Chapter 7 - The Ledger in the LedgerWith Evelyn Vance’s sworn video deposition secured on a flash drive, we drove westward toward Nashville on Sunday afternoon.
We checked into a quiet motel on the outskirts of the city to prepare for Monday morning’s hearing. While Lily slept and Pete reviewed court motions in his room, Jade and I sat on the balcony of our room, watching the sunset cast golden light over the Nashville skyline.
The evening air was cool, carrying the faint scent of rain.
“I was terrified when my father died,” Jade confessed softly, resting her elbows on the balcony railing. “He was the anchor for Lily and me. When Marcus started pressing us, I felt like the whole world was closing in.”
I stepped closer to her, leaning against the railing. “Your father knew what he was doing when he wrote my name on that paper, Jade. He knew you were strong, but he also knew everybody needs a back-up generator when the power goes out.”
Jade turned to face me. In the twilight glow, her dark eyes were luminous, soft, and entirely open.
“You’re more than a back-up generator, Owen,” she whispered, leaning closer. “You’re the first person in nine years who made me feel like I don't have to fight every battle alone.”
I raised my hand, gently brushing a stray strand of dark hair from her face. She leaned into my touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a brief second before opening to lock onto mine.
Slowly, tenderly, I leaned down and kissed her.
The kiss was sweet, warm, and filled with the quiet promise of protection. When she pulled back slightly, her breath caught, a beautiful, radiant smile lighting up her face.
May you like
“We win tomorrow,” she said softly.
“We win tomorrow,” I agreed.
