Missing Grace(82)

"No."

"Not just physically, but emotionally. You held on when there was nothing left to hold on to. You survived and kept my memory alive. Without you, I wouldn't be here today. I wouldn't be your wife, or the mother of your children. Without you, I wouldn't be me." She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, and then slid her hand to his, unwrapping it and entwining their fingers together.

Awestruck. He was simply awestruck by the stunning woman he was fortunate enough to call his wife. "Thank you."

"Thank you," she replied. And he felt peace.

The judge came in and the case was introduced to the court. After fifteen minutes of opening statements, Ben couldn't stop himself. He had to see the monster that stole his soul away for three years. When he did, he was met with direct eye contact, a smirk, and a cocky-ass eyebrow lifted. Ben immediately turned away, refusing to give Barnes the pleasure of seeing how affected he felt. Instead, he gave his complete attention to their attorney, who was currently presenting their case. The attorney had promised a quick trial knowing that all the facts were in their favor.

Another thirty minutes passed and Barnes's attorney took the courtroom floor. Barnes fell for his own hype and subscribed to the saying that all attention worked in his favor. He'd taken their tragedy and manipulated it into a money-making story to the media. This had become a high-profile case in Chicago and both Barnes and his lawyer loved the extra attention. 

For extra dramatics, they called John Stevens to the stand, since as her father he had rights back then that Ben didn't. Mr. Stevens had contacted the Chicago Police Department after hearing about the evidence Grace found in the apartment-the flyers and the ring. He placed the call right after Grace left their reunion   in Leavenworth to get the case reopened and to hopefully start the investigation into Hunter Barnes. The officers assigned to the case were notified of the new evidence the next day, and if they could see to it, the case would be reopened.

John and Pamela were to catch a flight a day later, but when Grace was admitted into the hospital after hitting her head on the sidewalk, they flew out that night along with Ben's family.

Back in the courthouse, Attorney Stevens was being questioned about his medical issues in the past. Though he'd been well for years now, they used this to show his instability physically and mentally and instead of facts, he was presenting wishful thoughts of supposed evidence to help a daughter who they said left of her own free will.

Grace leaned her elbows on the table and dropped her head into her hands, trying to hold back her tears. It was breaking her heart to watch her father be attacked like that. Ben whispered, "I'll make him pay for this."

Her slight nod, along with her slow blink showed her disgust with the other side. She turned to Ben, and replied, "We will have happiness, something that monster will never truly have. Just help me get through this trial."

"I promise I will."

After John, the defense called Grace to the stand. She was prepared, knowing they would probably drag her through the mud while showcasing her pain and trying to find fault in her side of the story.

Ben kissed her on the temple before she left his side and marched calmly up to the stand. He saw how she changed her walk to hide her growing belly, but when Ben glanced to Barnes, he saw the way he stared at his wife. He saw the way he narrowed his eyes and analyzed her figure from head to toe. Barnes knew. Ben remembered how Grace told him that Barnes wanted her in top shape at all times. He would notice the change in her. The thought of him knowing she was going to have a baby angered Ben to the point of him having to take a breath while gripping the edge of the table.

The first hour of interrogation, she was asked questions that all seemed to lead to her being considered a "gold digger" out to marry a rich doctor. Ben stomped his foot and outwardly huffed two times before his lawyer touched his forearm, hoping to calm him down. Grace never even broke a sweat and outwardly laughed three times. So as much as Ben wanted to be upset, the allegations didn't upset her. Logically, he knew that even if she were a gold digger, she still didn't deserve to have her life hijacked from her. She became a prisoner because of Barnes's wrongdoing and there was no hiding the facts. They could spin their lie however they wanted, but it would always have the same conclusion. Barnes was to blame for all the years Grace lost.

Ben watched Grace carefully. He didn't want her stressed and risking the health of the baby or herself over that monster. At one point, he saw her narrow her eyes and make a face that seemed to show her disdain, though she quickly righted her expression. That exchange drew Ben to look at Barnes again. Adrenaline pumped through his veins as he stared at the arrogant asshole across the aisle. Barnes had his eyes stuck on Grace, with a look that could only be described as hunger.