UNBROKEN PROMISE

~50~ Court Hearing

The day of the first court hearing finally arrived with a heaviness that loomed over the entire ranch. Logan barely slept the night before, his mind racing with every possible argument Ezra and Clara’s lawyer might bring up. Oma, too, was restless, her anxiety nearly suffocating as she thought about standing in front of a courtroom and being treated like a piece of property to be debated over.

The morning was quiet as the family prepared for the trip into town. Mama Becca hugged Oma tightly before she entered the wagon, whispering, “Stay strong, darlin’. You’ve got us behind you.” Megan offered a firm squeeze of her hand, and even Caleb gave her a shy wave as Logan helped her into the wagon.

Jacob and Megan entered their own wagon riding just behind them, Mama Becca was staying behind to look after Caleb in the house.

The ride to the courthouse was silent. Logan sat beside her, his jaw clenched and his hands gripping the reins tightly. She could feel the tension radiating from his body though he didn't say much.

-------

The courthouse was a modest building, its walls echoing with the chatter of townsfolk and the heavy footsteps of boots against wooden floors. Inside, the small courtroom was already filling with curious townspeople, some who knew Logan and his family, others drawn by the spectacle of a contested marriage.

Ezra and Clara were seated with their lawyer, Mr Whitmore, who exuded confidence as he sifted through his papers. His gaze landed on Logan and Oma as they entered, a faint smirk tugging at his lips before he leaned over to whisper something to Ezra.

Logan’s lawyer, Mr. Borden, greeted them with a nod and gestured for them to sit at their designated table. Oma swallowed hard as she took her seat, her hands trembling slightly until Logan reached over and placed a firm but reassuring hand over hers. Megan sat with Jacob at the pew for spectators

The judge, a stern-looking man with graying hair and a no-nonsense demeanor, entered the room, calling it to order. The murmurs in the room died down as the proceedings began.

---

Mr. Whitmore opened with a polished statement, his voice smooth as silk. “Your Honor, we are here today to address the matter of Mrs. Caroma Tawney, a young woman who, through no fault of her own, has been placed in a marriage that is both inappropriate and invalid. My clients, her uncle and aunt, are deeply concerned for her well-being and believe she deserves a better life than the one she’s been forced into.”

Logan’s fists clenched at the word “forced,” but Mr. Borden placed a calming hand on his arm, silently urging him to keep his temper in check.

Mr. Whitmore continued, “We will demonstrate that Mrs. Tawney was coerced into this marriage under duress, that she is too young and inexperienced to have truly consented, and that this arrangement was designed to benefit Mr. Logan Tawney and his family, not the young woman herself.”

Gasps rippled through the room, and Logan shot a glare at Whitmore, his anger barely restrained.

When it was Mr. Borden’s turn to speak, he rose with measured calm. “Your Honor, we reject these claims entirely. My client, Mr. Logan Tawney, entered into this marriage with full respect for Mrs. Tawney and her late father’s wishes. There was no coercion, no deceit—only an honest effort to provide Mrs. Tawney with a stable home and a secure future. We will prove that these allegations are not only baseless but also harmful to the integrity of this court and the institution of marriage.”

The hearing quickly heated up as Mr. Whitmore began questioning Oma. He smiled politely but his words were pointed. “Mrs. Tawney, how old were you when you were married?”