Chapter 17

River

the mock trial here at Storm's Cabin. Jack and his wife Sage are here, Storm's mom and stepdad, Phoenix and his wife Jenna, and Axel and his wife Emelie.

"Okay,” Jack says. “These questions aren't going to be easy or nice. George here is going to act like the opposing attorney, and he's going to do everything we can think of to prove you an unfit mother. Our job today is to have you ready with a response to everything. I won't be objecting like I normally would. I will allow him to go further down the rabbit hole than I would in court. This is simply to prepare you. Ready?"

We have the dining room chairs and living room set up as best we can, like a courtroom. I am sitting at the witness stand on the kitchen island.

Taking a deep breath, I try to steady my nerves. Then, placing a hand on my belly, I think to myself, this is all for my son. I will do anything to protect him.

The room falls silent as George stands up, clearing his throat before addressing me. "Mrs. Owens, can you explain how you met your late husband?"

"We went to school together and met in class."

"During this time, is it true you lived with foster parents?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"My parents were addicts, so I was removed from their home and placed in foster care."

"Do you have any contact with your parents now?"

"No."

"How can we be sure they won't pop into your life and drag you down the addiction path?"

"Because they are dead." I deadpan him, and he nods, taking a deep breath, looking at his notebook before starting his next line of questions.

"As a single mother, Mrs. Owens, how do you plan to provide for your child?" George asks, twisting his pen around his fingers.

"I have savings, money from the military, a life insurance policy from my husband, and I am currently looking for a job."

"So in the meantime, you are mooching off your friends. Don't you think it's unfair to burden your friends with the responsibility of supporting your child?"

"I don't see it as a burden. They are happy to offer their support and love for my child."

George scribbles something down on his notepad before looking up again. "And what about your personal life? As a single parent, how do you plan on balancing your responsibilities with the desire for companionship?"

"Right now, I am fully focused on being the best mother I can be for my son. If the right person comes along, I'll consider it, but my main priority is this child."

"Hmm, that's all well and good, but don't you think you're depriving your child of a father figure in his or her life?"

"He will have that in Storm, who can tell him all about his father. He will have that in Axel and Cole, who can't wait to show him how to hunt and live off the land. He will have that in Phoenix and Bennett, who will teach him how to protect himself, and in Cash, who will teach him to take care of others. I couldn't imagine better father figures for my child."

"Good answer, but you just revealed the gender, so be careful," Jack says.

"Here, make sure you are drinking water," Storm places some water on the counter next to me.

George continues to fire questions at me, but I respond calmly and confidently. It's not easy, but I know that this mock trial is helping me prepare for the real thing. I'll do whatever it takes to keep custody of my child.

As George finishes his questions, I breathe deeply, trying to relax my tense shoulders.

When I look at Jack, I see the concern etched on his face. "How do you think you did?" he asks me.

"I think I handled it as well as I could have," I reply with a small smile. "But it just shows how much work I still have to do."

"That's true," he admits. "But don't worry. We'll make sure you're ready for anything that comes your way."

Jack, Storm, and George take over the dining room table with notes and start talking about the case. I don't think I can take much more talk of all this, so I head over to where the girls are huddled around Jenna and her laptop.

"What are you girls doing?" I ask.

"Jenna is showing us some of the photos she took out by the river. After she edits them, she sells them in Jack's shop," Sage says, making room for me to sit and join them.

When I sit, Jenna turns her laptop towards us, revealing some of the most beautiful nature shots I've ever seen. My eyes are drawn to one in particular - another photo of the river. It's so peaceful and serene, with the sun setting behind it and casting warm, golden light across the water.

"That's amazing, Jenna," I tell her. "You have such an eye for photography."

"Thanks, River," she replies, a smile spreading across her face.

"Do you sell these online?" I ask.

"No, just prints at Jack's store," she shrugs.

"You could set up a website and offer these designs on things like canvas blankets and even sell them as stock photos. The website is super easy to set up," I say.

When I look up from the computer, all the girls are staring at me.

"What?" I ask.

"Do you know how to do all that?" Jenna asks.

"Yeah, I took computer classes in school, and I like messing around in my free time. Though I don't have a degree or anything." I brush it off.

"Do you think you can set one up for me so I can see what you're talking about? How long would that take?" Jenna asks.

"Yeah, I can do it in two or three days, depending on what is going on."

"Why don't we have a girl's night then at my place, and we can check it out and work on some of our quilts and talk baby stuff?" Emelie says.

"I'd like that. I've never been part of a girl's night before. Should I bring some food?"

"Bring whatever you are craving," Emelie smiles.

As we discuss the details of our upcoming girl's night, I feel myself relaxing. It's a welcome distraction from the stress of the mock trial and the looming custody battle. Every now and then, I can feel eyes on me, and when I look up, I find Storm watching me. Since he's already brought me more water and a snack, it's like he's making sure I don't need anything else.

Later that evening, after everyone has gone home, I find myself staring at that photo of the river again. Something about it draws me in - maybe it's the way the water seems to flow effortlessly or the warm glow of the sun as it sets behind the trees.

Grabbing a sweatshirt, I step out on the front porch, Shadow right at might side. I close my eyes and breathe deeply, letting the calmness of nature wash over me. Moments like this remind me why I'm fighting so hard for my son - so he can experience this same peace and beauty.

Storm joins me on the porch, wrapping a blanket around me.

"You, okay?" he asks, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

"Yeah, just needed some fresh air," I reply, leaning into him and resting my head on his shoulder as we both watch the stars twinkle in the sky.

"You're doing a great job with the mock trial," he says, rubbing my arm soothingly and holding me to his side.

"Thanks, it's just overwhelming sometimes."

"I know," he replies softly. "But you're not alone in this. I'm here for you every step of the way."

I turn to look at him, his dark hair tousled by the wind, his blue eyes kind and understanding. In that moment, I realize how much he means to me. I couldn't imagine going through all this alone.

"Thank you," I whisper, feeling tears prick my eyes.

"Always," he replies, his hand gentle on my cheek. Then he leans down and presses his lips to mine, a soft kiss full of tenderness and care.

I melt into him, forgetting about everything else for that moment. His arms wrap around me, holding me close as our lips move together in perfect harmony. I've never felt so safe and supported in my life, and I know in my heart that Storm is the one I want to be with. Despite our challenges, I know he'll always be there for me and my son.

As we pull away from each other, I savor the look of love in Storm's eyes. "I think we should make this a regular thing. Coming out here and enjoying some fresh air and the calm of nature," I say, leaning back into him.

"I couldn't agree more. I think this porch would be perfect for a porch swing over there. What do you think?" he asks, his voice full of warmth and joy.

"I've always wanted a porch swing."

"I'll make it happen." He kisses the top of my head.

Later that night, as we are getting ready for bed, I'm in my room, realizing it's been a few nights since I slept in here. I'm gathering pajamas to change into when mine and Jason's wedding photo on my dresser catches my eye.

As I look at the photo of us on our wedding day, I can't help but feel a pang of sadness. We were so young and full of hope back then. Our whole lives ahead of us. But things didn't turn out the way we'd planned.

I never anticipated a life where he wasn't in it. His dying the way he did wasn't even on my radar. It was something that happened to other people, but not us. Now here I am, pregnant with his baby, but living and sleeping with his best friend. What a horrible wife I am.

I can't stare at this photo day in and day out when I'm falling for another man.

And that's just it. I'm falling for Storm, and my feelings for him are already so much stronger than what I felt with Jason, it scares me.

Taking one more look at the wedding photo, I tuck it in the dresser drawer. Because I know it can't last forever, I want to enjoy this time with Storm.