Chapter 56
Chapter fifty-six
Kate
Haddie Carmichael takes the stand like she’s been preparing for this moment her entire life.
She smooths her skirt, crosses her ankles, and grins at the judge with the confidence of a woman who has absolutely nothing to lose and five thousand Facebook followers to impress.
“Mrs. Carmichael,” my lawyer begins carefully, “you are the administrator of the Cedar Falls Happenings Facebook group, correct?”
“Indeed, I am,” she says, beaming. “Two thousand members right here in town and three thousand honorary ones from nearby counties. Everyone’s aunt follows us. And their exes. And their exes’ cousins. It’s a thriving community.”
A few chuckles ripple through the room.
“And you’ve brought…evidence?”
“Honey,” Haddie says, patting the manila envelope, “I brought the good stuff.”
When the projector warms up, photo after photo fills the screen.
Cam and I at Gordy’s laughing over beers.
Cam laughing with Evie on the T-ball field.
Me leaning into him outside Cedar Perk. Him fixing the porch light while I watched from the steps.
Cam looking at me like I’m the only thing in the world at the book drive months ago.
A photo of us kissing at The Driftwood, and a shot capturing our wedding.
Kinsey must have taken it, given the vantage point.
I’m looking at the Judge in the picture, but Cam is looking at me like I hung the moon.
Timestamped. Documented. Story after story in still images.
I hadn’t realized anyone was watching. I hadn’t realized how many moments had been visible—how our quiet shifts toward each other had been seen by half the town.
My eyes sting. It should feel invasive, but instead it makes my heart swell.
“As you can see, Your Honor,” Haddie says brightly, “this relationship didn’t appear overnight. We’ve all watched it unfold naturally, like a Hallmark movie but with a hotter male lead.” The gallery laughs as she winks at Cam. “Cedar Falls knows what real love looks like. And this? Oh, this is it.”
Cam takes my hand under the table. When I look at him, his expression softens—proud, hopeful, fierce in that quiet way he saves just for me.
The judge clears his throat and leans back. “While this is…unconventional, the court will accept the exhibits.”
As the lights flick back on and Haddie struts from the stand like she just won an award, a hum of relief spreads through the room.
That same relief pours over me as well. What Daniel’s lawyer thought would be his secret weapon turned into a love story on a projector screen.