Chapter 24
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
The next day in court proved to be a different experience. Connor now understood why Sabre Security had Raleigh Stevens on retainer.
The tension that had clung to the walls yesterday had vanished, replaced with a buzz of anticipation and quiet confidence. The courtroom felt lighter somehow, the air charged with support rather than accusation.
As soon as they entered the courtroom, Connor grinned. Every seat was filled with friends and family, and even a few people he’d never met. Vivi was there in a bright red cardigan, surrounded by Hutch, Reid, and the rest of his Sabre brothers. Ivy was there, as well.
The sight tightened his chest with more emotions than he could name. Pride. Relief. Gratitude. And so many more, all wrapped into one big, roaring wave that made him want to sweep Bliss up and hold her forever.
All the Musketiaras, sparkling crowns on their heads, gathered in the front row, clapping and cheering as they made their way to the table. Bliss was every shade of pink he’d ever known, but she wore a bright smile on her face, and she stood tall.
“Psst.” Georgia waved them over. “We all voted last week, and we were going out to celebrate this coming weekend. But after all the shi”—a whistle interrupted her, and Hutch glared her way—"right, I mean, after all the horse hockey that went on yesterday, we wanted you to have it now.”
Connor chuckled under his breath, loving the way their Little tradition brought light to the heaviness of the courtroom. Bliss’s eyes sparkled as she leaned over, curious and excited. Leaning over the wooden bar between them, she accepted the pale pink box from Georgia.
All the other girls crowded closer. Bliss stared down at the box and asked, “What is it?”
“Open it and see,” Winnie said. “Hurry up!”
Connor felt his heart tug as he watched her carefully lift the lid, her fingers trembling slightly, the tiniest hint of anticipation lighting her entire body.
“Okay, okay, hold your horses,” Bliss said, opening the top and pulling back the tissue paper. She gasped, and her entire body stilled. “Oh my gosh! Are you sure?”
Breezy clapped her hands. “Of course, we’re sure. The vote was unanimous. Let’s see you try it on.”
Bliss handed the box to Connor and carefully pulled out a sparkling tiara. Turning to face him, she held it out, beaming with joy. “Can you put it on me, Daddy?”
There was his babygirl. He would have to thank Reid and the rest of the guys for bringing their Littles. “Of course, babygirl. Hold still.” He performed the coronation, and another round of claps and cheers echoed through the courtroom.
Her eyes shone brighter than the tiara, and for a moment, everything else disappeared. In a whisper, she asked, “Do you think they’ll be mad if I don’t wear it during the hearing? I’m afraid the judge won’t understand.”
“They won’t mind, Trouble. They’re here because they are on your team.” She needed to understand that she was surrounded by people who had her back, who believed in her, who would cheer her every step of the way.
She nodded, turning to thank all the girls, laughing and chatting until the judge entered the court. Connor kept his hand lightly on her back to remind her that, no matter what came next, he was right there.
Raleigh leaned over and grabbed Bliss’s hand. “I know yesterday was hard, but I promise, today is going to be very different.”
Connor hoped he was right. His Little girl had a lot to lose if this went south. He stopped worrying when Raleigh called his first witness.
“We’d like to call Mrs. Diana Bartram to the stand.”
Once sworn in, Mrs. Bartram explained, “Your Honor, I’m afraid this case has been a waste of the court’s time.
You see, Rochelle Talon has been placed on administrative leave pending a review of all her cases.
We’ve discovered she did not follow the guidelines and procedures required by the Department of Child Safety in regard to screening allegations, categorizing alleged violations, and submitting her conclusions for review when it was first appealed.
To be frank, this case should never have made it this far.
After an unbiased review, none of the accusations against Miss Belissa Carpenter were substantiated. ”
Connor felt his chest loosen for the first time in a month. Justice wasn’t always fast, but when it came, it hit like a wave, cleansing and pure.
It took the judge and several threats from Daddies in the courtroom to restore order. Connor allowed himself a small, satisfied smirk. Sometimes, a little intimidation was exactly what the moment called for.
Next, Raleigh called Sandra back to the stand, where she confessed to doctoring the pictures she’d sent in and basically making the entire story up. She claimed she only meant to get Bliss fired, but then everything had snowballed.
Connor knew better. Sandra thought that with Bliss out of the way, he’d turn back to her. That would never have happened. When he’d said goodbye to that woman, he’d meant it.
The judge ruled in Bliss's favor and told her she no longer needed to worry about the Department of Child Safety. Connor’s hands itched to sweep her into an embrace and never let go.
Bliss hugged Raleigh, which Connor grudgingly did not eviscerate his friend for. He watched his girl closely. Bliss could hide things when she wasn’t in Little space. She seemed to be fine, but he wanted to be sure.
Every faint twitch of her lips, every flicker of her eyes, he cataloged, making sure the joy he saw wasn’t hiding any lingering fear. She had endured so much, and he refused to let any shadow touch her today.
He pulled her aside for a private chat. “Babygirl, are you all right? Are the yucky feelings gone?”
She quieted, thinking it over before giving him an answer. “I’m not quite okay yet. I need to ask you something first.”
He braced. Her tone told him she was about to ask something serious. He leaned in slightly, all attention, all presence, ready.
Had she overheard his conversation with Bones the night before?
He’d thought she was asleep, but he hadn’t checked.
She’d be within her rights to ask him to leave.
The only one who knew of their ‘engagement’ was Rochelle Talon, and she was going to be too busy trying to stay out of jail to worry about Bliss.
Whatever she was about to ask, it mattered to her, and that meant it mattered to him. Knowing his girl, it could be anything, he said, “You know I’ll do whatever you need, Trouble. What is it?”
“It’s very, very important, Daddy.”
“Okay, Trouble. Just ask.”
“Okay, hold on.” She reached behind her back and pulled out the pale pink box. “Can you put my crown back on me, please?”
Connor’s lips twitched into a playful grin, though his heart nearly melted at her request. After all she’d been through, she was still his Little girl. All the Musketiaras, who he hadn’t noticed were gathered around, burst out laughing.
He pretended to be angry. “I’m going to tell all your Daddies to roast your rear ends.” Then he focused on Bliss. “But you, I can take care of myself.”
And with that, he lunged for her, catching her in a hug that was equal parts protection, love, and happiness.
Her squeals filled the room, mingling with the laughter of Littles running in every direction.
Connor’s arms tightened around her, steadying her as she wiggled and giggled, her joy uncontained.
Yeah, his babygirl was going to be fine.
More than fine, actually. She was radiant, triumphant, and utterly his. And for the first time in a long while, Connor allowed himself to believe that all the pieces of their messy, beautiful life were finally falling exactly where they were meant to.