My mouth fell open. “You bet on whether I’d have sex with Crosby?”
Bell shook her head. “No, we both thought you’d eventually at least hate-bang each other. We bet on when. I had by the end of the year.”
Caelyn pouted. “I thought it would take a little longer. Your restraint is legendary. Dang it, now I’m out twenty bucks.”
“You’re both assholes. I think it’s time for me to put an ad out for some new friends.”
Bell and Caelyn both pounced, wrapping me in one of those group hugs we hadn’t had in far too long. I let out an exaggerated groan, but really, I loved it.
“Suck it up, buttercup. You’re stuck with us.” Bell grabbed my side in an especially ticklish spot.
Caelyn squeezed me even harder. “Just try and get rid of us.”
“I could always file a restraining order.”
Bell pulled back slightly. “Nah. I’ve got Sheriff Raines in my back pocket. He’d never let it go through.”
A throat cleared from the doorway, and I looked up to see Ford with an amused smile on his face. “As adorable as this is, we have to get going if we don’t want to be late. I’m guessing being late when you’re called to testify wouldn’t be a good thing.”
All the warmth that had filled me fled in an instant. It was time. There was no avoiding Grant any longer. A small shudder ran through me at the memory of his rage in the parking lot. His threats.
“You’re stronger than they’ll ever be,” Bell whispered in my ear.
Caelyn slipped her hand into mine. “And you’re not alone.”
I pressed my lips together and nodded. “Let’s do this.”
The car and ferry rides seemed to take forever. Not even the sea breeze and the presence of the people I trusted most seemed to ease me. I tugged at a loose thread on my clutch as I climbed out of Ford’s SUV, twisting the string so tightly it finally popped off. I stilled my movements. No. I couldn’t give any sign that Grant or these proceedings had any effect on me. If I gave the Abbots that, they’d only push harder. And I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction.
I took a slow, deep breath, picturing ice sliding through my veins as I did. Cool, calm, collected. They would get no reaction from me.
Bell came up next to me. “Ready?”
“I’m ready.”
“She’s got the scary face on. She’s definitely ready,” Caelyn piped up.
Ford grinned at the three of us. “I wouldn’t want to mess with you.”
My cheeks itched to smile, but I quickly pushed the feeling down. I looked up at the brick building. It was quaint, with a nod to times of the past. I’d always thought it was beautiful, but now, it terrified me. I wouldn’t let that show. I climbed the stone steps, one at a time, my friends beside me. I caught sight of Crosby as soon as I entered the main hallway.
He crossed to me quickly, weaving around people waiting to be let into various rooms. Crosby grabbed my arms, and I could see the war in him. He wanted to kiss me but knew it was a bad idea, given the circumstances. His gaze traveled over my face, taking inventory. He scowled. “I hate the ice mask.”
I blinked in surprise. But surprise shouldn’t have even been in my vocabulary when it came to Crosby anymore. “I need it. I have to block him out.”
Crosby’s hand slipped to the small of my back. “I get it. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.” The growl in his words had me fighting a smile. “Oh, it’s funny, is it?”
“Maybe a little.” I took a deep breath. “What should I expect?” Crosby had been over what was about to happen more than once over the past few days, but I needed to make sure there were no surprises.
“The judge will hear initial arguments from both parties. There are no juries in probate cases, so it will just be the judge making the ruling.”
I gave a small nod. “The judge we got, what do you think?”
Crosby came to a stop outside a courtroom. “He’s tough but fair. Judge Moore is on the conservative side, so he might lean in the Abbots’ favor, but he has no tolerance for drama. If Grant or his lawyer pushes him or acts out, he’ll slap them down.”
I silently wished for Grant to lose it. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d pitched a fit when he didn’t get his way.