AUTHOR'S POV 

When Larry opens his eyes he sees what should be an ideal day. A bright sun and clouds with no traces of grey signaling that rain is in the forecast. It's for sure to be a pleasant day for most to enjoy...but he's completely unaffected by it and for the first time ever he's in bed alone. He fell asleep alone. The love of his life didn't fall asleep beside him. Holding Larry close and whispering goodnight along with his sweet "I love you". Larry snuggled into him while he whispered the same. He looks at the empty space next to him and just as he did last night while crying relentlessly he extends his arm to rub small circles over the empty space. Instant memories of their weekend mornings in bed together begin to flood his mind. Laurent has always said that Larry seems to look the most beautiful in the morning so he would simply gaze at him. Larry could only take a few seconds of such a loving gaze before giggling and shyly turning away as he playfully told Laurent not to stare at him like that. Laurent refused of course and when their eyes connected again it was like fireworks as it always is. As Larry's hand continues to rub Laurent's side of the bed he's internally praying that he will be home very soon. Since he couldn't hold him the only thing he could hold was Laurent's pillow and he did so as tightly as he could. He got a strong whiff of Laurent's soft scent and it moved him to tears. So much so that he ultimately cried himself to sleep. His love being in a place he doesn't belong and thinking about what it must be like for him is emotional torture. He's essentially shut off from the world...and worst of all he's away from his family. There is nothing Laurent loves more than his family. He's worked so hard to provide for them and another thing that Larry will always be able to say about him is that there couldn't be a better papa in this world. Tucking Emma in without him was also a first and while she was happy she could talk to her papa Larry could also see the hint of sadness in her face. Larry is still very upset about their little girl seeing his love taken out in handcuffs and she didn't understand what was going on. Larry thinks back to sitting on the couch while rocking her gently as she cried about wanting her papa. He didn't know what to say or even how to explain what happened as she was frightened enough so for minutes he simply comforted her. He decided that the best thing to do was keep it as simple as possible and not say anything that would frighten her more. When their emotions settled he gently pulled her away from his chest to sit her on his lap. He looked at that adorable little face which was also wet from tears. He gently wiped them away with his thumb and it took a few soft breaths in before he could speak. Then in the most delicate tone he told her that papa just needed to go and talk to the police but to not worry because they're trying to get him home very soon just as her loving papa told her. When he softly asked her if she understood she nodded so Larry brought her back into his chest so she could rest her cheek on his shoulder. Emma's been doing that since she was a baby and they've always loved how it made them feel even more connected to her. Kaylee use to do the same thing and lately he's thought about that every time he felt Emma's cheek crash onto him. It's still so hard to believe the drastic turn their lives have taken in the last month and their hearts ache more each day living without her. Now, his husband is in jail for a crime he didn't commit. The only plus side to this is detective Brunet being on their side and he's hoping that by the end of the day his love will be home. He can tuck Emma in and when they put head to pillow to rest he'll be back in Laurent's strong arms. If not, he's sure that the attorney will get him out. He can't wait for the moment he comes home to the family who will be waiting with open arms for him...but until it happens he has to push through the day as he's hearing Ayden wake up. Now that he's on his feet he heads for the bathroom to quickly freshen up then makes his way to the nursery. Normally Ayden is his happy little self but his behavior this morning is different. He isn't fussy but Larry is expecting him to be kicking and waving his arms as usual. He coos sweetly which is always the perfect morning music but not as happy. Once he's in Larry's arms he rests on him exactly the way Emma does. He passes by the guest room and as quiet as it is it means mama and Emma are still asleep so his steps towards the kitchen are soft. He places Ayden in his high chair and goes to the fridge to pull out all of baby boy's favorite fruits to make a delightful puree for his breakfast. He also places a bottle in the bottle warmer then gets right to dropping the fruit in the food processor which he puts on the lowest setting since it's also quiet enough to not wake mama and Emma up only a few minutes later Emma appears. Larry greets her sweetly then asks her what she wants for breakfast. She opts for her favorite oatmeal so Larry begins multitasking. While the fruit is in the processor he takes out all of the ingredients to make her oatmeal from scratch as he and Laurent always do. They've always made sure that their beautiful babies get as much as made from scratch meals as possible for their nourishment. He's handling both well until out of nowhere Ayden gets fussy so Larry promptly takes his bottle to him. He takes it at first but then he drops it and begins crying. Larry is unsure why but then he figures Ayden wants to be held. Certain he can hold him while preparing their breakfast with one hand he proceeds to do exactly that only Ayden begins crying louder and being held doesn't seem to help. He tries bouncing him and quietly trying to calm him with his words. He takes a moment from preparing the food to rock him but he still doesn't settle. Larry can't hold back anymore and becomes overwhelmed. Tears brim his eyes as he internally wishes that his love was here. It then hits him that Laurent's absence is why Ayden's mood is so different this morning. He can sense him being away and the thought of that causes Larry to press his lips together as more tears fall. Just when he's at the peak of being overwhelmed he feels a hand gently touch his back so he turns around and there's mama. She sees her son's tear soaked face and uses her thumb to wipe those tears away then whispers, "it's oki son". Then she gently takes Ayden from his arms and Larry breathes out, "thank you mama" in which she replies by softly nodding. She grabs Ayden's bottle and heads for the living room to try and calm him while Larry runs his hands through his thick fro and breathes a few times before putting his focus on Emma's breakfast. Emma had been across the way sitting at the table watching her papa and knowing he's upset makes her sad inside. Larry is softly crying while preparing her oatmeal but is sure to wipe them away when he takes her food to the table as he doesn't want her to see those tears. He places the bowl in front of her and as she picks up her spoon she thanks him sweetly. He drops his mouth to place a soft kiss to the top of her head then leaves her to eat while going to check on Ayden. Mama has always had that special touch and Larry stands back to watch her rock him while he feeds. She then feels his presence so she looks up...

Larry: "Thank you again mama". 

Mama: "Welcome my son". 

Larry: "He's upset because Laurent isn't here". 

Mama hesitates for a moment then drops her focus back to Ayden whose big, beautiful eyes are looking up at her. She then whispers, "yeah I think so too". Larry doesn't respond right away so the instant silence prompts mama to look back up at him. She can tell that there's something he needs to say but is struggling to get the words out...

Mama: "Talk to me son", she says softly. 

Larry: *sigh* "What did we do to deserve what's happened to us mama? Why did we have Kaylee taken away from us? Why does that detective think Laurent did this? Because we fell in love and got married"? 

Mama is looking at her heartbroken son and it breaks her heart. In the most gentle voice she replies, "come and sit next to me son" so Larry walks right over to sit next to her...

Mama: "Son, you and Laurent didn't do anything wrong and you didn't deserve losing Kaylee. It also doesn't matter what people think of you and Laurent's marriage. You have a family who loves and supports you. All those who know both of you know what great people and parents you are. That's all that matters. We can't do anything about the hate in this world but what we can do is get Laurent out of that cell and back home with us, oki"?

Larry: *sniffs and nods* "Yes ma'am". 

Mama: "I know it hurts my love but we will get him home and as a family we will get through this very tough time". 

Larry nods again then he hears Emma call for him so he knows she's finished her oatmeal. As he wipes his tears away he calls out, "I'll be right there baby". He then looks over at mama...

Larry: "I'm going to give Emma a bath and get her dressed. Her teacher will be here in a couple of hours". 

Mama: "Oki son and I will take care of my little one". 

Larry manages to release a soft chuckle through his heavy emotions as it's always tickled him and Laurent that mama affectionately refers to Ayden as her little one. He reminds her about Ayden's fruit puree then gives her a kiss on the cheek before making his way to Emma. He takes her dishes over to the sink then back over to pick her up so he can get her bath started. They pass mama who gives him a sweet smile which does make him feel a bit better in the midst of the heartache of missing his beautiful husband so much...

~afternoon~

When Laurent opened his eyes from mostly a restless sleep it didn't take long to remember exactly where he is and he's surprised that he was even able to sleep in such a place. Just as Larry had cried himself to sleep Laurent couldn't help but do the same. The last thing on his mind was hearing his loves voice and also hearing the sweet, innocent voice of his beautiful princess asking if he will be home to tuck her in was too much for his heart. What made it even more difficult is when he felt a strong feeling of sadness come over him. He knew his love was in the midst of a very emotional moment and was unable to fall asleep because of it. Tears were at the cusp of falling when an officer came to his cell and at first he thought he was being released...but it turned out to be a typical morning for all the inmates. He was led to breakfast which he couldn't eat. Then they were instructed to shower with their every move being watched. No one is more undeserving of this than Laurent...but all he can do is hope that he will be out soon and he will give anything for it to be today. That hope is magnified at the thought of his love securing an attorney which is also a reminder of Larry being his absolute everything...

Back at the precinct detective Brunet has been very eager to talk to the captain of the department about getting Laurent released. He had no plans to go to his partner to tell him of his intent because as far as he's concerned he's working this case on his own now. They had a stare down with Brunet waiting for him to say or do something so it isn't that he's afraid of him. He's merely being cautious because if detective Lane can have so much hatred towards a loving couple who seemingly keep to themselves while raising and loving their children as much as they do there's no telling what lengths he will go to so he wants Lane to have little to no knowledge of what he's trying to do for Laurent. He arrives at the captain's office and though the door is open he does knock as he calls out, "captain Torres" who looks up from his desk...

Torres: "Detective". 

Brunet: "May I have a few moments of your time"?

Torres: "Sure. Come in and shut the door behind you". 

Brunet: "Yes sir". 

The light clicking of the door signals that it's now closed and he walks over to take a seat in front of the captain's desk...

Torres: "So what's going on"?

Brunet: "I was hoping I could get your help to release an inmate who was booked yesterday". 

Torres: "What's the charge"?

Brunet: "Kidnapping and murder". 

Torres: *looks confused* "You're hoping for my help in releasing a murder suspect"?

Brunet: "Yes sir because he's innocent and the evidence collected isn't evidence at all".  

Torres: "Tell me what was collected so I can determine that".

Brunet: "A sweater was found in the back of his car, but the victim is his daughter. I don't think it's unusual for an article of her clothing to be in his car". 

Torres: "What else"?

Brunet: "Nothing really". 

Torres: "Come on detective. We have never been known to arrest someone because of a sweater so there has to be more". 

Brunet: *sigh* "The suspect wears the same size shoe and detective Lane found him on video footage at a store near the scene the victim's body was discovered but he was there purchasing medicine. He wasn't buying duct tape, rope or other items that are typical of a person who's killed someone". 

Torres: "That still sounds like evidence to me".  

Brunet: "Sir it's circumstantial". 

Torres: "What makes you so certain that the suspect is innocent? Is it just a hunch"?

Brunet: "That and I've also spoken to him. I believe he's innocent and I believe that it's personal for detective Lane so he's looking for reasons to get him convicted". 

Torres: "Personal? How so"?

Brunet: "I believe he has an issue with him because he's married to another man". 

Torres: "So you believe he's homophobic". 

Brunet: "Yes sir. I do". 

Torres: "That's a serious accusation against your partner detective and I'm shocked that working alongside him for the last several years you have this suspicion towards him now". 

Brunet: "He's never shown it until now and it's not a suspicion sir. I'm sure he is". 

Torres: "Or maybe he's just doing his job that he's also done very well for over ten years". 

Brunet: "No sir. I really believe Mr. Bourgeois is innocent and he deserves to be released". 

Torres: "Well, detective, I have to be honest. I can't go with your instinct over the evidence that strongly appears to be tied to the suspect. Now if he truly is innocent then it's the job of a lawyer to get involved and beat the case. If he can't afford a lawyer then the court will appoint one but either way this needs to go before the trial judge". 

Detective Brunet can't recall a time where he felt so defeated. He was really hoping that the captain would agree that the evidence against Laurent is too weak to keep him in prison and the fact that he's siding with detective Lane is beyond upsetting...but there's nothing he can do. He just thanks the captain for his time then stands up to exit his office. Now he's faced with the task of informing Larry that he was unsuccessful with getting Laurent out and decides that it isn't exactly something he can tell him over the phone so he heads for his car to begin making the drive to speak to him directly...

*****

Emma is dressed adorably and her hair is in her favorite style of pigtails with ribbons. She's in the middle of her lessons and every time she gives a correct answer her instructor praises her which brings a smile to Emma's face. Mama and Larry are watching from a distance and seeing her smile makes them smile. They're also very proud of her for doing so well and adapting so smoothly to this instructor. Larry can't wait to tell Laurent how well she did today and he's hoping that he will receive a call from him, or at least from the detective to give an update of how close he is to getting him out. It will hurt him to his soul if he has to sleep another night without him. Ayden has calmed down a lot since this morning and is now sitting on mama's lap as he coos as well as laughing at mama's silly faces. When Emma's lessons are complete Larry leads her teacher to the door then thanks her for being so great with Emma. As she walks out he notices detective Brunet pulling up and his face softens in anticipation as he's expecting to see Laurent. But, he's alone. He turns to mama to tell her that who's here and that he will step outside to talk to him. Before he and the detective meet halfway Larry can already tell it's bad news...

Brunet: "Hi Mr. Bourgeois". 

Larry: "My husband isn't coming home, is he"?

*brief pause* 

Brunet: "I'm sorry but I couldn't get my boss to release him. He thinks my partner had reasonable cause to bring him in and said that it's up to your attorney to get him off".  

Larry's eyes close as he softly blows out a sigh of despair then looks at the ground feeling completely torn inside...

Larry: *deep sigh* "This isn't right. He's innocent". 

Brunet: "Yes he is and I wish I had better news for you". 

Larry:  "It was so hard being without him last night. Saying goodnight to the kids without him. I was really hoping he would be back home". 

Brunet: "I'm really sorry". 

Larry: "I don't blame you. You're trying to help us so thank you".

Brunet: "You're welcome and I'll keep going until he's free". 

Larry: "Does Laurent know"?

Brunet: "Not yet. I wanted to come and talk to you first. If you haven't secured a lawyer yet I urge you to do so today and ask if they can petition the court to have a hearing as soon as possible. After the judge hears how weak the case is against your husband he should be released".

Larry: "I'll take care of that today". 

Brunet: "Ok well I'm heading back to the precinct". 

Larry: "Will you please give my love another call home"?

Brunet: "Of course I will". 

Larry: "Thank you. I'm going to the lawyer's office now so if he can get the call at 6 that will be perfect. I'll be home by then". 

Brunet: "I can do that". 

Larry: "Oki. Thank you again". 

Brunet: "My pleasure".  

Larry doesn't waste another second rushing back inside but not too rushed as to not alarm Emma. He pulls mama away to tell her what's going on then grabs his phone and keys then makes sure he has his wallet. He goes over to give Emma and Ayden a kiss then tells Emma he'll be back soon before taking off. The drive to the attorney's office is an anxious one because he's just ready to put whatever he needs to in gear to get his husband home...

Speaking to the attorney prior to the visit helped a lot because Larry was in and out of her office in less than an hour. He left confident that she will go in that courtroom and prove that Laurent's arrest was unwarranted. Detective Brunet told him to make her aware of him being on their side and Larry went a step further by telling her about the other detective's obvious prejudice against them. She informed him that she will be in contact in regards to the hearing which she's pushing to have within the next few days. It's easier said than done but Larry knows that all he can do is wait until that day. Thankfully detective Brunet came through again by allowing Laurent another phone call which was as emotional but mostly as loving as the first. Laurent spoke to Emma and this time he also spoke to mama who told him to stay strong. Larry had to tuck Emma in by himself again so needless to say that hurt...but when he explained to her that they're still working on bringing her papa home she took the news like the big girl she is and Larry couldn't be more proud of how strong she is at only six years old. Laurent would be extremely proud of her too. After sweet I love you's are exchanged and a goodnight kiss Larry left her to get some sleep. Ayden was already asleep so it was just Larry and mama who took a gentle hold of his hand and spoke words of encouragement like only she can. Larry gave her hand a light squeeze to assure her that he heard every word she said and took those words to heart. Now they just have to remain confident that it won't be too much longer before his love is finally home...

~day of hearing~

Three agonizing days without Laurent being home was tough but Larry managed to get through them. That's in large part because of mama's constant encouragement but the detective has been helpful as well. He's made sure that Laurent could call home everyday. Even if Laurent only had ten minutes on a call they were ten minutes filled with nothing but love between him and his family. Now that the hearing has arrived Larry is more at ease and woke up eager to get to the courthouse which he arrived about ten minutes ago. The detective is sitting next to him who's just as eager. Mama would have loved to be here but both of them agreed that this isn't the environment for the kids and since they're not at a place where they feel comfortable with someone other than family taking care of them given their devastating loss she's staying with them. The district attorney and Laurent's attorney, Teresa Devaux, are at their respective tables going through their notes for the case. The moment came where Laurent was escorted into the courtroom and when Larry sees the handcuffs on his love along with him being clad in that awful jail jumpsuit his heart drops. They connect and right away Larry mouths the words, "I love you". Laurent mouths the same and from that moment their eyes stay locked on each other. The only thing that tears them away is the door to the judge's chamber opening and once the judge steps inside everyone is instructed by the bailiff to stand. Larry looks at the judge and gulps because whether or not Laurent comes home today is completely up to him. He immediately calls the court to order and everyone listens to typical court jargon between him along with the two attorneys. Then the time comes where each attorney states their case...

DA: "Your honor, the defendant was arrested because the evidence collected by the detective and his team prove without a reasonable doubt that he committed this crime". 

Judge: "What evidence counselor"?

DA: "A footprint collected shows that the suspect wears the same size as the defendant and the analysis was conducted twice for accuracy. There's also the matter of an article of clothing that was found in the trunk of his car belonging to the victim and the last crucial piece of evidence is video footage of the defendant being at a store in close proximity of where the victim was found". 

Judge: "What do you have say about this Ms. Devaux"?

Devaux: "Your honor, the victim is my client's daughter so this evidence as my counselor calls it is all circumstantial. The sweater found in his car did not contain any evidence of foul play and according to my client it was in his car because he and his spouse took their daughter's ice skating so the sweater was extra clothing to protect her from the frigid temperature. My team confirmed with the ice skating rink that he was in fact there with his family the weekend prior to the victim's kidnapping. Also, my client's shoe size is typical of someone his height and surely he isn't the only one in this city at that height. 

DA: "Your honor, going to the skating rink doesn't prove that he didn't commit this crime. One could argue that it's a perfectly convenient excuse". 

Devaux: "It's not an excuse, counselor. Furthermore, your honor, my client was on video because he was purchasing medicine that day. He caught a cold and what he took wasn't helping so he went to purchase something stronger. He didn't want to miss another day of work". 

DA: "The other customers in the store that day close to the description of the suspect as determined by the police department were tracked down and the defendant is the only one who wears that shoe size". 

Judge: "Counselor? What do you have to say to that"?

Devaux: "That does not prove that my client is responsible. He would not have killed his own child, your honor, and as such the defense requests that the charges against my client be dropped to a substantial lack of evidence as what has been presented is still circumstantial". 

Silence instantly falls and the judge's eyes are lowered as if he's thinking heavily. Then he picks up his pen and begins writing something known only to him. It's several moments before he looks up and addresses her...

Judge: "Ms. Devaux, while I understand the victim is your client's daughter that does not mean he is innocent of this charge. I've presided over several cases where a victim has died at the hands of someone close to them and after what has been presented here I am simply not convinced. Therefore, it is the decision of this court that the charges remain and if there should be additional evidence presented that will clear him of this charge you will have the opportunity to present such evidence at the trial date which is set for one month from today. The defendant will remain in custody until the day of". *slams gavel* "Adjourned". 

The reaction from everyone is instant and as Laurent looks wide eyed at the judge his chest is heaving uncontrollably. Then suddenly there's a loud thud coming from the direction where his love was sitting and when he turns his head he sees that Larry has passed out upon hearing the ruling. Detective Brunet is standing over him checking his pulse and frantically calling, "Mr. Bourgeois". Laurent bursts into tears and belts out, "bebe"?! But, the bailiffs are pulling him away from the heartbreaking scene. Laurent is desperately trying to get out of their grasp all while crying uncontrollably and screaming, "please help my bebe! Larry"?! He then hears the detective frantically yell, "someone call an ambulance"! Now it seems as if Laurent is in some kind of alternate universe as what's happening before him feels unreal. It hurts him even more because he can't be by his side. With all of their strength the heartless bailiffs are just taking him away leaving Laurent with no choice but to wait and hear from detective Brunet about his distressed love...

---------------------------- 

A/N: I know it's a cliffhanger my loves but I promise I won't keep you all waiting long. I imagine several of you saw this going differently and I'm prepared for varying emotions so please share your thoughts. I'll join in on the discussion soon. Love you guys. ❤️