Page 94 of Choosing Skyler

Chapter 34

Skyler

The judge listens as the two attorneys argue their case for their respective clients. Timothy was right, Sable Simmons is a shark in the courtroom. Brady sits stiff, facing forward. We came in and sat straight down beside Ms. Simmons before the hearing started.

My curiosity gets the better of me and my gaze travels across the courtroom to look at Eric, Brady’s father. He appears to be shorter than Brady. He’s wearing a dark green collared shirt tucked into khaki slacks around his round belly. I can see that his hair is a lighter blond than Brady’s, even with the buzz cut he wears. From the pictures I saw that we packed up last night, I know that Jillian had rich chestnut brown hair. Brady’s falls somewhere in the middle.

As if he can sense my gaze, Eric’s head turns, and he looks me in the eye. While his are the same shape and color, his eyes don’t hold any of the warmth that I see in Brady’s. Eric’s eyes are hard and cold. He winks and smirks at me, sending an ice-cold shiver down my spine. I snap my gaze forward and lean into Brady.

His arm goes around my shoulder. When he turns his head to look at Eric, he tenses at the cold stare I saw, and a growl vibrates in Brady’s chest. I put my hand on his thigh and squeeze to keep him in his seat. His arm tightens around my shoulder, and he leans over to kiss my temple.

The judge address Eric’s attorney. “Is there anything else you’d like to add before I hear from the petitioner and respondent directly?”

Eric’s attorney stands. “Yes, Your Honor. We’d like to address the matter of the life insurance…”

“No,” the judge cuts him off. “There is no matter of the life insurance. I’ve already dismissed that petition and I don’t appreciate you wasting the court’s time by bringing it up,” he states firmly.

“I’m sorry, Your Honor. That’s all then,” the short, balding man states, looking chagrined.

The judge looks at Eric. “Mr. Hargrove. What are your intentions for the property should your petition be granted?"

Eric stands. “I’m her husband. The law states I’m the sole beneficiary since there are no minor children. Why does it matter what I do with it?” he bellows.

The judge slams his gavel on the podium. “I suggest you watch the tone and volume of your voice in my courtroom. You are only her husband because she died before her divorce filing could be heard. The inheritance law does not automatically supersede a last will and testament. Which is why you are here, where that decision rests with me and the court. It matters because you are asking me to negate the dying wish of the original property owner whom you’ve had zero contact with for the past eighteen years. I refuse to make that decision without knowing your intentions for the property.”

“I don’t know,” Eric states, throwing his hands up in frustration. “I haven’t seen the inside of the house. I may live in it, or I may put it on the market to sell. I haven’t decided.”

The judge nods and faces Brady. “Mr. Hargrove. What are your intentions for the property should Mrs. Hargrove’s will be upheld?”

Brady releases my shoulder and stands. I notice his hands are trembling, and I can feel his panic starting from where I sit. I stand beside him and take his hand, lacing our fingers and squeezing to ground him. He relaxes slightly at the contact.

“Your Honor, that property is myhome. It’s the only home I remember. Eric Hargrove may share my last name and DNA but that is where our familial ties end. As he stated, he’s never stepped foot inside that house and if my mom’s wishes are granted, he never will. I have no plans to sell it or lease it to anyone else. It will continue to be my home. I plan to raise my own family there just as my mom raised me there.” Brady lets out a heavy breath, gripping my hand.

“Thank you for your candid answer. You may all be seated.” Once we’re seated, he continues. “While in some cases I would take time to deliberate on my answer, that is not necessary in this case. I’ve reviewed all the documentation provided and heard from both parties, confirming the decision I was leaning toward. This court dismisses the petition of Eric Hargrove to take ownership of the estate of Jillian Hargrove. All estate and personal property will be transferred to the son of the deceased, Brady Hargrove.

“Since this was the last issue to be resolved in the probate of the estate, all ownership documents will be forwarded to the office of Sable Simmons, Estate Attorney. Thank you all for your presence and cooperation today. Hearing adjourned,” he states, hitting the podium with his gavel.

Brady wraps an arm around my shoulders as we stand and make our way outside with Ms. Simmons right behind us. We stop at a bench between the courthouse and the parking lot and Ms. Simmons turns to Brady with a wide smile.

“Congratulations, Brady. I knew you being here would make all the difference,” she says.

“Thank you,” he chokes out, his voice heavy with emotion.

“You’ll need to come into the office to sign the ownership documents and I’ll file everything for you. I also received the paperwork for the investment portfolio to be transferred to you. So, we can take care of everything while you’re in town. When are you headed back to Tennessee?” she asks.

“Um… I’m not sure. Our flight is scheduled for tomorrow, but it can be changed,” he says before turning to me. “What do you think? Want to spend a few more days here before heading back to Thorngrove?”

I nod excitedly. “Yes! Classes don’t start for two more weeks. I’d love to spend more time here with you.”

He turns back to Ms. Simmons. “I guess we’ll be here for the rest of the week at least. How long will it take for you to receive everything for the estate?”

“They usually mail the documents the next day, but I have a contact in the courthouse processing department. I’ll pick everything up this afternoon to avoid waiting any longer. I’m in the office tomorrow. I have client meetings scheduled starting at nine, but if you can come in at eight, I’ll meet you early to get everything taken care of.”

“We can do that. I also want to file the paperwork for my own will if you have time to get it together before then. If anything were to happen to me, I don’t want Eric to be able to get anything,” he tells her seriously.

“Do you have a beneficiary to leave it to?” she asks, eyeing me warily.

“Yes. I’d want everything to go to Devon Mitchell and Skyler Jennings equally,” he says, making me gasp.

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