Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78340 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78340 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
On the other side of the baby seat, Lucky looked fiercely determined, like he was ready to burn down the world for me. I’d never loved him more than in that moment.
As the car rolled forward, Owen wrapped his little hand around my finger. That told me he was still picking up on my tension, so I started talking to him about whatever came to mind. “Do you like the fancy car, Owen? Abuelito got it to take us to the airport.”
The baby perked up at that and repeated, “Abbo,” which was as close as he got to saying “grandpa” in Spanish.
“That’s right. Abuelito could have just gotten us a bunch of Lyfts, but he likes to travel in style.”
Federico turned and grinned at us. “This is more comfortable, and you can book them ahead. There are three more waiting for us in Los Angeles.” When I thanked him for handling the transportation, he waved his hand and said, “It was the least I could do.”
It was about a twenty minute drive to SFO, since traffic was light in this direction. The drivers took us to a special terminal at the airport, where Federico’s private jet, two pilots, and a crew were waiting for us. My family and I tried to act like we were taking it in stride, but there was no question this was a unique experience for all of us—aside from Lucky and his dad, of course.
I’d never flown before, so this was a lot to process on multiple levels. Instead of letting my nerves get the better of me, I kept my focus on Owen as I let him explore the cabin. It had cushy, tan leather seats, polished wood tables, and even a seating area with a built-in couch and coffee table, so it felt a bit like a high-end living room.
Pretty soon, we all took our seats and got ready for takeoff. Federico had once again made sure a baby seat was provided, and once I got Owen situated I gave him a snack. “I did some research and found out chewing and swallowing is supposed to help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing,” I told Lucky, as he and his dad sat down in two seats that were facing us.
He gave me a sweet smile and said, “You always think of everything.”
Owen fussed a little during takeoff, but it went pretty well overall. The flight itself was barely an hour. Before I knew it, we’d landed and were back in another trio of town cars.
Lucky had reserved a hotel suite close to our destination, to act as a home base and help our day go smoothly. We didn’t anticipate having to spend the night, but we had some down time before we were due in court, and he wanted everyone to be comfortable.
I had a final meeting with my lawyers, and then everyone tried to relax and eat some lunch before heading to the courthouse. I couldn’t manage more than a couple of sips of water because my stomach was in knots, which made Lucky’s brow crease with concern.
Finally, at about one-thirty, our town car convoy pulled up in front of the courthouse. I loved the fact that the Wilsons were outside the building to witness our arrival.
When they caught sight of me, they looked stunned. I held my head high as I carried my son up the stairs. “That’s right, take it all in,” I muttered, as I stared them down. I hoped they noticed my nice suit and the crowd of people accompanying Owen and me.
Lark was right beside me, and he indicated the Wilsons and asked, “Is that them?” When I nodded, he flipped them the bird with both hands and yelled, “You’re gonna lose, assholes!”
I grinned and told him, “God, I love you. I couldn’t do that, but I’m glad you did.”
My brother tilted his chin defiantly and muttered, “They had it coming.”
Our lawyers and three of their assistants were waiting for us at the top of the stairs. Padma offered me some last-minute tips and reminders as we went inside, but there wasn’t much left to say at this point. We’d been over what might happen many times in the weeks leading up to today. All that was left now was just to win our case.
We stood around in a long hallway waiting our turn, and my heart leapt when the doors to the courtroom opened. It felt surreal after all these weeks of discussing, planning, and anticipation. After we were shown into the courtroom, I handed Owen to Lucky, and my boyfriend smiled at me and said, “You have absolutely nothing to worry about.” I tried to draw strength from his confidence.
He stayed in the gallery with my family, while I took a seat at one of two tables in front of the judge’s bench. Padma and Charles sat on either side of me, and the Wilsons took a seat with their attorney at the other table. The fact that their lawyer looked nervous and kept whispering to them was definitely reassuring.