CHAPTER NINE

The judge leans against the dark wooden desk and rubs her forehead. She roughly exhales, then turns her frosty gaze towards Tori. Blake's grip tightens around my fingers, to the point where they might snap off, but I squeeze his hand and bite my lower lip.

"When London was little, he'd scream and shout, and sometimes he would try and, um." She fiddles with the hem of her silky white blouse. "I have another witness who can support this claim."

"Miss Stratton, I've heard more than enough to make my decision."

His grip tightens and my fingers turn a darker shade of red. I smack my knee into his and nod towards my hand. Blake instantly lets go and grips the side of the metal chair. I place my hand on his knee and squeeze it.

"There's nothing to be afraid of," I whisper. "If she brings out another friend who allegedly saw something, the judge might just give us full-custody."

She looks between us and sighs.

"The evidence presented is circumstantial. I do not believe Mr. Rivers is a dangerous person or that he would cause harm. Supervised visitation will be dropped immediately. Mr. Rivers will not be awardedfull-custody."

"Your Honour, please, Mr. Rivers has been a father to London Rivers her entire life."

"I will not remove London Rivers from her mother unless you can provide suitable evidence she's an unfit parent, and that there's a family member who is willing to step in."

"We can gather suitable evidence and a family member to take custody."

"You have one week, and then I'll make my final ruling."

"Thank you, your Honour."

"Meeting adjourned."

We rise as the judge strides out of the room.

Blake swirls me through the air and our lips collide. I weave my fingers through his soft brown hair, and tug him closer to me.

Our lawyer coughs, and so we jump apart. Blake's arm wraps around my waist while an intense blush burns my cheeks.

We follow him into the hallway with bright smiles.

"Thank you for everything." I beam with happiness.

"Don't thank me yet, Mrs. Rivers, we still need to obtain custody of London."

"Still, thank you for everything you've done so far."

A tight smile spreads across his lips and he nods.

"Spend the weekend with London and on Monday, we'll continue collecting evidence for our next appearance. You should have full-custody of London by the end of next week."

"Next week can't come quicken enough." Blake chuckles.

"I have a busy schedule, but I'll have my assistant reach out to you regarding a suitable time."

"Yes, of course, too easy." I smile.

"Thank you! Enjoy the weekend, I'll see you Monday."

"Goodbye." I wave.

Blake takes my hand and tugs me down the busy hallway. As we arrive in the waiting from, our parents jump up from their seats.

"How'd everything go?" Mum grins.

"We're coming back next week to debate Tori's ability to parent London. Since our evidence isn't made up stories, London should be home with us by the end of the week."

"Considering her past, it should be an easy case," Thomas comments.

"We should go out and celebrate." Angela grins. "There's a nice Chinese restaurant around here somewhere, I think."

"Thank you for the offer, but if it's okay with you, Ava and I would like to go home. We also promised London that we would celebrate once she comes home."

"Okay, we can wait." She nods.

"Thanks, Mum." Blake grins.

Our parents tackle us into tight hugs before allowing us to escape outside. As we walk down the bustling street, a cool gust of wind whips around us as the yellow sun melts into hues of pinks and oranges.

He laces his fingers through mine and I rest my head against his shoulder. His pocket vibrates, so I lean to the side. Blake grabs his phone from his pocket and frowns at the screen.

"Ben wants to know if we're up for a drink or two?"

"Hm! I'm kind of tired but you can if you want."

"Are you sure? Snuggling in bed sounds better."

"Snuggling with you is always amazing, but if you want to hangout with Ben, then that's okay too! I might watch something on tv for a little bit. Once you're done, I'll be yours for the rest of the night."

"Thank you, Ava."

"Hey, you don't have to thank me for that!" I gasp.

Blake wraps his arm around my waist and kisses the side of my head.

Once we arrive home, Ben jumps out of his car and we hurry inside.

"Hey, how have you been?" Ben smiles.

"Good, thanks! Hungry? I think I might have enough energy to make dinner."

"Don't worry about me, I might order something."

"You're more than welcome to roam the cupboard and fridge, but only if you make something for me." I chuckle.

"I'll keep that in mind." He laughs.

"Do you want me to make you something?" Blake raises an eyebrow.

"If I'm right, and I usually am, there should be salsa and corn chips." I grin.

"I can make you a proper meal."

"But nachos are delicious." I grin.

"Okay." He chuckles.

Once Blake is changed into something a little more comfortable, the two go outside. The fairy lights twinkle in the background which make it look rather romantic. I stifle a giggle and turn my attention to the kitchen.

* * * * *

Light spills into the room as Blake slips into bed. His arms circles around my waist and he tugs my body against his warm chest.

"You're so warm and comfortable." His breath tickles my ear.

"Thanks." I chuckle.

"I saw the doctor's appointment reminder on your phone."

"Okay." I sigh.

His hand slips under my shirt and I squirm under his cool touch.

"Are you pregnant?"

"I don't know." I shrug. "That's what the appointment is for."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I booked it last week and I didn't want to get your hopes up."

"I won't be upset, just means we'll have to try harder." He chuckles.

He rolls me onto my back and his hands travel over my body. Blake pushes my shirt up and he showers my stomach with kisses.

"Ugh, I'm tired." I pout.

Blake flops to the side and I snuggle into his chest. His arms circle around my waist and I yawn.

"Just because I'm struggling, doesn't mean you have to hide things from me. If you're pregnant, that's amazing, if you're not, then we'll keep trying. I love you so much."

"I'm sorry, I won't do that again."

"I can't get anymore work off, but text me about how it goes."

"You'll be the first person I message." I smile.

His arms tighten around me and I nuzzle in.

I hope the little bulge is another exciting chapter as parents, not another reminder I really need to exercise.