Your Tempting Love (The Bennett Family 5)

"We'll do great," he says in a confident voice, offering me a reassuring smile. I cannot muster the energy to return it.

I glance up at Hervis, who is whispering something to his lawyer. Alan and Christopher did some background research on Hervis. Turns out he grew up in a children's home for the first years of his life, then went from foster family to foster family, suffering abuse in many households.

I have found some sympathy for him, imagining he chose this job so other children don't have to endure what he did. It's commendable, really, but since he's fighting against me today, an almost maniacal wish to throttle him drowns that sympathy.

Once the judge, Carina Williams is here and everything begins, my mind all but shuts off, experiencing everything as if in a dream, only hearing snippets. When Hervis is asked why he’s adamant that I shouldn’t be in charge of the children, I wish I could shut off my ears altogether. Unfortunately, I can’t, so I hear him talk for what seems like an eternity, bringing up every item on his blacklist: losing my job shortly after my parents passed away, using the life insurance to purchase a house, refusing to find another job but instead working on my own and subjecting the children to the risks of an uncertain income.

"And then there was the matter of her previous employer's lawsuit against her," Hervis continues.

Alan springs to his feet. "Your Honor, I have represented Ms. Hensley in that matter. The previous employer dropped the lawsuit. I have personally explained to Mr. Jackson all the details, and why Ms. Hensley was absolutely not at fault. I can reiterate all the facts right now if necessary."

"That won't be necessary," the judge says.

Hervis's lawyer speaks up. "Even so, it's proof Ms. Hensley is prone to run-ins with the law."

Alan's nostrils flare. "So are speeding tickets. Would you hold those against her too?"

Hervis's lawyer shakes his head, but not in defeat. Instead, he's confident. Next, Hervis brings up Christopher, insisting that the mere fact I've allowed him in our life proves I can’t decide what’s best for the minors, and that the car accident is irrefutable proof. By the time he's done, he almost convinces me that I'm not good enough for the kids.

I look at the judge most of the time, trying to gauge the impact Hervis's words have on her, but Ms. Williams has the best poker face I have ever encountered. Her expression remains stoic. Under the table, I clench and unclench my hands so often that my nails have carved dents into my palms.

When I'm asked to speak, my spine stiffens, but I clear my throat and square my shoulders, gathering my wits. "When my parents passed away, everything changed. I admit I was not prepared for all the responsibility, and the start was rocky. I had no experience raising kids, but I'm a quick learner. I'm not afraid of hard work or ashamed to ask anyone for advice—teachers, therapists, or anyone who has more experience than I do. They are my family, and I'm willing to do anything to make sure they will grow up to be responsible, well-adjusted adults. Don't take them away from me, please."

The judge nods, clasping her hands together on the table. Afterward, it's Alan's show.

"Your Honor," Alan says, exuding confidence and competence, "I would like to shed some light on Ms. Hensley's financial situation. While it is true that she was fired from her previous job, her employer cited as reasons the fact that Ms. Hensley became less flexible and had to cut back on the hours she worked, frequently arriving late and leaving early. Of course, it's illegal to fire someone for suddenly having a family, so the employer's report leaves out that the reason for Ms. Hensley's apparently sudden disrespect for the company schedule was because she needed to drop off and pick up her younger siblings from school. I have two small kids myself. Frankly, they are the reason I started my own law firm because I could no longer abide by the draconian schedule of my employer."

"There is no need to bring in personal examples, Mr. Smith," the judge says firmly, but not unkindly. Still, my heart stutters. She did not interrupt Hervis once. This can't be a good sign.

"Of course. Back to Ms. Hensley. I would like to submit her financial records for your consideration, showing her income in the months since she was fired. It is stable and can provide a comfortable living for the children in her care. This was possible because Ms. Hensley acted quickly after her parents passed away, immediately assessing that she would not be able to afford the mortgage, thus selling that house and buying one that was affordable using the life insurance. I understand that cashing in the life insurance is sometimes done for the guardian's benefit—and I applaud social services for investigating the matter—but in this case, it was clearly for the welfare of the children."

The judge doesn’t say anything, her face as blank as ever.

"On the subject of their welfare, we have obtained written statements from the children's teachers and educators. All of them praise the children's academic performance and involvement in extracurricular activities, insisting Ms. Hensley has always shown an active interest in her siblings' development. We also have a statement from the children's therapist. She affirms that the children coped with their grief in an age-appropriate way, and that Ms. Hensley's actions indicate she has the best interest of the children at heart, putting their needs above hers. As an example, Ms. Hensley called the therapist before engaging in a romantic relationship with Christopher Bennett, wanting to make sure it would not hurt the children emotionally. I would also like to emphasize that Ms. Hensley took the children to a therapist of her own initiative, hoping it would help them in dealing with their grief."

Alan pauses, taking a sip of water from the glass in front of him. I had no idea someone could speak so fast for so long. After placing his glass back on the table, he continues.

"On the subject of Christopher Bennett, I will first shed light on the subject of the car accident. As the police report states, the other driver was at fault, running a red light and slamming into Mr. Bennett's car. Furthermore, we obtained statements from the nurses and other personnel who were in the ER waiting room. They all attest that Mr. Bennett was very affectionate with Chloe when they arrived, constantly reassuring her and attempting to cheer her up."

My heart swells at this, as if I've just hugged a kitten to my chest. This is my Christopher. Oh, how I wish he could be here right now. Alan flat-out said no, for obvious reasons. But obtaining all these statements in two days would have been im

possible without Christopher's help.

"He was in no way a danger to the girl, quite the contrary. He only became unnerved when Mr. Hervis Jackson began launching accusations at him without first listening to a full explanation from either Ms. Hensley, Mr. Bennett, or Chloe. The personnel have used words such as ‘unfair’ and ‘aggressive in his questioning’ to describe Mr. Jackson. You can read their complete declarations in the written statements. There is also a written statement from Mr. Bennett."

Afterward, the judge retires behind closed doors to assess our case, and Alan tries to encourage me, insisting the case is rock solid. Despite his assurances, I bite my nails like a madwoman. I don't know how much time passes before we're told the judge is ready for us.

"I have considered all that has been said in the courtroom and the written statements from the defending party. On that note, I’m surprised the accusing party did not present any such statements—interviews, reports or declarations from third parties who would support the claims."

Hervis's lawyer speaks up. "Your Honor, Mr. Hervis Jackson has extensive experience when it comes to such cases."

"Experience can lead to a subjective interpretation of observations, which is why third-party statements are welcome. Frankly, I'm dismayed you have not interviewed teachers or any of the personnel present at the hospital." Hervis flinches. The judge's tone is as neutral as ever, but hope blooms in my chest. She isn’t done. "The concerns you mentioned could have been put to rest with thorough investigations." She directs her gaze to Alan and me next. "I commend the defending party for doing such extensive work to paint a full picture of the family situation, especially in such a short time. The written statement from Mr. Bennett was very heartfelt, and considering the third-party references and statements, truthful. As such, I am convinced that Victoria Hensley should retain full custody of her siblings."

It takes a few seconds for her words to sink in, and when they do, I barely restrain myself from leaping from my chair and hugging the judge and Alan. Euphoria flows through my veins, filling me with an infectious energy, and apparently turning me deaf. The judge is still talking, but I don't hear one word. All I can think about is leaving this room and sharing the news with my siblings, and with Christopher.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Victoria