Chapter 27
Maverick
I glance over at Sydney and Bree for the tenth time in as many minutes. I wanted to cancel the baseball practice after everything happened with Rob, but Sydney wouldn’t let me.
She’s finished with letting Rob affect her life or the kids. She said canceling the practice would upset Danny and she wasn’t allowing Rob that type of power in their lives ever again.
At first when she said she wanted to get married as soon as possible, I was hesitant.
I didn’t want her jumping into our relationship as some sort of retaliation towards Rob.
But when she explained how she didn’t need to be scared of us failing because we love each other and she never had that with Rob, I couldn’t help but understand where she was coming from.
“That’s a great pitch, Danny! Make sure you follow through all the way!” I call as I head towards Sydney.
I was outside when I saw Rob pull up to the house and as much as I wanted to stop him from entering, I knew if I waited to see what he’d do, there was a good chance he’d screw up.
I feel guilty for leaving Sydney alone with Rob, but I was standing right outside the door.
She was in no real danger, but I still feel terrible about it.
As soon as we had a second to breathe, I told her how I was listening the entire time and I didn’t leave her alone to deal with Rob. I want her to know she’s never alone in anything, I’ll always be there for her.
She thanked me and told me she’s happy I didn’t come in or make my presence known. Rob’s hurtful words somehow healed her heart and mind. They gave her this sense of peace over their marriage ending and gave her more confidence in our relationship.
Even though I wasn’t in the room with her, I called Colt and told him what was going on. He called Peck and said they’d both be on their way.
As soon as I heard the lamp crash to the ground, I moved close enough that I could see them. I was happy to stay hidden, until he lifted his hand to her.
Colt said we’ll have to come down to the station to give statements, but he said to take our time. No matter what, Judge Jefferson wouldn’t touch this until Monday morning.
“How are my girls?” I grin as I get over to Sydney and Bree.
“Good!” Bree bounces on her toes. She loves being at the baseball field and watching her brother play.
“We’re happy watching our guys.” Sydney smiles up at me.
It’s crazy to see her so happy and at peace after what happened this morning. I really thought she’d be a tense mess, but it’s like a weight has been lifted off of her shoulders and every stressor in her life is gone.
“Nice swing, Jeremy! I want to see that every time!” I call before turning back to them. “You make me so happy, Syd. I can’t wait to make you my wife.”
When Monday morning rolls around, Colt knocks on my door bright and early. I rub the sleep from my eyes and try to focus on what he’s telling me.
“We have to go to the courthouse? For what?”
“Judge Jefferson wants to talk to you and Sydney about what happened before he sees Rob. He knows Rob’s going to lie and say whatever he needs to so he gets in less trouble.”
“Ok… We have to get the kids-”
“Peck will be here in five minutes to get them ready for school. I'm taking you and Sydney in my car.”
It takes us twenty minutes to get up and ready before we’re climbing into the back of Colt’s SUV.
I'm thankful he doesn’t have his squad car because I really wouldn’t want to be locked in the back.
I have no doubt rumors would spread through the town if I was in the backseat of the sheriff’s car and Sydney was in the front.
I don’t need someone thinking I did something to hurt her too.
As soon as we get to the courthouse, we’re ushered into Judge Jefferson’s chambers. He greets us with a smile and gets right to work.
“Sydney, could you please tell me what happened on Saturday? I want to know every detail.”
He listens intently to her story before asking me to do the same. When we’re finished, he nods his head and thinks it over.
“I would like to issue both of you and the children restraining orders, but I need you to officially request them with Colt. I’ll make it so that he can’t go within three hundred feet of your home, either of your businesses, or the school.”
“I think that would be a good idea, thank you.” Sydney nods her head.
“If he breaks the restraining order, he will go to prison. Are you willing to be in the courtroom while I talk to him this morning and sign the restraining orders?”
Sydney looks to me and I nod my head. I think it’s important for us both to be there. Rob needs to know he can’t mess with us.
We’re led into the court room and almost fifteen minutes later, Colt appears in his sheriff’s uniform and he’s leading Rob towards the front of the room. He’s handcuffed and I'm sure that has everything to do with Sydney and making her feel safe.
As soon as Judge Jefferson enters the room, he asks Rob to take the stand. Rob happily supplies his side of the story and tries to make himself sound innocent in all of this.
“Mr. Pearson… I'm granting Sydney, Maverick, and the children a restraining order. If you contact them in any way, you’ll be arrested and if you try to ruin either of their businesses, I’ll consider it a violation of your restraining order and count it as defamation of character. Do you understand me?”
“Yes.” Rob’s jaw clenches as he grinds out the word.
“If you go within three hundred feet from their home, either of their businesses, or the children’s school, you’ll be arrested.”
“That means I can't go to any shops in town!” Rob protests.
“I guess you should’ve thought of that before you tried to assault your ex-wife.
You’ll just have to go to another town to go grocery shopping.
” Judge Jefferson shrugs. “Or sell the house you wanted so desperately. Either way, you owe Sydney three hundred thousand dollars for her half of the house in the next… eighty-seven days. I’ve also noted in your file the threats you’ve made towards Sydney and the children.
Those won't be ignored if you end up in my courtroom again. Do you understand me?”
“Yes,” Rob growls again. He looks like he’s seconds away from losing it on Judge Jefferson. I kind of wonder if that’s the judge’s hope.
“Also, considering you haven’t had any contact with your children in over six months and there is a restraining order against you, I'm granting Ms. Pecker full custody of the children with no visitation rights for you. It’s up to Ms. Pecker if she’d like to receive child support from you.”
The judge turns his attention to Sydney. She glances my way and silently asks what I think.
“We don’t need his money, sweetheart. I’d like to adopt the kids once we get married anyway.”
“I don’t want it. I’d like to speak to you after this is finished though, Judge Jefferson,” Sydney speaks up.
“Very well. I’m finished with Mr. Pearson. Colt, please release him outside of the courthouse while I talk to Sydney.” As soon as Rob has exited the room, Jefferson motions for Sydney to approach the stand.
They have a quiet conversation that has a smile spreading across both of their faces. Sydney turns back towards me and waves me over.
I stand slowly, never taking my eyes off of her. I'm not sure what she’s up to, but I'm not sure I care if she keeps smiling like that.
“How do you feel about getting married right here, right now?” She nibbles on her bottom lip, clearly unsure of how I'm going to respond.
“You want a courthouse wedding?” I arch a brow.
“I just want to be married to you. I don’t care about anything else. We can celebrate with the kids and our friends and family later.”
“Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Yes… I was also thinking maybe we could fill out whatever paperwork we need for you to adopt the kids today. I’d like to get it all finalized as soon as possible, if you’re sure you want to adopt them.”
“I’ve never wanted anything more.”