28

Lexi's POV:

Waking up after the night Evan and I had is dreadful, but we manage. She tossed and turned for the better part of the night, the reason for that being totally obvious.

She gets out of bed and starts getting ready, and she urges me to do the same. I refuse, knowing something she doesn't.

"Baby, you have yo get up. You're going to be late." She tosses a pillow at me and I giggle quietly.

"Stop. I'm not going to work today." I inform.

"Funny, Lex." She turns her back to walk away, but I speak again.

"I took the day off, said it was for a personal matter. I called the sitter you hired and waved her off too. I'm staying here and watch the kids." I prop my arms behind my head and she slowly faces me, shaking her head.

"I'm going to beat your ass."

I laugh, "thanks for the warning at least."

Evan pouts, "why?! Lex, I told you-"

"You told me not to come to court with you. So, I call this compromise." I shrug.

Her green eyes roll and I smirk, "go get dressed, I'll keep the bed warm."

She walks away with her middle finger up, closing the bathroom door behind her.

I guess I dozed off, because when I wake up - for the second time- Evan is leaning over the bed, dressed and ready to go.

"I'm leaving. Kids are out cold. I left money on the counter for breakfast." She whispers.

I groan and reach up, grabbing her jaw and pulling her down to me. "I love you. Call me when you get there, and when it's done."

She pecks my lips quickly and leaves me with the taste of her lipgloss. As her steps near the door, I call out to her once more.

"Ev?" She glances over her shoulder at me. "Just breathe. You've got this, and it's all going to be okay."

* * *

Evan's POV:

My palms sweat profusely as we sit in the courtroom. Richard sits by my side, and Scott and two of his lawyers sit to our left.

The shiner I gave him a couple of days ago is looking ripe, and he keeps giving me the nastiest glares. Lanie isn't present, which doesn't surprise me. No way she could show up here with the marks she has and actually help Scott's case.

The procedures begin, and I do a lot of listening for a first few minutes. Richard talks a lot, and he speaks well. Thank you, Mia.

Once Richard gets done, Scott's lawyers pipe up and are just plain rude. Scott sits back, looking totally unbothered by the entire situation. I find myself holding my breath, waiting to see what is going to happen next.

Once I explained the situation that unfolded on Friday evening to Richard, he too advised that it not be brought up unless absolutely necessary. He explained that it would complicated things to some degree, and that usually those things don't hold up in court because it is essentially his word against mine.

But, things in the courtroom heat up when Scott's lawyers bring up a topic of interest.

"Your honor, the marks present only client's face tell enough of a story. Evan Johnson is a violent individual who has no right to raise children." The lie rolls off his tongue so well, so cool. You can tell he is comfortable lying like this.

Richard instantly intervenes. "Your honor, I would object to that. The statement is simply not true. If we're going to bring up the topic of physical abuse, I'd like it to be done in a more formal way."

The judge's face scowls and he glances between the men standing. "Is there any reason the topic of physical abuse should be brought up- that goes for either party-?" He asks.

I hear Richard sigh, probably because he didn't want to get into this, but I instantly smirk, knowing that this cannot play out well for Scott. He shot himself in the foot by bringing that up.

Scott's lawyers answer for him, and they lead with the impression that I am the abuser here. Richard, however, lets me speak.

"Your honor, I do believe that my children are being raised in a hostile environment where domestic abuse is occurring on a regular basis." I say, believing every ounce of it to be the truth.

The judges entire demeanor changes and it doesn't look like it is in the favor of Scott.

"Mr. Copeland, are the allegations of abuse in your household, the one where Ava Copeland, Grace Copeland, and Mason Copeland reside, true?" Judge asks.

Scott finally gets his ass out of his chair and buttons his suit as he stands, "no, your honor. The allegations are false."

From here Scott's slick-haired lawyer takes over. "Judge, we'd ask that you just look at my client today. He has physical marks on his person that are a result of Ms. Johnson striking him with her elbow when she picked up the children on Friday evening. My client has been gracious enough not to press charges, and we would prefer this whole thing be stopped now. The children are in a safe and -"

Before the attorney's rant goes too far, Richard speaks. "We hadn't planned on introducing this unless it was absolutely necessary, and it appear that is is case. At this time, I'd ask that you consider allowing a witness be introduced- on the behalf of both Ms. Johnson and Mr. Copeland's character and actions." Richard suggests. Truth be told, I have no idea where he is going with this... or who the hell a witness would be in this situation.

The judge considers for a moment. "I'll allow. Who is this witness?" He questions.

Richard nods to one of the bailiffs, and the bailiff opens a door and pulls through a familiar face.

I see none other than Lanie Copeland standing before the court, and it shocks me to my core. I glance over at Scott, and he looks more shocked than I am. I watch his lawyers panic and chat amongst themselves, and I see that same look of rage fill his eyes.

"This witness asked to be kept out of sight out of fear for her safety, your honor. This is Lanie Copeland, the current wife of Scott Copeland."

The judge's interest is clearly peaked when he hears her relation.

"We do not-"

"That'll be enough, counselor." The judge snaps, talking to Scott's attorney. "Mrs. Copeland, you may take your seat. Please state your name for the court-recorder."

She does as she's asked, and Richard begins to ask her questions.

"Mrs. Copeland, I'd like to begin with the question that is most pressing in this case- do you believe the children shared between Evan Johnson and Scott Copeland to be in any danger, or subjected to any violent behaviors as they reside in the primary home of Mr. Copeland?" He asks.

She is careful to keep her eyes on Richard and only Richard. She does not dare even glance in Scott's general direction out of pure fear. I can see the beads of sweat forming on her forehead, and she continuously moves her hands against one another out of nervousness.

"I- I do." Her response causes my eyes to float shut and my heartbeat slows. Hearing her say that my kids are in danger in that house hits differently when it comes from her.

I hear a groan from Scott, and I watch his body language. He goes from calm and confident, to nervous and angry.

"And Mrs. Copeland, can you explain the events that occurred last Friday that led up to the black-eye Mr. Copeland is sporting today?" Richard asks.

She takes an uneasy breath and her eyes land on me. I swallow hard, knowing that she could easily tell the truth- that I hit Scott. She opens her mouth and I listen closely. "F-Friday I was home, and Scott was too. He was upset at something that happened at work, and he took it out on me, as usual-"

"Will your specify, please?" Richard asks, making it a point to let he judge hear exactly how Scott takes things out.

"With his fists. On my face. Choking me, holding me against the wall until my body goes limp. Calling me every name under the sun." Lanie offers the information with anger and pain in her eyes. "While that was ensuing, I got fed up and I hit Scott with my arm, that is where the mark on his right eye came from." She lies, looking right at me.

She used the exact script I fed her. I've never been one to condone lying, but in this case- lying was for the greater good.

The judge's face grows angrier with each word that is spoken, and Scott sees it.

"Seriously?! They're lying! Clearly this is some sort of plan to try and ruin me. Your honor, I am a respectable man! Tarnishing my name like this is-"

The judge cuts him off. "Enough to make you upset enough to lay your hand on a woman?"

Scott's face hardens and he eyes the judge hard. "That woman is not fit to be a mother. She slept with a girl who was hardly even legal, for Christ sake!" Scott blurts.

I keep my composure, not even reacting to the outburst, just like Richard told me.

"Enough, Mr. Copeland!" The judge yells. "The intimate physical relationships that Ms. Johnson carries on have no grounds in this courtroom. Your inability to control your violence and keep a stable and safe environment for your children, however, does." My heart beats faster as things continue to unravel right before my eyes. Truthfully, I can't believe the comment about me screwing Lexi got dismissed so quickly, but I am not complaining. "With this new information being brought to light, I need to hear nothing further. Grace Copeland, Ava Copeland, and Mason Copeland will now permanently reside in the care of their mother, Evan Johnson. And as for you, Mr. Copeland..." The judges eye land on Lanie. "Do you intend to press charges against Scott Copeland?" He asks her.

With tears in her eyes she nods her head yes, and I watch the bailiff slap a pair of silver bracelets onto Scott's wrists; they match his suit quite nicely, actually. He rants and carries on the entire time, even as he is escorted from the courtroom. His lawyers shake their heads, but say nothing. They know there is nothing they can say or do to protect his sorry ass.

Court is dismissed and Lanie walks over to me, faded bruises that are partially covered by make up on her skin still. Her lip quivers hopelessly adn she hugs me tight, catching me off guard. Out of instinct, my arms wrap around her too and squeeze. Never thought I'd find myself hugging her... of all people.

It it weren't for Scott's abusive tendencies against her, I may not have my kids right now.

"Thank you for giving me a way out." She whispers in my ear. She she pulls out of the hug, I glance at her hand, seeing no ring.

I nod my head, "you'll be better without him. Trust me, I've been there."

She gives a sad smile and walks away, leaving Richard and I alone again.

His hand lays on my shoulder and squeezes, "well, you did it. Congratulations, Ms. Johnson." He smiles.

I grin and can't help but give him a huge squeeze as well, even if it is inappropriate.

He packs up his things and we was out of the courthouse together, talking about what happens next and how I go about getting my kid's clothes and stuff from Scott's house.

"So, what about the charges Lanie is filing?" I question, curious what Scott's future will hold.

Richard shrugs, "that's his problem. You won't have to be involved in any of that. He'll probably spend a few hours in a cell today until he posts his bail, but that's about all I could tell you."

Once we walk down the stairs of the courthouse, I hear and voice yelling my name.

"Mama!!" Mason screams, running towards me.

I smile huge and pick him up, kissing his neck and spinning him around in circles. His sisters join him just a few moments after, and I'm so happy I could cry.

I look up and Lexi is trotting over, slightly out of breath. "They took off when they saw you." She explains.

"I have some exciting news..." I pause and look at my three babies, "you guys are going to get to live with me all the time now!"

Cheers of pure joy escape their mouths and they hug my neck so tight I am nearly strangled. I look up from where I am kneeling and see the softest smile on Lexi's lips.

I stand up and she hugs me tighter than all three kids did combined- pressing her lips against my neck, ear and jaw several times. "I told you we'd get them."

The statement and her use of the pronoun 'we' makes my heart get warm. I lock my hands around her body and close my eyes, "I couldn't have done any of this without you." I whisper, only allowing her to hear me.

"You could have. You just needed a push." She says, pulling away and looking over my face lovingly.

"Well, I am glad I could be of service, Ms. Johnson. I am happy to see such a beautiful family." Richard says, looking down at all three kids.

I smile and Ava leans agaisnt me and my hands rest on her shoulders, "thank you for everything." I nod.

He smiles and glances at Lexi, nodding. "Lexi, I got your check from Mia, so we're covered too. No need for anything extra. Take care."

My brows furrow at his mention of a check. Lexi's face grows extremely uncomfortable and she glances at me quickly.

"Check?" I ask.

Richard steals a glance at me as well, then quickly looks back to Lexi. He looks panicked, and Lexi closes her eyes, looking defeated. "It's fine." She assures Richard, though it isn't very convincing.

The elderly man walks away and I look to Lexi for answers. "What check?"

"Ev, don't worry about-"

"What check, Lexi?"

Lexi's POV:

To say that Evan is upset would be a severe understatement.

I couldn't not tell her, I was caught in it. I have Richard to thank for that.

Before she caused a massive scene, I convinced her to go home, mainly for the sake of the kids. So now, here I am, standing in the bedroom of one pissed off woman.

She calmly enters the bedroom and shuts the door, leaving me with an ounce of hope that she isn't that upset, but boy am I wrong.

"Have you lost your fucking mind?" She asks, her arms snapping down over her chest. The fact that she's dressed in a pantsuit doesn't help with the intimidation factor, or the sexiness factor.

"Evan, do you really want to ruin this great day by talking about something that does not even matter?" I ask, hoping she'll let it go.

Again, my hopes are proven to be too high. Evan rips them right down. "Doesn't matter according to who? You paid off Richard? Why the fuck would you do that? Why would you even think it is your place to do that?!" She yells.

I close my eyes and lay my hands on my forehead. I sit down on the bed, realizing that I'll probably be here for a while. "Ev, I just wanted to help. I wanted to make sure you got a decent lawyer, one who could help you get the kids back. It worked! That's the only thing that matters now!" I press, hoping that if I say it enough it'll make it through her thick skull.

"You lied to me." Her statement is so simple, but holds power. I know what that means to her.

"I didn't. You never asked if I paid him, Evan. I gave you the information you needed to know." I insist.

Her head shakes, "how much?" I sigh and lean back on my arms, not wanting to give her a number. "How fucking much, Lexi?"

"Three." I mutter, hardly looking at her.

Her blonde hair is shoved back and she looks very upset. "Do me a favor?"

I raise my brows, silently asking what it is.

"Get the fuck out of my house."