Your marriage. Not our marriage. The phrasing shouldn't bother me, but it does.
"People find ways to challenge what they want badly enough." I move to the window, staring out at the snow-covered mountains. "That land has been in developer sights for years."
Judith comes up behind me, arms wrapping around my waist, cheek resting against my back. "They can't take what's yours."
The possessive statement warms something in my chest. I cover her hands with mine, allowing myself to lean into her embrace. "We should get ready. Meeting Silas at the courthouse at eleven."
"Already packed your good shirt." She presses a kiss between my shoulder blades before stepping back. "The blue one that makes your eyes look like murder weapons."
I turn, raising an eyebrow. "Murder weapons?"
"Sierra's description when I sent her a photo from the tree lighting." A faint blush colors her cheeks. "She said your eyes could kill a woman at twenty paces, and she'd thank you for it."
I pull her against me, enjoying the way her body fits perfectly against mine. "Been sending photos to your friend?"
"Just a few." Her hands rest on my chest, fingers playing with a button on my henley. "She wanted proof I hadn't been kidnapped by a serial killer."
"And?"
"And I might have mentioned that while you weren't a killer, you were definitely serial in other, more enjoyable ways."
The confession brings a growl from deep in my chest. "Sharing our private life?"
"Just girl talk." Her eyes widen innocently, though the effect is ruined by the mischievous curve of her lips. "Problem?"
"Depends what details you shared." I thread my fingers through her curls, tipping her head back slightly. "Some things are just for us."
"Like what you whisper in my ear when you're inside me?" Her voice drops, eyes darkening. "Or how many times you can make me come before you finally let yourself?"
"Judith." Warning and desire mix in my tone.
"Don't worry, mountain man." She rises on tiptoe, brushing her lips against mine. "Some secrets I keep just for me."
I deepen the kiss, unable to resist. What started as teasing quickly turns heated, her body melting against mine, soft sounds escaping her throat. I could take her right here on my desk, courthouse appointment be damned.
With reluctance, I pull back. "We need to go."
She nods, lips swollen, eyes glazed. "Later?"
"Count on it."
The drive to town passes quickly, filled with comfortable conversation about everything except what looms over us. Marc's impending arrival. The December 26th deadline. The uncertain future beyond.
Silas waits outside the courthouse, Jordyn at his side bouncing their infant daughter against her shoulder. The sight brings an unexpected pang. A family. Something I've never seriously considered for myself.
Until now.
"Wallace." Silas extends his hand. "Judith. Good to see you both."
"Pleasure's mine." I shake his hand, noting the concern behind his professional demeanor.
"How's our case look?" Judith asks, getting straight to business.
"Strong. All paperwork is in order. The hearing is just a formality." Silas adjusts his tie. "However, there's been a development."
The hairs on the back of my neck rise. "What kind of development?"
"The county attorney received an anonymous tip suggesting your marriage might be... arranged. For the purpose of circumventing the inheritance clause."
