Chapter 23
Flora held on tight to Q’s hand as they stood outside the courtroom. She’d been asked to testify. There wasn’t a jury, so it was just in front of the judge. She was afraid, though. This would be the first time she was seeing anyone from the community.
A part of her worried that she would end up back with them. She never wanted to end up back in the community. She and Q were planning on getting married. Their life was great, and she was happy. Still, worry ate at her.
The door opened and her name was called.
Since she didn’t have a last name, she’d called Henley, asking her if she could use her last name.
So hearing the name Flora McClure gave her pride.
She knew her name would change after she married Q, but still she took pride being connected to a strong woman who had helped her realize her potential.
She stepped into the courtroom, and Q stepped in behind her, taking a seat in the row behind the state’s attorney. She held her head high as she moved to the place where she would sit. The state’s attorney had gone over everything, even telling her what court would look like.
She didn’t look at her father at all. Her stomach cramped, and her heart hammered like she was doing a workout with Q. That was one thing he’d gotten her into, working out. Not that she could keep up, but she enjoyed doing something that had been strictly prohibited by the leaders of the community.
The breathing exercises Henley taught her were helping, but the stress of being on the stand with her father only ten feet from her was overwhelming.
She looked beyond the desk with the attorneys to Q.
Just a smile from him comforted her. He winked and gave her a look that told her he believed in her.
Q would protect her. He wouldn’t let anything happen.
The state’s attorney stood and came around the desk, and Flora drew in a deep breath.
She could handle the questions, and she could handle being here.
Q made her stronger. He loved her and helped her become the person she was meant to be.
Together, they could get through anything.