told Keke,” Kady said.
Kori grunted and crossed her arms. “Well, I guess not.” Her eyes scanned the men behind Kady. “You’ve told Wes?”
Kady nodded. “It wasn’t how I would’ve wanted it, but I’m grateful he’s chosen to forgive me. I don’t expect it from you, but Iamsorry for keeping it a secret, especially because I was investigating Drew. I hope you can forgive me.” She didn’t dare breathe.
“Of course we forgive you, we’re sisters!” Kat leapt up and hugged Kady. “It’s not your fault our father abandoned you.”
“What irony,” Kori began, “that our father hadanotherdaughter.” She laughed gleefully. “Kady, what you did wasn’t right, but I understand why. Welcome to the family.” She wrapped her arms around Kady.
Kady brushed away tears, her heart overflowing with happiness and love. “Thank you.”
“Oh, my girls.” Mary hugged all three. “I wish I could’ve met your mother, Kady. I think we could’ve supported each other somehow. But I see she raised a strong, beautiful woman. She should be so proud.”
“Thank you, Mary.”
“You can call me ‘Mom,’ if you ever need to. I’m here for you.”
Chastity darted over. “Why are you crying?”
Mary pulled Chastity into the hug. “Because we’re happy, dear!”
“Are you staying, Kady?”
Kady hugged Chastity close to her heart. “Forever, if I can help it.”
“If you ladies are ready, there are a few stragglers outside. Ready to open up?” Olivia asked, her hand on the locking mechanism.
Kat rubbed her hands together. “Time to sell some cake!”
Chapter 24
Wes clasped his hands over his bouncing legs.
The judge’s bench loomed large on its elevated platform. The leather chair sat empty. To its right, the witness chair. The air in the courtroom was frosty, but it iced over the second he saw the judge enter the room.
Everyone rose.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Solo,” Wes’s lawyer began, “Ms. Jennings is late. That’s not going to work in her favor.”
“But isn’t that—”
“Judge Piro. Yes, that’s her.”
“She’s the one wedidn’twant.”
His lawyer frowned. “Well…”
“She’s going to look at my mental health history—”
“She’ll look at your service record and how you stepped up to take care of your daughter when Ms. Jennings skipped town. And your doctor has signed off on you raising your daughter alone. He said you’ve made tremendous progress these last few months. That’s what we’re going to focus on, okay?”
Wes stared helplessly at his lawyer before Judge Piro called her to make a statement. Although Caroline was late, the judge insisted the court proceedings continue after reading about Wes’s mental health. She had… ‘concerns.’
“Your honor,” Ms. Holiday addressed the court before winking at Wes, “I would like to call a character witness for my client, Ms. Kadynce Martin.”
Wes’s head snapped to see Kady walking up the center aisle. She swore on the Bible and took a seat in the witness chair.
“Your honor, I’d like to speak on behalf of Mr. Solo.” She smiled at Wes. He returned a wink. “Since Ms. Jennings abruptly left town, I’ve seen Mr. Solo be nothing more than a loving, generous father to his daughter. She’s surrounded by strong, confident women business leaders who are fantastic role models. Chastity is doing well in school, loves to fly kites, and is all-around great kid. And that’s a credit to her father, a man who’s been present. A stable figure in her life, who is honest and caring and kind.”
