“Court is adjourned.”
The sound echoed through the courtroom.
For a moment, no one moved.
Then Tonya stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor.
“This is ridiculous,” she hissed at Richard. “We’re appealing.”
“Tonya.”
“We’re appealing!” She grabbed her purse and stormed toward the exit, Richard hurrying after her.
I watched them go, my vision still blurred with tears.
It’s over.
It’s actually over.
“Congratulations,” Anthony said, standing and extending his hand to Gabriel. “Though I have to say, your wife’s testimony was the turning point. Unconventional, but effective.”
Gabriel shook his hand, his expression still stunned. “Thank you. For everything.”
Anthony turned to me, his mouth quirking slightly. “Mrs. Lyon, that was quite a performance.”
“I wasn’t performing,” I said, my voice shaking. “I was just... I couldn’t stop talking and—”
“I know.” His expression softened. “That’s why it worked. The judge saw exactly what I needed her to see: that you love that little girl. Genuinely. Completely.”
He picked up his briefcase. “Enjoy your family, Dr. Lyon. You’ve earned it.”
He walked away, leaving us standing there.
Gabriel turned to me.
His eyes were bright, suspiciously bright, and his jaw was tight.
“Gabriel.”
He pulled me into his arms so suddenly that I gasped.
His face buried in my hair, his grip almost painful.
“We won,” he said, his voice rough. “We get to keep her.”
“We get to keep her,” I repeated, my own tears starting again.
We get to keep Megan.
We get to stay a family.
From the gallery, I heard Fitz’s voice: “HELL YES!”
Followed immediately by Hayden: “Fitz, we’re still in a courtroom.”
“I don’t care. WE WON!”
Despite everything, I felt myself laugh.
