Our proof was all circumstantial, just as the opposition’s had been. The product wasn’t patentable. In the end, it would be up to the judge to decide.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Val

Ten days passed before a decision was reached. I was in my office when Carter burst inside, holding the papers.

“The judge ruled in your favor. They have to pay all your representation fees, plus a hefty fine for defaming you with that article.”

I read every word at least five times until it sunk in, and then I jumped into Carter’s arms. He laughed, holding me tight.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” I muttered, surprised when he walked backward, still holding me.

“What are you doing?” I whispered. When he glanced down at me with that smoldering gaze, I had my answer. A delicious tremor ran through me. A sizzle followed as Carter closed the door, then brought his mouth over mine. Oh, God, this kiss.

After pulling back a notch, he drew his thumb over my upper lip, then my lower one. His eyes held the same warmth and emotion they’d held in the courtroom ten days ago.

“You’ve been fantastic throughout all this,” he said.

“Me? You did everything.” We hadn’t spoken about the trial once it was over, because I hadn’t wanted to drive myself crazy trying to guess which way the judge would decide. Carter drew me closer to him, the hand at my back sliding almost down to my ass. “You looked ready to rip off the opposing counsel’s head. But... I have some insider information, so I know there’s more than a ruthless lawyer to you.”

“How do you want to celebrate?”

“Well... I’m going to treat my entire company to lunch tomorrow, and maybe I can get all the Connors together today for an early dinner?”

“Sounds good to me.”

I knew everyone was waiting with bated breath to hear from me, so I started making phone calls right away.

Twenty minutes later, we had a plan. Carter went to pick up the girls from school and met me at the restaurant, which was half-empty when I arrived. Two waiters pushed several tables together to form a long one. My sisters arrived first, and they pulled me into a Connor sandwich hug as soon as they saw me. My brothers arrived soon after.

Everyone came with their better halves and the kids, so we were a huge group, but I did like to celebrate in style. Carter arrived last with Peyton and April.

April grinned at me, giving me a thumbs-up, and Peyton ran straight into my arms.

“Carter explained that the bad guys didn’t win. So you won’t be worried anymore?” she asked.

“No, pumpkin, I won’t.”

She planted a wet kiss on my cheek. I ruffled her curls.