Page 102 of Finding Redemption

“He did.” I elbow Walker, holding up the file up. “Let’s get these to the judge and wait.”

“I hope this works,” Walker murmurs to me as Lachlan walks ahead.

“It’s brilliant. You know it. No one loses. Although Lachlan pays more, it’s still the best deal.”

We sit on opposite sides as the judge enters the room. The bailiff enters the room, bringing our conversation to an end.

“All rise. The Superior Court of Brunswick County, State of North Carolina, is now in session. The Honorable Douglas Gibson presiding.”

“Be seated,” Judge Gibson orders. “Representation for The Coastal Carolina Historical Society and Daly Industries International present?”

“I am, Your Honor,” I answer.

“I am, Your Honor,” Walker says.

“I understand you’ve both brought several proposals to the table and each has been declined by one side, The Coastal Carolina Historical Society. As stated previously, I am prepared to settle this litigation. Mr. Daly’s offer is fair, and I must say, I’m impressed. Keeping the building intact as a historical site and building around it is ingenious. All other buildings will be preserved, and the main building serves as an entrance only to the restaurant. The economic impact is tremendous. But the offer to allow The CCHS to continue working on the preservation of the property as a whole proves to me you have gone above and beyond to come to an agreement.

“The Superior Court of Brunswick County, State of North Carolina, hereby awards Daly Industries International the request to acquire parcel lot E-five-seventeen-eight. Case dismissed.” With the pound of his gavel, Judge Gibson concludes.

I turn to Walker, thrilled but restrained. He saunters over to me, his blue eyes burning deep. He offers his hand, and I take it gingerly.

“Miss Morgan, it’s been a pleasure to have worked with you.” He leans in, breathing heavily into my ear. “I can’t fucking wait to work you over.”

A delectable jolt in the pit of my belly knots deliciously. My cheeks flush as desire builds. “Thank you, sir. You’ve been incredible.”

He squeezes my hand, his nostrils flaring. “You know the way you say ‘sir’, it’s as if you need to call me that, Miss Morgan.”

My hand isn’t the only thing being squeezed. I give another twist to my legs. “I do. I need to.” I struggle to calm my breathing. We stare at each other until Lachlan clears his throat. We separate immediately.

“Excuse me. Just wanted to thank you both for your hard work.” Lachlan smirks on the word hard.

“You’re welcome. The proposal was amazing.” I shake his hand, glancing at Walker. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to my office.”

“Of course. Thank you for all your help.” Walker shakes my hand again with a nod. “Miss Morgan.”

“Mr. Pennington.” I peek up at him coyishly before turning to Lachlan. “Mr. Daly.”

“Damn, you two. Miss Morgan, a pleasure.” Lachlan kisses my hand only to be greeted by an elbow.

“Have a good day.”

23

“Ineed your help,” I breathe into the phone as I scour the internet.

“Hello, brother. With what?” Ava’s going to roll her eyes. I just know it.

“Reese has a birthday before Christmas and I want to do something for her.”

“Give me the basics.”

I begin to sweat. This has to be good. “She’s never had a party. They couldn’t afford them. She’s also never had a cake or a tree, like a real Christmas tree. I want her to have all of that this year.”

“What day is it?” she asks.

“December twenty-third.”

“That’s your birthday, Walker.” She pauses. “You didn’t tell her, did you?”