We lapse back into silence until the outskirts of Helena appear ahead, the small city nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. Unlike Grizzly Ridge's remote wilderness, Helena pulses with the activity of Montana's capital. Government buildings, businesses, and traffic create a stark contrast to the peaceful isolation we've left behind.
The county courthouse stands in the center of town, an imposing stone structure with classical columns and broad steps leading to heavy wooden doors. Sawyer's sheriff's department SUV already sits in the parking lot, Finn pulling in beside it as I find a space.
"Ready?" I ask, cutting the engine.
Riley takes a deep breath, straightening her shoulders. "As I'll ever be."
I circle the truck to open her door, my hand settling at the small of her back as we approach the courthouse steps. The possessive gesture is deliberate, a statement to anyone watching that Riley is under my protection. That she's mine in all the ways that matter.
Sawyer meets us at the entrance, his sheriff's uniform lending an official air to our group. "Rebecca's already inside, finalizing the paperwork. Cooper's here too, with his attorney."
My muscles tense at the news. "Has he tried anything?"
"Not yet." Sawyer's expression is grim. "But the day's young."
We enter the courthouse, passing through security and following Sawyer's lead to a small conference room where Rebecca waits. She rises as we enter, extending a hand to Riley.
"Ms. Hart. I'm Rebecca Winters," she introduces herself, her professional demeanor softened by genuine warmth. "I've reviewed your case thoroughly. We have a strong position."
Riley shakes her hand, some of the tension visibly leaving her shoulders. "Thank you for taking this on such short notice."
"Any friend of the McKennas is a friend of mine," Rebecca says with a smile. "Besides, I've been wanting to take Ronald Cooper down a peg for years. This gives me the perfect opportunity."
The meeting proceeds efficiently, Rebecca outlining our strategy, asking Riley a few clarifying questions, and preparing her for what to expect in the courtroom. I remain at Riley's side throughout, my presence a silent promise of support.
"The hearing is scheduled for courtroom three in fifteen minutes," Rebecca concludes, gathering her papers. "Any questions before we head in?"
Riley shakes her head. She looks stronger than I've ever seen her, courage shining through the fear that's shadowed her since Cooper first put his hands on her.
Pride surges through me. This woman, who's been through hell and back, who's faced down threats and isolation and fear, still stands tall. Still fights. Still refuses to be broken by the man who tried to crush her spirit.
In that moment, watching her prepare to face Cooper in court, I know with absolute certainty that I will spend the rest of my life loving her. The realization gives me pause. Love. I’m in love Riley Hart, which makes it even more dangerous for anyone who tries to hurt her.
"Let's do this," Riley says, rising from her chair.
As we exit the conference room, heading toward courtroom three, a voice calls out from the corridor ahead.
"Riley! Wait up!"
We all tense, my hand automatically reaching for a weapon that isn't there. But it's not Cooper's voice. It's a woman, blonde and petite, hurrying toward us with purpose in her stride.
"Sophie?" Riley's surprise is evident as she recognizes her friend from the diner. "What are you doing here?"
"Supporting you, obviously." Sophie reaches us, slightly out of breath. "And I'm not the only one."
She gestures toward the courtroom doors, where a small crowd has gathered. I recognize faces from Grizzly Ridge. Maggie from the diner. Hilda from the general store. Several of Riley's former classmates. Even Mrs. Henderson, the elderly town librarian who taught Riley to read when she was six.
"They all came for me?" Riley's voice wavers with emotion.
"Of course they did, honey," Sophie says, linking her arm through Riley's. "Brad Cooper might have his father's money, but you've got the town's heart."
Tears well in Riley's eyes, but she blinks them back, straightening her spine. "Thank you. All of you."
As we approach the courtroom, the doors open from within. Cooper emerges, flanked by his attorney, his father a half step behind. He stops short at the sight of our group, surprise quickly morphing into carefully controlled anger.
"Well, well," he drawls, eyes fixed on Riley. "The prodigal daughter returns, with her entourage of small town nobodies." His gaze shifts to me, hardening with malice. "And her geriatric boyfriend, of course."
The insult rolls off me like water. I've been called far worse by far more dangerous men than Brad Cooper. But Riley tenses beside me, anger flashing in her eyes.
