UNBROKEN PROMISE

~57~ End of Case

The final court hearing was close by and the family clung to a bit of hope of the evidence. Oma was still recovering, her body sore from the recent treatments, but she'd insisted on attending.

Logan had tried to convince her to rest at home, but she wouldn't hear of it. He still hadn't told her the findings she was still a bit weak and he honestly didn't know how to bring it up.

Mama Becca had massaged her aching legs and arms earlier that morning, offering comforting words. Now, Oma sat quietly beside Logan, her face pale but resolute, as they rode into town.

The courthouse was tensed. Townsfolk filled the benches, their whispers filled with curiosity and judgment. Ezra and Clara sat a short distance away, their expressions smug at first, but the moment Jacob entered carrying the bag they had discovered, Ezra's face drained of all color. His lips pressed into a thin line, and he exchanged a wary glance with Clara.

The proceedings began, and Logan's lawyer wasted no time presenting the evidence. As he handed over the documents to the judge, he began detailing the contents, a signed agreement proving Ezra and Clara's financial scheme. The court stirred with murmurs of disbelief as the lawyer pointed to Ezra's signature on the document.

Logan sat rigid beside Oma, his jaw tight, his hands clasped into fists. Oma, who had not been privy to the discovery of the evidence, gasped softly.

Her hand flew to her mouth as her eyes welled up with tears. The feeling of betrayal overwhelmed her cutting deep. Why would they do this to her? Why go to such lengths to use her as a pawn for their financial gain?

The whispers in the courtroom grew louder, the judge banged his gavel for silence. His stern voice echoed through the room as he addressed Ezra directly. "Mr. Ezra Dawson, is this your signature on these documents?"

Ezra's mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air. He glanced at Clara, who looked equally panicked. "I-I..." he stammered. "Your Honor, this is... this is being taken out of context!"

The judge raised a brow. "Out of context? It's quite clear from these documents that you intended to use Mrs. Oma Tawney for your personal financial gain. Do you deny that this agreement exists?"

Ezra sputtered, but no words came. The crowd in the courtroom leaned forward, eager to catch every word.

Logan's lawyer pressed forward, his voice steady and confident. "Your Honor, this agreement outlines a marriage arrangement between Mrs. Tawney and a wealthy man from the city, someone Mr. Dawson and his wife intended to use to erase their debts and secure property. Mrs. Tawney was to be used as leverage, against her will, despite already being legally married."

The judge's eyes narrowed. He flipped through the documents before setting them down with a heavy sigh. "This is beyond reprehensible."

Clara finally spoke, her voice shrill. "We were only doing what was best for her! She deserved better than this... this farm life!"

The judge's glare silenced her. "This court will not entertain excuses for such blatant manipulation. Mrs. Tawney is a grown woman, capable of making her own decisions. And as of today, this case is closed in favor of Mr. and Mrs. Tawney. All claims to annul this marriage are hereby dismissed."

A wave of relief swept through Logan's family. Jacob gave a small fist pump, and Megan smiled brightly. But Oma sat still, her face pale, her mind reeling from the revelations.

Ezra, his pride wounded, stood abruptly. "This isn't over," he hissed, glaring at Logan and Jacob. "You think you can humiliate us like this and get away with it? We won't forget this."

Clara clutched his arm, but her face mirrored his fury.

Just as they turned to leave the courtroom, the sheriff stepped forward, blocking their path. "Ezra Dawson, Clara Dawson," he said, his voice firm. "You're both under arrest. There's a warrant for your capture in your home state fraud, theft, and forgery, to name a few."