When Hate Turns to Love

Ch. 53

Nini held her fiancés hand on one side and Brookelynn's on the other two months later as the jury filed in. The trial against Ej and his sister had taken two long weeks and this was the final moments.

"Will the defendants please rise." the judge said.

Ej and Ellie stood, still after all this time making faces at Nini.

"How does the jury find the defendant Eleanor Jane Caswell?" the judge asked the foreman.

"We the jury find Eleanor Caswell guilty of kidnapping in the first degree."

Ellie had the gall to look shocked.

"And how does the jury find Edward James Caswell?"

"We the jury find the defendant Edward James Caswell guilty of kidnapping in the first degree and assault in the first degree."

Ej looked angrily at his lawyer.

Nini and Brookelynn let out relieved sighs.

The judge hit his gavel.

"I am prepared to give the sentences." the judge said, obviously disgusted with the siblings.

"But your honor, you-" Ej's lawyer tried to speak.

"Quiet councilor." the judge snapped, "I hereby sentence Eleanor Jane Caswell to 20 years without parole."

Ellie let out a screech.

"I hereby sentence Edward Caswell to 45 years without parole." the judge banged his gavel once more, "This trial is over."

After watching Ej and Ellie being led away, Nini stood and shook Mr. Mazzara's hand.

"Thank you Mr. Mazzara." she kissed the man's cheek, "You have been incredible."

"It was my pleasure Miss Salazar-Roberts." he said, "You as well, Miss Heethuis."

Brookelynn smiled and shook his hand as well. She hugged Nini and Ricky before joining her parents.

"I am so glad that's over." Nini said as she and Ricky left the courtroom.

"Me too." he said, kissing her temple and wrapping an arm around her waist.

Nini loved the safe feeling she had when he was with her. She was all for the independent woman, but there was something about a man being there for you that felt wonderful.

"Now will you focus on the wedding?" he whined.

Nini laughed. He had been begging her to start planning the wedding, but she wanted to get the Ej and Ellie thing out of the way. He really wanted to get married.

"Yes dear." she said, "Now I'll start working on the wedding."

"Thank god." he said dramatically, "I never thought I would have so much trouble getting a woman to marry me."

She sent him a glare for his cockiness. He just laughed.

"You aren't the only one who's been nagging me." Nini said, "Kourt is chomping at the bit, ready to stuff me into the next wedding dress she sees."

He stopped her and pulled her into his arms on the front steps of the court house.

"There's no hurry darling. I'm just teasing." he said.

"Kourtney isn't." Nini snorted.

Ricky laughed and kissed her forehead.

"I just can't wait to call you my wife." he said sweetly.