Page 131 of Choosing Us

Tinsley

Today is one step closer to the peace and freedom you are so long overdue from this situation. We love you!

Finn

You’ve got this, Harlow!

A brisk knock at the door draws our attention. It’s a little early for my team members to arrive, but I know everyone is on edge.

Ryan checks the peephole and opens the door. It’s someone that has our back, but not in an official capacity. “What are you doing here?”

Liam walks in and waves to me before turning back to his brother. “I thought I’d be nice and show up. In case you needed a little extra support.”

"What am I, chopped liver?" Theo strides in behind Liam in a three-piece suit and warm smile. "When Savannah declared I was coming today, I immediately agreed. I hope you don't mind adding one more to your party, but I'm here to make sure no one fucks with our family."

“No, of course not. That’s really kind of you both to be here, I appreciate it. Thank you both,” I tell them as I start to get up from the couch.

“No, no, I mean, yes, always here to support you in any way as my sister, but I’m here for this guy.” He points his thumb at Ryan who rears back.

“Me? What? No, I’m fine. They don’t think I’ll be called until next week. I’m here for Harlow.”

Liam looks at me, and I give a small shrug.

“Yeah? Is that why you’ve been pacing the room since you got ready this morning? Or wait, did you stop for coffee too or just jump into pace mode?”

“He’s … not wrong,” I softly tell Ryan.

“I know that he’s never wrong. It’s really fucking annoying,” Ryan grumbles as he pulls his brother into a hug. They clap each other’s backs before walking over and taking a seat in the living area—even Ryan finally sits.

“I’m here however you want or need me to be, okay?” Liam looks from me to Ryan, and I don’t miss the glance at my belly. I nod in appreciation and notice Ryan’s shoulders relax the smallest amount.

“Appreciate that, brother,” Ryan admits … before standing up and pacing again.

I wave in his direction. “It’s okay, it helps him feel like he’s doing something in a situation out of his control and gives his body something to focus on. He won’t be able to do that in the courtroom, so he should try to get it out of his system.”

“We don’t even know if I’ll be allowed in the courtroom while you testify, Lo.”

I look to Liam and Theo. “I think he will be. Don’t you guys? At least during my testimony. He’s my husband, and it’s not closed, it’s just very popular, so seating is limited.”

“Yeah, we’ll be fine,” Liam says as Theo nods in agreement.

“What do you mean?” I ask, because with Liam, that could quite literally mean anything.

“I made a call. There will be a seat for each of your team members, your spouse, legal counsel, and me during your testimony.”

“I don’t understand your connections and reach, but I am sure glad we’re on the same team, Liam.” My friend is an interesting complex blend of direct yet evasive, and the right balance of appearing aloof without missing a single thing. From what his sisters have told me, and what I know personally, I don’t think he’s ever been in a long-term relationship, but somehow, that makes sense for who he is and where he is in life currently.

But sometimes, I see the way he looks at his nieces and nephews, and it’s so obvious to me that this man wants a little nuclear family of his own. He does a really good job of keeping his walls up, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t long for the day when his walls surround someone else. I don’t push it, though. He knows he can come and talk to me if and when he’s ready to unpack any of that, not as a therapist, but just as family who wants the best for each other.

Like how he showed up for me and Ryan today. It’s easier for him to say he’s just here for Ryan, but he knows I’m stressed about this, and I’m carrying his niece or nephew, so he’s concerned for all of us.

But I’m not.

I’m not worried about today having a negative impact on me, quite the opposite. I see today as one of the last days I ever have to be in the same room as that man, so the other side of today holds the beautiful truth that I am so close to freedom. We just need to get through my testimony today, and then Ryan’s next week.

Walker, Kelly, Mason, and Tara arrive promptly at eight thirty, and we make a plan for moving through the crowds and media.

Liam and Walker will lead us through the crowds, and I will stay between Ryan and Theo, while Kelly, Mason, and Tara will have our six. I tried to argue that I should be on the exterior instead of surrounded by civilians, but as if coordinated, the two Callahan brothers—along with Walker and Theo—glanced at my belly and all gave me a look that made it clear they weren’t going to agree with me. To be honest, their concern was enough for me to agree with the plan.