Page 60 of Echoes of a Southern Song

I grab my bag and follow them out to Aggie’s car. Jack opens the door for me, his hand brushing mine for a split second. It’s ridiculous how much that tiny gesture calms me. My nerves are buzzing like live wires, but his presence grounds me. There’s no way I could do any of this without him.

We don’t talk much on the way to the courthouse. Jack drums his fingers lightly on his knee, probably working out a rhythm for some song in his head, though I can’t imagine how his brain has space for music right now.

I just breathe. Try to breathe. The courthouse isn’t even that big—just a small building with white columns and a flat roof, tucked in near the center of town. But it might as well be a monster the way my stomach churns when we pull into the lot.

Jack steps out first, straightening his jacket before opening my door. He offers his hand again. I take it without thinking, letting his fingers wrap around mine.

“You okay?” he asks.

I nod, but it’s not totally true. My heart’s hammering, and my palms are already sweating. But I’m here. And I’m not alone.

Aggie marches ahead, not bothering to look back. We trail after her. She’s my protector. She’s ready to go to battle for me. We pass through security without any issues. My attorney is waiting for me. After a two-minute conversation we go into the courtroom. The room is small. There’s no dramatic jury box, no imposing benches—just a judge’s seat, two tables, and some chairs.

Jack slides into the seat beside me and takes my hand again without a word. “You got this,” he whispers, leaning close enough that his breath tickles my cheek.

I want to believe him.

I don’t say anything. I can’t. If I open my mouth, I might throw up, cry, or both.

“You’re gonna do great,” Jack says softly, leaning in just enough for his breath to brush my ear.

The door creaks open, and a clerk steps out with a clipboard. Mr. Langley looks at me. This is the part where I have to let go of him. I move to sit at the table next to my attorney. Jack and Aggie are sitting directly behind me.

I hear the door open behind me. I don’t turn around. I don’t have to.

It’s him.

Sam looks clean-cut, like always. Crisp suit, confident posture, a smug little smile like he’s already won. He catches my eye, lifts one brow in challenge. He thinks he’s already won. And now I know what he was after the whole time... and it wasn’t me.

It was the land.

His attorney finally made the demand to my attorney. It was a last-minute attempt to get me to settle before court. Not happening. The asshole isn’t going to get the land. Not to mention, it’s not mine. I’ll inherit one day, but it’s not mine right now.

Don’t let him get in your head, I remind myself. He’s an asshole. I have a good guy sitting right behind me. A guy who would never use me for anything. I know Jack cares about me.

The judge introduces himself—Judge Walker. He seems kind, soft-spoken. Middle-aged, gray hair, no-nonsense vibe but not intimidating. He explains that this is family court, not a criminal trial. There won’t be a jury. He’ll be hearing everything himself and will make a decision after both sides present their case.

That should make me feel better.

It doesn’t.

Mr. Langley stands, buttoning his jacket smoothly. “Your Honor, we’d like to begin by calling our first witness—Ms. Agatha Greenfield.”

Aggie stands from the bench behind me and walks confidently to the front. I glance back at Jack. He gives me a subtle nod and a tiny smile. I think it’s meant to be reassuring. I’m not sure if it works. I feel like there’s a butterfly disco party in my belly.

Aggie takes the stand and is sworn in. Her voice is clear and steady.

“Ms. Greenfield, can you tell the court how you know my client?”

“She’s my niece,” Aggie says.

“And were you aware of her marriage to Mr. Sam Crawford?”

“Only recently. I met Sam a few times, but I wasn’t aware he dr—” She stops herself. “I wasn’t aware the two had got married.”

“Did you have any thoughts about Mr. Crawford at the time?” Mr. Langley asks.

Brace yourself.