“Mr. Steele, would you please tell the court your full name and where you were born.”
“I am Walter David Steele. I was born in Beaumont, Texas, fifty-seven years ago. I have no claim to the Steele Ranch, sha. I’m sorry.”
Ashley addressed Ethel, and in a confident tone said, “Your honor, in light of Mr. Steele’s admission that he is not Walter Leon Steele, I ask that this case be dismissed.”
“Granted. Because of the plaintiff’s own testimony, this case is dismissed.” Ethel pounded her gavel.
Ashley turned around.
Jennifer was the first to get to her, wrapping her arms around Ashley. “You did it. Thank you. Thank you.”
Phoebe shook hands with the opposing counsel and then moved to congratulate Ashley. “Ash, you blew me away. You were wonderful.”
“I’m just glad we won.” Her smile was so beautiful to behold.
“I’ve seen more seasoned lawyers crack under lesser cross examinations, but you held your own with Mr. Steele.” Sylas kissed her on the cheek. “How does it feel to have won your first case, sweetheart?”
“I really did win it, didn’t I?”
Nic pulled her in tight. “You shore did.”
Chapter Nineteen
Enjoying another wonderful meal at the Colorado Skies Steakhouse, Ashley sat between Nic and Sylas in the private room Jennifer had reserved for the crowd. And what a crowd it was.
Jena and her two husbands, Matt and Sean, were to their left. The O’Learys sat to their right. Across from them were Phoebe and her three husbands, Jason, Mitchell, and Lucas. And rounding out the group were Jennifer and Erin, each sitting at opposite ends of the table.
Brett and Adam, who she’d seen on the date with Nic and Sylas, walked in with the champagne Jennifer had ordered.
“Jennifer, this is too much.” Phoebe shook her head. “Five bottles of Dom Pérignon?”
Jennifer laughed. “To start with. This is a celebration. I also ordered a bottle of sparkling apple juice for you, Phoebe.”
The entire town was thrilled with the news about the Wolfe’s twins. Keeping secrets in Destiny was difficult, but she was glad that Phoebe still hadn’t found out about her surprise baby shower.
Adam filled their glasses.
Jennifer stood. “A toast to the amazing work of Phoebe and her team. I want to especially thank Jena for all the work she did and Ashley, Destiny’s newest lawyer, for getting the imposter to confess on the stand. You saved Bill’s and my ranch. I will be forever grateful. Please raise your glasses with me.”
“Here. Here,” they all said in unison, and took a sip of the delicious beverage.
Sam stood. “A toast to the expectant parents. All of us in this room can’t wait to meet your twins.”
“Don’t rush it, Sam.” Phoebe smiled. “I still have a wedding dress I need to fit into next week.”
Everyone laughed.
Sam grinned. “To your babies.” He lifted his glass.
“Here. Here.”
Patrick tapped his knife to his glass. “Before you sit, I’d like to give a toast as well.” He turned to Ethel.
The love in his eyes for his wife warmed Ashley’s heart.
“Sweetheart, I have to say you sure looked sexy in your judge’s robes today.”
“Patrick Michael O’Leary, can you be serious?” Ethel grinned.