Drew accepted his dad’s luck, his friends’ support and entered the courtroom. It was smaller without a jury box and more informal than the trial courtrooms he earned his living in. The walls had the familiar wood paneling that carried over to Judge Reilly’s bench and the witness stand. Twin tables waited in front of the bench. A remote video screen had been placed on one table.
Molly sat at the other table. Her eye-popping red power suit had been traded in for a calm, elegant dark blue one. She’d wrapped a silk green and blue scarf around her neck. The bold colors captured her courage and her confidence.
Drew went up to her and touched her shoulder. “Molly.”
“Drew?” Molly rose from her chair and cast a sideways glance at Judge Reilly already seated at her bench and sorting through paperwork. “What are you doing here?”
Judge Reilly tapped her microphone. “I’d like to know who this is and his purpose for interrupting my time.”
“Character witness, Your Honor,” Drew said. “For Molly McKinney.”
Judge Reilly shifted her gaze to Molly as if seeking her approval.
Molly cleared her throat. “Your Honor, this is Drew Harrington. I’d like to call him as a character witness.”
“Very well.” Judge Reilly waved her hand. “If you’re ready, Mr. Harrington, the court will hear your statement.”
“Your Honor, do you mind if I stand?” Drew asked. “I’m used to doing that in the courtroom.”
Judge Reilley lifted her eyebrows in a challenge. “Fine.”
Drew clasped his hands behind his back and started to recite his statement. Then he realized one key point. This was the most important statement he’d ever give. He had one chance to get his words right. One chance to be perfect.
He paused and then spoke, not from a written statement full of cold logic and facts, but rather from his heart. “Your Honor, I can speak to Ms. McKinney’s skill as a parent. Her mastery at scheduling feedings, naps and playtime into a full day as seamlessly as she balances work and life responsibilities from filing court documents to grocery shopping. And her strict adherence to a daily routine for her daughter’s well-being. As well as her ability to successfully manage both her career and her role as a parent with grace, humility and humor. Her daughter, Hazel, should be the number one witness here. She’s a happy, healthy baby being well cared for.” Drew paced in front of Judge Reilly’s bench, stopped and turned to set his focus on Molly. “But I’d rather talk about Ms. McKinney’s devotion and loyalty to Hazel via another channel, through those she loves.”
Molly straightened in her chair. Her gaze remained locked on Drew’s.
His words came easy and freely. “Ms. McKinney is a woman who sets aside her own fears and her own desires to rescue others, whether it’s a mother dog and her five puppies or a disillusioned lawyer with his career on the line. Ms. McKinney does what’s right even if it costs her something in the end. There’s no better testament that could be made for a person and a parent.”
Molly’s bottom lip quivered. Her chin tipped up.
“That’s the hallmark of the best sort of person. Even more, it’s the requirement for the best sort of parent. The parent who will put their child first. Be a great role model. Talk and listen. Establish a foundation on love and respect. A foundation that allows that child to become the best person he or she can be. Parenting is about raising good people.”
Molly brushed at her eyes.
She’d made Drew a better person. Every day he’d been with her. And he wanted very much to be considered a good person. He continued, “Most of all, the best kind of parent builds a home for their child. A home like the one Ms. McKinney has built for her daughter. It’s not about the size or the decor, it’s about the strength and the love that fills a home. It’s about heart and Ms. McKinney has that kind of heart.”
Silence filled the courtroom. All he could do was stare at Molly and hope that she’d accepted his apology. He believed in her and trusted her. He moved to open his briefcase and from it pulled out several pieces of paper. “Your Honor, I also have a quality of character letter to submit, if I may approach the bench?”
Judge Reilly motioned him forward. Drew smiled at the older woman. “There are more character witnesses outside. Mayor Harrington is there, as are Brooke and Dan Sawyer, Ms. McKinney’s landlords. Evelyn Davenport, a family friend. Brad Harrington. Chase and Nichole Jacobs. And—”
Judge Reilly held up her hand and looked over her glasses at Drew. “Chase Jacobs is outside my chambers?”
“Yes, Your Honor.” Drew pointed to the back of the courtroom. “I can get him if you’d like to hear from him.”
“No, no. Mr. Jacobs can please remain outside until this session has concluded. I happen to have a grandson though who is a very big Pioneers fan. And I may have to ask him for a favor.” Judge Reilly accepted the paperwork from Drew and looked it over. “You’ve written quite a lengthy character letter, Mr. Harrington.”
“Those are not all from me.” Drew smiled and stepped away from the bench. “You’ll find character references from the people I’ve mentioned and several others.”
“Well done, Mr. Harrington.” Judge Reilly slipped the paperwork into the folder and shifted her attention to the video screen. “Mr. Donovan, apart from the letters from a pediatrician and babysitter you intend to hire, do you have any character witnesses you wish to call on your behalf?”
“I do not, Your Honor,” Derrick said.
Drew bent and picked up his briefcase from the floor near Molly’s table. As he did so, he leaned in and kissed a surprised and stunned Molly. He hoped it said everything left unsaid inside of him.
He pulled away, tucked a stray piece of her hair behind her ear and whispered, “I’ll be outside waiting for you. Let me know
