My breath hitches, throat choked with emotion. For a second, I don’t think I’ll ever get air back into my lungs. And then I manage to calm my pounding heart enough to suck in some air.
Maybe I never actually thought I’d see this day. Maybe I wanted to see it so badly I stopped hoping. But here we are.
“I’ve got your back. Whatever you need. Help Karen, help you. Whatever it is.”
He nods. “Glad to hear you say that. I think…I’m gonna need the support. Been a long time living life one way, and I’m not sure it’ll be so easy to change.”
“If there’s anything I have faith in, it’s your ability to do something once you make a decision on it.”
“Yeah…” He looks up and to the sides, as if trying to see some other way out of his mess. “I’d like you to drive me to the place, the rehab. You okay with that?”
A sob wells up in my throat at his vulnerability. I’m too choked to answer verbally, so I just nod. Then I pull my brother in for a hug, and neither one of us lets go.
CHAPTER 32
Fitz
I knowTessa is nervous about her day in court. Standing across the street from the courthouse in one of her pencil skirts and a pink blouse, she looks as beautiful as I’ve ever seen her, smart, tough, and ready to stand up for me and this town.
But I know her. In a year of time spent together, I understand that she carries everyone else’s burdens on her shoulders like they’re her own. She sees no difference between other people’s fights and hers. It’s the most beautiful, generous thing about her, and also the part that puts herself at the back of the line. I’m determined to be one person in her life who puts her first.
The love I feel for her is so palpable that she must feel it, but I don’t want to distract her from focusing on her case, so I’m trying my best to keep my head down and be the support she needs.
Across the street, a crowd has already gathered, but no one is allowed inside the courtroom yet. Gently, I guide Tessa away from the growing fray to where we can have a quiet moment.
“Can I buy you a coffee?” I already know the answer because I know her. Tessa has already had enough coffee to keep her sharp but not so much that she’ll feel jittery.
“No thanks, I?—”
I stop her, placing two fingers gently against her lips. “I know. I just wanted to get you away from all the people.”
“I didn’t expect a full courthouse.”
“This is a big deal to everyone here. Huge deal.”
She nods, and I see the strength and fragility that coexist within her all the time. Fierce advocate for her clients, generous protector of Charlotte—and of me—with a soft side that giggles when she kisses our daughter’s toes and goes to pieces when Dolly blows air through her nose.
The most magical combination.
When I pull her into my arms, she doesn’t ask why and doesn’t resist. I take a few moments to hold her like this, trying to infuse her with support and let her know she’s not in this alone. If I have my way, she’ll never be in it alone.
“No matter how the judge rules, I want you to know how proud I am of you. All the time and effort you put in while you were on maternity leave. And someday, our daughter will understand what a badass her mama is. I can’t wait for that day.”
I feel her smile against my shoulder. “Thank you.”
There’s so much more I want to say to her, but it’s not fair to distract her right before a court case. But I know it in my heart. She’s the only woman I’ll ever love.
“Can we talk later?” I ask.
She pulls back and looks at me. “Sure. Everything okay?”
“Everything is great. Knock ’em dead, Duchess. Are you ready?”
Tessa nods. “I am.” She walks toward the crosswalk. The woman likes her laws and rules. Makes me smile.
CHAPTER 33
Tessa
