Hearts Through Time

EPILOGUE

Abby's lower back ached as she sat on the chair in the courtroom. She shifted uncomfortably, and placed a hand on her very round belly. The baby kicked, apparently, not liking the way she had been sitting for so long. But she must support her husband—the most popular prosecuting attorney in town.

It had taken only a few months for Nick to pass the bar and get his license back. The hardest part was trying to convince the judge that the school Nick had attended had lost his records in the fire two years past. Although she hated to lie, it was better than the alternative—telling the judge Nick was from the future.

Thankfully, the judge approved Nick to take the exam, and just as she knew would happen, he passed.

"...and that, gentlemen, is why Joel Roberts should be sent to prison for the murder of Brent Sharp." Nick squared his shoulders and looked point-blank at the jury of men.

Confidence surrounded Nick as he finished presenting his case. Sighing, she smiled. Nick was such a good lawyer, and he took so well to this time period. Occasionally, she worried that something might happen to send him back to the future, but then with all they have been through, and he hadn't been sent back, told her that Nick was here to stay.

The judge gave Nick a nod before aiming his attention at the jury. "Court is in recess until the jury has come to a verdict."

"All rise," the bailiff announced.

Abigail struggled to her feet, relieved to be off her butt...for now. Once the judge and jury had left the courtroom, Nick strolled toward her, a self-assured grin stretching across his face. She couldn't help but return a smile.

When he reached her, he gathered her in his arms and kissed her forehead. "How are you feeling?"

She chuckled. "Like I want to have our baby now! My back has been killing me all day today, and it's only getting worse. I tell you, if I don't have this baby today, I'm going to find the midwife and make her take this child out of me!" She swept her fingers lightly over his hair, careful not to mess it up. "But enough about me, how are you feeling, my dear?"

"Like I'm about to win this case."

"Well of course you are. Since you are the best prosecuting attorney in the state of California, you are blowing away the other lawyers and they don't stand a chance going up against you. I'm very proud to have you as my husband."

He shrugged. "What can I say... I solved the hardest murder case in my life, thanks to you. Now I feel like a pro."

The baby kicked again, and this time Nick felt it since she was still pressed up against him. He withdrew slightly and glanced down at her round belly. His hand smoothed over the lump in her dress.

"Sweetie, your belly is hard. Are you in labor?"

"How would I know? I've never been pregnant before."

"You know, he's going to be a line-backer."

She rolled her eyes. "Actually, I was hoping he'd take after his father."

"Or," Nick kissed her nose, "she is going to be a ballerina, and that's why she has such strong legs."

"Now that I can agree on."

Keeping his arm around her, he turned them toward the aisle and side-by-side they left the courtroom. Several journalists and photographers huddled close to the door, and bombarded them as they walked out into the hallway. Questions flew all around them, but Nick just held up his hand, shook his head, and repeated, "No comment."

A few flashbulbs went off, and stars appeared in her eyes. She closed her eyes to ward off the bright light, yet stars still danced behind her lids. Good grief, she would never get used to the modern-day camera...not like Nick had.