9
ELIAS
Monday dawns clear and cold, the mountains etched sharp against a cloudless sky. I've been awake for hours, my body still running on military time despite three days of interrupted sleep. Riley lies curled against my side, the curve of her spine pressed to my ribs, her breathing deep and even.
She needs the rest. The hearing at the county courthouse in Helena is set for ten, and the drive takes nearly two hours from my remote cabin. I should wake her soon, but I allow myself a few more minutes to simply watch her sleep, to memorize the peaceful expression that only appears when she's deep in dreams.
These past three days have changed everything. Three days of learning Riley's body as thoroughly as my own. Three days of shared meals, shared showers, shared confidences. Three days of falling deeper into something I never expected to find, certainly not with Bill's daughter.
The memory of Bill no longer brings the crushing guilt it once did. Partly because of Sawyer's revelation that he knew how I feltabout Riley. Partly because of Riley herself, who speaks of her father with such certainty that he would approve of us together.
But mostly because what's growing between us feels right in a way nothing else in my life ever has. As if some piece of me that's been missing has finally clicked into place.
"You're thinking too loudly," Riley murmurs, rolling over to face me without opening her eyes. "It's disturbing my beauty sleep."
A smile tugs at my lips despite the tension of the day ahead. "Good. You don't need beauty sleep, you’re already beautiful."
Her eyes open at that, green and clear and full of morning softness. "Smooth talker. Who knew grumpy Elias McKenna had it in him?"
I trace the curve of her cheek with my thumb, still marveling that I can touch her like this whenever I want. "Only with you."
She leans into my touch for a moment, then glances at the clock on the nightstand. Awareness of the day ahead filters into her expression, chasing away the lingering contentment.
"Time to face the music," she says with forced lightness.
"We'll win," I assure her, more conviction in my voice than I truly feel. The legal system has already failed Riley once, with the local judge denying her restraining order. But Rebecca Winters is the best attorney in the state, and the county court in Helena is beyond Cooper's sphere of influence.
"And if we don't?" Riley asks, the question hanging between us like a storm cloud.
I consider my answer carefully. She deserves honesty, not blind optimism. "Then we appeal. We fight. We find another way."
She studies my face, reading between the lines as she always does. "Legally, you mean. Not you taking matters into your own hands."
"Of course," I lie smoothly.
Riley sees through it immediately. "Elias. Promise me you won't do anything stupid if this doesn't go our way."
"I promise to be smart about whatever I do," I offer instead, unable to give the blanket assurance she wants. Not when I know exactly what I'm capable of if Riley remains in danger.
She sighs, recognizing the careful phrasing for what it is. "That's the best I'm going to get, isn't it?"
"For now." I press a kiss to her forehead before reluctantly breaking our connection. "We should get moving. Finn's already warming up the trucks."
Riley nods, throwing back the covers with a decisiveness that would make her father proud. As she heads for the shower, I allow myself one more moment of quiet contemplation.
Whatever happens in that courtroom today, one thing is certain, Riley Hart is mine now. To protect. To cherish. To love with everything I am. No judge, no legal decision, no Cooper can change that fundamental truth.
And God help anyone who tries.
The driveto Helena passes in tense silence. Riley sits beside me in my truck, Finn following behind in his own vehicle. Sawyer and Rebecca will meet us at the courthouse, bringing the documentation we need for the hearing.
"Is Rebecca really the best?" Riley asks as we pass the halfway point, clearly seeking distraction from her spiraling thoughts.
"The best," I assure her, reaching across the console to take her hand. Her fingers are cold despite the truck's heater blasting at full capacity. "Try not to worry. We've got solid evidence. Cooper's restraining order attempt against you was denied last week, which works in our favor."
Riley squeezes my hand, drawing strength from the connection. "I just want this over with. Want to start living without looking over my shoulder constantly."
"You will," I promise, the words carrying the full weight of my conviction. "We will."
