Page 103 of Second Start: Family
They’d talk more, but they were okay, the two of them. Him and Kenzie. And with the two of them straight, the kids would be okay. They had to be.
“Hall.”
“Yeah,” he told his lawyer. He gave himself another second of looking at Kenzie, then he faced the judge.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
“What did Hall say?” Bexley asked from beside Kenzie.
Kenzie didn’t answer, still absorbing his words. Even more, what he let show in his eyes.
Right there, in front of everybody.
“I got that his kids are lucky to have you love them — which they are — but that last part … What was that?”
To her own surprise, Kenzie answered. “He said he hopes it’s more than his kids that I’m falling in love with.” She smiled. A smile with only happiness in it. In what felt like the longest time. “And it is.”
*
The judge hushed a couple voices from those assembled, refocusing attention on the witness — if that’s what he was called for this supposedly informal session.
The guy from back east was never going to be Hall Quick’s favorite. Not considering how he’d treated Kenzie, making her prove she wasn’t something he damned well knew she wasn’t.
So, no, he wasn’t as enthusiastic about the guy’s testimony as Eric clearly was.
Naomi’s lawyer asked a few questions, but with the headmaster emphasizing about any child being fortunate to have a relationship with Kenzie, they didn’t elicit anything the opposing lawyer wanted to hear.
“Any more questions for this witness?”
“No, Judge.”
“Mr. Larkin?”
“No, Judge.”
“Anything further from either of you?”
Their “No, Judge” came out in a ragged duet.
“Then I suggest you remain where you are for a moment, sir,” she said to the headmaster. “I have made my decision. Daniel Quick is fortunate to have adults in his life who care passionately about his future. Although I would have hoped they could have resolved their differences before clogging up my court schedule.”
She divided a glare between the two sides.
“My finding is that Daniel Quick shall remain in the sole custody and care of his father, Hall Quick.”
Naomi released a softno.
The judge ignored her, leaning forward slightly to address Hall.
“I’m going to have a word with Daniel myself, then I hope you’ll all go home and talk. Now that you’re done fighting this issue, I hope and expect you will carefully think through your decision if Daniel is offered the scholarship.”
“Yes, ma’am. I will.” He turned to Naomi — a little jerkily, but his voice was normal when he said, “I won’t stop you seeing the kids. You’re welcome to come when you want.”
*
Out in the hall, most of the others were all together when he and Eric reached them. He saw Kenzie first. She and Bodie faced each other, exchanging quiet words.
He left Eric to field the questions and congratulations, heading directly toward her.
