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Crud. I was hoping he’d just rip off the bandage. I feel myself shaking. Garrett must feel it too, because his arm wraps around my shoulder. I lean into him as the judge continues, “I’ve done my best to put myself in both your shoes.” He looks at the Konigs first, then me. “It’s not going to seem fair, no matter how I rule today, but I had to go with my gut on this one. My gut and the words my grandfather used to say. He said, ‘Family is our most treasured heirloom.’ I believe that sentiment, but I also believe that sometimes family can be represented by things that are handed down from generation to generation. Especially when there are no more family members to cherish.”
Is he saying what I think he’s saying? Garrett squeezes my shoulder.
“With that said, I’ve decided to rule in favor of the plaintiff. I order the Konigs to return the necklace to Ms. Lucy Locket no later than three o’clock today.”
“This is outrageous.” Hazel Konig is now standing with her fist in the air. “I’ll call the governor. He’s a dear friend.”
The judge bangs his gavel. “One more outburst, Mrs. Konig, and I’ll hold you in contempt.”
“I’ll appeal,” she shouts.
“It’s within your right to appeal. After you hand over the locket.”
“You bastard,” she shouts again. “That necklace was a generous gift from my beloved.”
Her beloved? Generous? I distinctly remember her calling him cheap with bad taste. I’m not convinced she even likes the thing. I do. And while the appraisal, as part of the proceedings, stated the locket wasn’t worth millions, it’s priceless to me.
“That’s it.” The judge bangs his gavel. He looks to his left. “Bailiff, please take Mrs. Konig into custody.”
Hazel growls. “You wouldn’t.”
“I just did, Mrs. Konig. I just did.”
Epilogue
“Welcome home.”
I smile at the small group, our closest friends, that have gathered in our home to welcome our baby home. Molly is in the front holding onto my sweet girl Blue’s collar so she doesn’t knock me down in her excitement. Garrett’s parents are behind her, along with Becky, Garrett’s new partner, and her wife. It’s Garrett’s home, but I moved in right before our wedding. Since then, we’ve conquered the kitchen renovation, but everything else was put on hold due to the trial and the pregnancy.
I gaze at our precious bundle and whisper, “Welcome home, Olivia.” I kiss her sweet, rosy cheek. We named her Olivia Maeve, after my grandmother, but she looks nothing like the Lockets. At least not yet. She’s all Whelan.
“Let me take her for you. You must be exhausted.” Garrett’s mom is the sweetest thing in the entire world. The second she heard about me, she wanted to meet me. Then, when Garrett told them about the baby, they bought a condo in Oak Park so they can visit whenever they want. I don’t mind. Family means everything to me. And since his folks are sweet and kind, like my own grandparents, I’m grateful they’re in our lives and now in the life of our daughter.
As for the necklace, the Konigs tried to appeal the case, but they lost that bid, thank goodness. Having the necklace back has been a blessing and a relief. I wore it on our wedding day, then put it into a safety deposit box the next. I’ve got to keep it safe since I plan to pass it down to my daughter someday. It’s what my grandparents would have wanted.
My business is booming as well. The best thing I ever did was talk to Kip Konrad that day. The outpouring of support from the public was amazing. I started booking work left and right after it aired. Then, after we won in court, Kip had me back in a sit-down interview on live television. Goodness, that was terrifying, but I was able to show everyone the locket and tell them about its history. I also plugged my event-planning business, just a tiny bit. Once again, business picked up like crazy, so much so I had to hire two full-time people just to keep up.
Molly is still my right-hand woman, but school is her priority, not event planning, and I get it. She needs to find her own niche. Something that makes her happy. At least I can give her a good job while she’s working on that.
I feel an arm wrap around my back and then a soft kiss on my forehead. “How you feeling? You want to lie down? You’re probably exhausted, honey.”
I look up at my husband. “Nah, I’m good.”
I’m more than good. I’m lucky. So very, very lucky.
* * *
Thank you for reading Lucy Locket! If you enjoyed this book, check out one of my others. Like DadBod
?????????? Kayt Miller never disappoints! Every book she writes has a wonderful story with fabulous characters, and DadBod is no different. It is emotional and smart, and heartwarming in all the right ways. Amazon Review
Romeo "Rome" James is a single father in need of a nanny. He's got the perfect person in mind, the thing is, all he's done since he met Elizabeth Duncan is picture her in his home, in his bed. Now he's got the chance for at least one of those things. Will he be able to see her there and not want to more?
Doubtful.
Very doubtful.
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