A few days later Chris and I are parking at the courthouse. The kids are all at home with Ms Racheal, I don't think they need to witness whatever happens today. I thought about coming on my own because I just don't want any extra drama that Eric might cause with Chris, but he insisted on me not being alone. As we walk up the front steps my heart rate picks up. I feel like I'm walking into the lion's den, like it's happening too easily now. Sensing the tension in me Chris squeezes the hand he is holding tighter.

"Don't worry love, it'll all be over by this evening." He says sweetly to me.

As we approach the courtroom doors I can see Eric is already here with both his parents. Walking up we decide to stay off to the side, Sarah notices us first and motions to the rest of her group signaling our arrival. His dad David looks me up and down, his face remaining expressionless, Sarah is positively sneering at me, and Eric is fixated on Chris and my joined hands. Thankfully we don't have to wait long before the Bailiff comes out and calls our case number, ushering us inside and to our places at the front. The judge is already seated and we begin the process of being sworn in. Chloe walks in moments later followed by Eric's attorney and we settle in and wait for the judge to start.

"Alright, I've reviewed the case and I'm prepared to sign these today as long as everyone is in agreement." Turning to look directly at me the judge continues,

"it is my understanding there will be no alimony on either side, you're only seeking child support for the three children listed is that correct?"

"Yes, your honor." I answered quickly. I glanced sideways toward Eric and noticed his eyes are downcast. Looking closer at him he honestly looks terrible. His mom notices me looking and glares at me from her seat behind him.

The entire thing only takes around thirty minutes. We both agree to all the conditions, Eric barely looks up the entire time. After the judge drops the gavel we all stand and start making our way toward the exit. Chloe pulls me aside once we pass into the hallway.

"Ok that went great! How do you feel?" She asks me excitedly.

"I don't know honestly...tired," I reply.

"I can understand that, so the first weekend for Eric with the kids is next weekend the 7th, he has agreed to a central pick up drop off area so he doesn't find the house as you requested." I nod my head in understanding. After we finish up Chris comes over and hugs me tight.

"I'm gonna use the restroom real quick then we can head out ok?" He says kissing my forehead. Right after he steps away from me Eric's mom comes marching over.

"I hope you’re happy now you ungrateful bitch." She snarled at me. I'm so caught off guard I don't even say anything to defend myself at first.

"Excuse me?" I finally find my voice.

"You heard me! You ruined my son's life!" She yells directly at me.

"People make mistakes, you didn't even give him a chance to correct what he did, you just took his kids and left him alone! He gave you everything you had!” Her arms are flying around calling a lot of attention to us. I can feel my face growing redder and redder.

"Did you know he was suspended from the firm? They heard he was arrested for the fight with Chris and the board has to conduct a review. When will you finally be satisfied, once he loses everything?!" I didn't know about that but I don't see how it's my fault. I didn't make him start a fight while I was on the brink of death. Before I can say anything to the effect she starts again.

"You know I can see why he would cheat on you, you...."

"That's enough." Chris literally growled at her, surprising us both. I don't know how much he heard but just seeing how close she is to my face is enough to set him off.

"You need to move. NOW." She glares at him and huffs as she whips around and stomps off toward her husband. It looks like Eric has already left. Chris continues to lead me outside rubbing his thumb along my knuckles as we walk. Once the fresh air hits my face I release the breath I didn' t realize I was holding. My tense shoulders are barely starting to drop. Halfway across the parking lot Chris stops abruptly muttering to himself

"Jesus Christ," at his actions I look up and see Eric is standing next to our car, he looks so crest fallen. Seeing the look on Chris' face he immediately raises his hands in a surrendering motion.

"I just want to talk for a second, no fighting I promise," He says. Chris looks down at me, willing to follow my lead here. Nodding my approval he continues walking us over to the car. He hugs me and sits in the car leaving me and Eric to speak next to the passenger door. Alone with Eric for the first time in I don't know how long we both are quiet at first. It's amazing how even standing a few feet away he feels so far, he was once my safe space, now he feels foreign. Straightening his spine he finally speaks, breaking the silence between us.

“Larkin....I.....I just wanted to say I'm sorry, love had a lot of time to think about everything, I regret all of it…” he had to stop to clear his throat. Shocked would be an understatement. He's never been this humble toward me, in all our years together.

"I don't know what I was thinking, but it's clear that I didn't have my head or heart fully in our marriage and that wasn't fair to you." He finishes looking at the ground now.

"Thank you," was all I could say. I'm speechless. He nods at me and we stand awkwardly together until I move to get in the car. He nods to Chris through the windshield and turns to walk away.

"What did he want to talk about?" He asks after I've buckled my seatbelt.

"He said sorry, he looks like he actually feels bad. For literally the first time." I said I was still shocked.

"Well that's good to hear.” He said, "You guys have kids and a lot of years together, hopefully one day you will be able to be friends or at least friendly."

"Yeah," I agree, nodding my head.

"How are you feeling about everything?" He asks reaching over the center console to take my hand.

"Relieved, tired, sad.... happy." I say, closing my eyes. I'm surprised when a tear runs down my cheek, Chris smiles at me while I wipe it away.

"Can we get married soon?" I asked through another tear. Laughing quietly he leans over to kiss me,

"I'll marry you today if you'll let me." He says, making me smile.

"Next weekend? I still have to get something to wear." I ask back.

"Next weekend it is." he says as he kisses me again. Smiling, I lean back in my seat and allow myself to start feeling excited about our upcoming nuptials. I still need to get a dress and outfits for the kids. We decided to just decorate with some flowers placed around the back yard and gazebo and we'll have food catered for afterwards. I'm so happy we decided to keep things small. That's the extent of all I have to do for this to happen. Looking into his eyes I feel lighter than I have in weeks.

"I love you Chris, so much. Thank you for sticking with me during this."

"I love you too kitten, there's literally no one else I want to do this with. Can’t wait for next weekend." He winks at me.

"Next weekend." I say smiling back at him.