The judge kept speaking. “As we speak, sheriff’s deputies are collecting evidence, and we will find whoever tried to exert undue influence over this court. And they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Moore directed his stare at Grant and Hotchkiss as he spoke, and my shoulders eased a fraction. But even as they did, my blood began to heat. This prick thought he could buy the ruling he wanted, just like he’d bought everything else in his life. His family solved every problem by throwing money or power at it. But I had a feeling that would come to an end today.

I grinned at Grant, knowing my smile was just a bit feral. His gaze narrowed at me, the purplish-green bruise around his eye making the action look ridiculous. For the first time in his life, Grant Abbot was going to hear the word no.

“I’m ready to make my ruling.”

“Your Honor,” Hotchkiss began. “Given these new developments, should we consider postponing the ruling?”

“No,” Judge Moore stated with finality. “Unless you are calling into question my ability to be objective. Are you calling that into question, Mr. Hotchkiss?”

“No, of course not, Your Honor.”

“Good. Then let’s get this over with. I’m about done with this whole farce.”

I fought to hold in my chuckle but could hear a quiet snort from Bell’s direction directly behind me. Apparently, Judge Moore was done with the Abbots and all of their bullshit.

Moore clasped his hands and set them on his desk. “On the validity of Harriet Abbot’s last will and testament, I find with the defendant. The will holds.” Grant looked about ready to throttle the judge. “If it were up to me, I would have you and your parents stripped of the inheritance you are getting. But I don’t have that kind of authority. What I am ruling is that you will cover all of Crosby McCoy’s legal fees.”

Judge Moore turned to face me. “Mr. McCoy, please submit your billable hours to the court and Mr. Hotchkiss by the end of the week.”

“Yes, Your Honor.”

“Court is adjourned.”

With a snap of the gavel, it was all over. I pushed to my feet, turning to see Kenna enveloped in hug after hug. I stood back with a smile, watching the woman who meant everything to me be surrounded by love and support. And now, she could keep her home, her safe place, as well.

As the final well-wisher released Kenna, she turned to me. I rounded the small wooden fence that separated the courtroom and pulled her into my arms. I didn’t care that we hadn’t sorted things between us, I needed to hold her. “It’s yours, Brown Eyes. No one can ever take it away.”