Caballeros

Courtroom Battle (Edited)

Joaquin

As I'm standing hugging my little family Jeremy approaches us. I introduce him to everyone and he shakes hands with the guys and tips his hat to the ladies. The Gooch beams at him causing Santiago to glare at him. It makes me laugh inwardly Jules looks between them and laughs. Glad it was her that laughed and not me.

"Hey Ortega, we should go out to celebrate your win!" Jeremy says smiling.

"Aww man Jeremy, wish I could but we have to hit the road to Houston right now."

"Ok Bro, maybe when you get back we can have a beer."

"You're staying?"

"For a bit; I'm going help Hector until he can find a replacement for Arnie. Damn, I heard you beat the tar out of his ass today." He laughs. Oh god I hope that Jules didn't hear him.

"Cool, yeah, I'll hit you up when I get back," I say.

"Have a safe trip ya'll."

I look over at Jules who is holding Trin on her hip and damn I love the sight. She also has a scowl on her face; that I do not like, it freaks me out. I crook my finger and motion her over to me. She smiles at me and it makes me less nervous.

"I love you," I say trying to break the ice.

"I love you too. What's that I heard that you beat up Arnie?" she asks.

"He was disrespecting my wife; so he had to be put in his place."

"Oh my hero," she says with a chuckle. "You ready to hit the road?"

"Yup, I guess so," I say with a heavy sigh. "I'm just really worried about it."

"Oh honey, we will work through whatever happens; I promise Mi Amor."

"Okay Darlin, ya'll ready to go?"

"Yeah, ya'll want us to take Trinity in our car?" Changs asks.

"No, I want to be with her as much as I can; just in case." I say getting emotional.

Everyone comes up and they embrace us in a group hug. The love that is coming from these people that I just met is unreal; I am so glad that they have come into our life. We head over to the cars and Abuela meets us there to bless us and send us on our way. Hector will meet us there in the morning and I am glad that he will be there with us. Jules hands me Trinity to put in her car seat; she has already dressed her in her pajamas for the long ride. She hands over her sippy cup and one of the teddy bears to keep her calm.

We head down the highway with the sounds of Chris Stapleton singing about Tennessee Whiskey. I drum my fingers on the steering wheel I begin to sing along to the song and I look at Jules and her eyes have gone wide. I laugh at the look on her face.

"Babe, I didn't know you could sing!" she squeals.

"It's nothing, I sing to Trinity sometimes."

"You have an amazing voice," she says with a smile.

"Thanks Darlin."

Jules and Trinity have fallen fast asleep and I drive in silence and stew in my own thoughts. I pull over to get gas and the others follow suit. I get out and go pay for the gas and get a huge energy drink. I am drained but we are almost to Houston. Changs comes up to me and hits his can against mine, we laugh. He must notice the stress and anxiety I'm going through.

"Bro, Joaquin don't worry about what hasn't happened yet. Take it as it comes and we will be there to support you and Jules."

"Thanks Changs, you don't know how much I appreciate ya'll."