Intrigue

The next few days flew by quickly. I was busy with the trial, which I had been back at for a few days. Brent’s season was nearing the end and he was starting to get excited for the playoffs, which were in a matter of weeks.

I spent as much time as I could trying to plan our wedding as well. Suzanne was a life saver, she was organized and working hard at trying to get this wedding together for the last week in June. Invitations had been sent and so far it looked like mostly everyone was able to attend. We were set to go dress shopping today after I got out of court.

Brent and his dad were taking Madison to a museum and Suzanne, Mike and I were going to a bridal shop near the Courthouse. Mike had been excited since this morning that I had invited him to help me pick out a dress. “You have more style that anyone I know dear.” I said and he pretended to walk the runway in the court hall. We were leaving the courthouse. It was wrap-up day for us and we were finished at two o’clock. Closing arguments were set to begin tomorrow and I had promised myself I would prepare all night for it.

We got to the shop and Mike ran around excited pointed out dresses and showing me fabrics. Suzanne was also picking out different dresses and holding them up to me. I finally settled on five and took them into a dressing room.

The first dress I tried on hugged my bottom too much and made it look huge. I didn’t even attempt to leave the dressing room with that one on. The second dress was simple and was floor length. I loved the simplicity of it. When I showed Mike and Suzanne they quickly dismissed it as too boring. The shop owner, who designed all of the dresses laughed. “You are in great shape. You need something to show off your body.”

She brought me a dress. It was a halter style top and had a small train on it. I tried it on and fell in love with it. She paired it with four inch open-toed heels in a beautiful silver. I stood in front of the mirrors and she handed Mike a veil for me to try on. Suzanne’s eyes filled up with tears as he adjusted it. “You look beautiful. I don’t think any further shopping is needed.” She said as she snapped a picture with her cell phone.

We left the store after I got measured for alterations. I started to get a little depressed knowing I didn’t have anyone to give me away. Heck, I didn’t even have anyone to really ask as a maid of honor. Suzanne asked what was the matter and I explained it to her.

“Honey, why don’t you ask Abby, I think one person is sufficient. I’m sure Brent would agree and just have Keith in the wedding.” Mike chimed right in and offered to give me away and even though it was unconventional, I agreed. It would make me feel less awkward that is for sure.

We ended up leaving the store and heading to a French restaurant nearby. Mike stayed and joined us for dinner. He offered to come home with me and help prepare for closing argument. I accepted knowing we had a ton of work to do on it. We ate and rushed back to the house. Once we got there, we worked at the kitchen table. Brent brought Madison to me to say goodnight. I kissed her and gave her a huge hug. “Mum” she babbled and I was in tears. She had made my entire day by that simple word. Mike finally left around midnight. I jumped into the shower and crawled into bed with Brent who was watching tv. “I love you honey.” He said as I cuddled up to him. I feel asleep quickly.

The next morning I was up by five o'clock and in the shower. I heard the door shut and seen his figure behind the steamy glass. He slipped in behind me and kissed my neck. “Good morning baby. Ready for today?” I turned around let his body engulf me.

“Yep, what are you doing up so early?” He grinned at me.

“I’m going today. I have off. Coach let me take off from practice.” He slid inside of me and I wrapped my legs around him. We finished together, breathless, water running down our bodies.

We dressed together quickly. I had taken more time in the shower than I intended and wanted to get in as soon as possible. Brent drove to my office himself, handing me breakfast and coffee for Mike and I. He promised he'd make it to the courthouse before it began.

I went in and Mike was waiting. We worked out last minute details with Alan and then sat down to eat breakfast. By eight thirty, we were walking towards the courthouse. I was so nervous I thought I might puke.

My closing argument lasted twenty-two minutes. It was relatively short and to the point. The defense's lasted longer, closer to an hour. We finished with rebuttal by two o’clock and after jury instructions, they were sent to deliberate. We left the courthouse and went back towards the office. They jury was set to deliberate until five o’clock and reconvene at nine tomorrow morning. Brent had left after my rebuttal.

At five o’clock I left the office knowing the jury was done for the day. I went home and put on threw on a t-shirt and pair of shorts of Brent’s and joined him and Madi on the floor to play. It was such a relief to be through the stressful part of the trial. As much as I liked it, I enjoyed being with my family, much, much more.

Mike was a smart guy and I felt like he was ok to be the lead attorney and I would be better off in a consulting role. I planned on talking to Alan as soon as this verdict came in and Brent and I had already agreed we would start trying to get pregnant the minute we were married, although this morning we had failed to worried about protection and he had thrown away my birth control.

We ate Chinese for dinner and everyone was in a relaxed mode. It was nice to actually sit around and talk and not have to rush to do work after dinner. We put on a movie after dinner, just him, Madi and I. We cuddled up and he had Madi sound asleep within minutes.

He got up and put her into her crib and joined me back on the sofa. We talked for a long time, about the wedding, about me working and about having more kids. It was very calming just to spend time with him. He was my savior in a way.

I hadn’t been happy in a very long time and when I met him, things changed. I had reasons get up in the morning and smile. I felt like I was part of a family again and I knew that would only grow when we had our own children. He was definitely looking forward to having another child. I reminded him that we needed to file the full-permanent custody after all the craziness of the trial and file the adoption papers for me once the wedding happened. Her mother had already signed her papers to relinquish her rights to Madison, so we had no worries.

Notes

:) Happy Brent and Alex :) If you haven't read my story A Second Chance at Love, check it out. I have plenty of chapters posted.