UNBROKEN PROMISE

~54~ False witnesses

The week dragged on painfully slow, filled with a heavy tension that seemed to seep into every corner of the ranch. When the day for the second court hearing finally arrived, Jacob pulled Megan aside in the early hours of the morning. He stood with his arms crossed, his expression a mix of firm resolve and concern.

"Megan," he began, his voice low but authoritative, "I need you to promise me that you'll behave yourself today."

Megan crossed her arms, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I always behave," she muttered, though her tone was less than convincing.

Jacob raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a wry smile. "Uh-huh, like you behaved last time?" He stepped closer, tipping her chin up so she had to look at him. "Listen, I won’t spank you ‘cause you’re expectin', but don’t think for one second that means you’ll get away with causin’ trouble. I can be real creative when it comes to punishments, you know that.”

Megan sighed, rolling her eyes a little but nodding. "Fine, Jacob. I’ll be on my best behavior, I promise."

Jacob studied her for a moment before leaning down to kiss her. "Good girl," he murmured against her lips.

The wagon ride to the courthouse was subdued. Logan sat beside Oma, his jaw tight as he stared straight ahead. After a while, he reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. Oma looked at him, her wide green eyes filled with worry. He didn’t say anything, but the small gesture was enough to ease some of her nerves. She squeezed his hand back, offering him a small smile.

By the time they arrived, the courthouse was already bustling with activity. Townsfolk gathered in small groups outside, their whispers filling the air like buzzing bees. The family made their way inside, ignoring the stares and murmurs that followed them.

Inside the courtroom, Ezra and Clara sat with smug expressions, their lawyer standing beside them. What Logan and his family didn’t know was that Ezra and Clara had hired several false witnesses—people from town who harbored resentment toward Oma. Some of them despised her for being a "brown baby," while others were driven by petty jealousy over Logan’s attention or standing in the community.

As the hearing began, the first witness was called to the stand. A middle aged woman, her demeanor self righteous, claimed that Oma had confided in her about feeling trapped and unhappy in her marriage.

"I saw her cryin’ behind the church one day," the woman said, her voice trembling for effect. "She told me she felt forced into the marriage and... and that her husband was harsh with her."

Logan’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening on the bench. He glanced at Oma, who sat frozen, her face pale.

The next witness, a man in his thirties, claimed to have overheard Logan speaking harshly to Oma at the market. "He told her she’d better listen to him or else," the man said with a smirk, glancing toward Ezra and Clara for approval.

Logan’s lawyer, Mr. Borden, stood to cross examine the witnesses. "So," he began, his tone calm but cutting, "you claim Mrs. Tawney confided in you. When exactly was this supposed conversation?"

The woman faltered, her eyes darting nervously. "I... I don’t remember the exact date, but it was—"

"Convenient," Mr. Borden interrupted, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "And you, sir," he continued, turning to the man. "How far away were you when you claim to have overheard this supposed conversation?"

"Uh, well... not far," the man stammered.

"Not far?" Borden raised an eyebrow. "Close enough to hear word for word, or close enough to make assumptions?"