Deceived

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter 18: Changes happen fast!

Time: Fall 2008

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A few days later, Reba, Barbra Jean, Liz, and Brock sat in court, waiting for a judge to make final decisions on how to divide the assets. Jack was also there to provide moral support for Reba and Barbra Jean. Barbra Jean was more than willing to make sure that she only got her share of the money and the dental practice from the last eight years, which wasn't as much as she'd hoped; she had to split that money with Liz. However, she got all of the assets that were in the name of Alexander Hamilton. That was substantial, so she didn't worry about the lack of money coming from her time as Mrs. Brock Hart.

Reba and Brock were jointly awarded all of the assets that were accumulated in the time preceding Brock's disappearance. Brock and Reba were also awarded any current and future earnings from the dental practice, to be split equally 50/50.

The entire situation was working out well for all parties, until Liz decided to pose a question to the judge. "Your honor, there are still some legal issues to work out. My son's marriage to Reba ended with a divorce decree. If you'll notice, my son did file the motion to begin the proceeding during their separated, but he also sign a document to stop the proceeding while he and Reba worked on reconciliation. During that time, the reconciliation was successful, and they conceived another child together, my granddaughter, Maggie. After that, my other son, Alex, signed any other documentation for further proceedings while he posed as Brock. The divorce decree was obtained by fraud. The real Brock Hart did not want those divorce proceedings to continue. I'm asking that you throw out that decree as null and void." Liz used her commanding tone, the one that said that she meant business, striking fear in the heart of her family and friends.

The judge looked at the evidence. Barbra Jean, Reba, and Brock gave sworn testimony over the events that happened before and after Maggie's birth. Reba admitted that Brock had moved back into the family home. She also stated that she wanted to maintain the status quo. She saw no reason to change anything. She was content for her and Brock to live separate lives, with Brock living in the basement. She asked for the judge to consider it as a separate living space.

Brock was not giving his marriage up without a fight. He admitted he never stopped loving his wife. He confessed to his adulterous behavior eight years ago, but saw no reason for it to cost him his marriage now since Reba already forgave him. Reba previously reinstated the divorce proceedings shortly after Maggie's birth. The judge found that questionable since it was only three months postpartum, and there was no history of abuse in the home. For all of these reasons, the judge ordered the divorce decree null and void. He ordered Brock and Reba remain legally married for a minimum of one year, during which time they actively try to work on the marriage.

Barbra Jean's smile broadened in approval. A powerful relief filled her. She was no longer responsible for the destruction of Reba and Brock's marriage. She and Liz did it. They saved the marriage. She looked over at Jack. He wore a crestfallen expression. She started to have warm feelings for Dr. Hunky again. While no one could replace Alex in her heart, she could enjoy Jack's company for a while.

Brock's mood seemed suddenly buoyant. He had an indefinable feeling of rightness, and he seemed very pleased with himself. After the proceedings, he thanked Barbra Jean and Liz for helping to right the wrongs that Alex caused. He wanted to say something to Reba, but she dashed out of the courtroom with Jack chasing after her.

Reba was standing outside the courthouse with Jack. The shock of discovery hit her full force. She was still married to Brock! Surprise siphoned the blood from her face. She felt irritated and unhappy with herself. This was something that she wanted so badly eight years ago. She just couldn't bring herself to be happy right now. She liked the life that she led. She couldn't go back to the way that things were before; everything was Brock's way or the highway. She also had Jack now. She looked up at Jack, disorientated. Reba jumped at the sound of Brock's voice behind her.