Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 60978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
“Sleep well, lil’ Liza,” he murmured against my lips before reluctantly releasing me.
I stepped inside my apartment, wrapping my arms around myself as I pressed my back against the closed door. My body still hummed with the aftereffects of our lovemaking. Despite the late hour, I felt more awake, more alive than I had in years, as if parts of me long dormant had reawakened under Cash’s touch.
I found Pippa sitting in the armchair beside Lily’s bed, reading by the soft glow of her phone. She looked up as I entered, a knowing smile spreading across her face.
“All good?” she asked quietly, rising from the chair.
I nodded, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks. “Thank you. For everything. Everyone here has been so good to me.”
Pippa squeezed my hand gently. “Any time. She didn’t stir once.” She paused at the door, her expression softening. “I’m happy for you, Eliza. You deserve this.”
After she left, I stood in Lily’s doorway, watching my daughter sleep. Her face was peaceful, one hand curled around Mr. Flopsy’s worn ear, the other still clutching Spots the giraffe.
I checked the nightlight, adjusted her blanket, and pressed a light kiss to her forehead before retreating to my own room. As I prepared for bed, my mind drifted back to Cash, to the belonging I’d felt in his arms. I knew better than to believe everything would be perfect from here on out. Life taught me better too many times. For the first time in longer than I could remember, I allowed myself to hope for something better than mere survival.
I climbed into bed and shut out my light. The soft glow of Lily’s nightlight as it filtered through her bedroom door and through my own, gave me an added sense of security, knowing I could easily get to my daughter if she needed me. Cash had given me this. Kiss of Death had made sure my every need was met.
As sleep closed in around me, I whispered words of gratitude into the darkness, grateful for the unexpected turn in my life and for the people who’d shown me kindness. And for the flicker of hope now burning bright within me. Thanks to all these people, I knew I’d be ready to face whatever tomorrow brought my way. And I wanted to face it with Cash.
Chapter Fifteen
Cash
The courthouse hallway stretched out before us, all polished marble and echoing footsteps. I kept my hand at the small of Eliza’s back, feeling the tension in her body as we stood waiting. Her pale face had a determined look. Beside us, Lana looked every inch the legal warrior in her tailored charcoal suit, her briefcase held casually at her side.
I squeezed Eliza’s shoulder gently. “We’ve got this.”
I felt Eliza take a deep breath, straightening her spine as if physically armoring herself for battle. The past had worn her down but never broken her. My chest swelled with pride and something deeper growing stronger every day we spent together.
I pulled open the heavy courtroom door, holding it for Eliza and Lana to enter first. My gaze immediately went to the opposing table, expecting to see Ms. Winters with her superior smile.
Instead, a single man in a dark suit sat there, shuffling papers. The State’s Attorney, whose name I couldn’t recall. I recognized him from previous hearings. No sign of Ms. Winters anywhere.
“Where is she?” Eliza whispered, her eyes darting around the courtroom.
Lana frowned slightly, her stride faltering for only a moment before she guided us toward our table. “Don’t pay attention to that side of the room, Eliza. Keep your focus on me or the judge.”
We settled into our seats. I kept my hand on Eliza’s knee, squeezing gently.
We stood as Judge Whitmore entered, her hair perfectly styled, her black robes flowing around her as she took her seat at the bench. Her face gave away nothing as she settled in, nodding to the bailiff.
“Be seated,” she instructed, opening the folder before her. “Department of Children’s Services versus Eliza Jans regarding custody of minor child Lily Jans.”
Lana stood smoothly. “Lana Thompson for the respondent, Your Honor.”
The State’s Attorney rose as well. “Gregory Martin for the State, Your Honor.”
Judge Whitmore looked between them, then glanced at her paperwork again. “I don’t see Ms. Winters from DCS present. Mr. Martin, will you be presenting the State’s case alone today?”
Martin cleared his throat, straightening his tie with one finger. “Your Honor, if it pleases the court, the State wishes to make a statement regarding this case.”
Judge Whitmore’s eyebrows rose slightly. “By all means, Mr. Martin. Proceed.”
I felt Eliza stiffen beside me, her hand finding mine under the desk and gripping hard enough to hurt. I squeezed back, trying to pour strength into her through the simple contact.
“Your Honor,” Martin began, his voice carrying clearly in the hushed courtroom, “after thorough review of all evidence and medical documentation, the State moves to dismiss all allegations against Ms. Jans with prejudice.” He paused, seemingly gathering himself. “Furthermore, the Department of Children’s Services extends sincere apologies to Ms. Jans for distress caused to her and her daughter by the State during this investigation.”