Chapter 120

It was Friday the nineteenth before court finally resumed. The jury had finally come to a verdict. It was a relief when Doris finally got the call the previous day just before leaving her office for the farmhouse. She had started to wonder if they were going to end with a hung jury. She shared the news with the Spencer-Rivera family over dinner and everyone was ecstatic that the wait was finally over, however anxious they were about what the verdict would be.

When they arrived at the courthouse, it was to a mad house of reporters and journalist. All screaming at the family for comments. Luckily Phillip had extra guards ready for them and the town closed around them as well. It was especially important since they had agreed to allow Emma to come today. She had been upset about not getting to be there for the entire trial, and from the beginning Natalia, Olivia, and Phillip had agreed that she would be allowed to be present for the verdict and later for sentencing.

As they entered the doors, Rafe, who had carried her in, set Emma onto her feet and moved to make sure his mom was alright. Since her doctor appointment earlier in the week, Olivia had been working on walking more without her cane. Natalia scolded her often for pushing herself to hard, but she wanted to walk into the courtroom with her head held high and no assistance today. She wanted Frank to see that nothing he did to her was lasting, and that she would move forward with her life while he rotted away. At least she hoped the jury found him guilty and sentenced him to life, or close to it.

"Mom, you doing okay?" Rafe asked as he approached her and his Ma.

"I'm good. Thank y-you, son."

Rafe could tell she was still in a little pain when she walked without the aid of her cane, but he let it go and allowed Natalia to take her place next to Olivia, twining their fingers together while he went to walk with his sisters. One hand holding tightly to Emma's and the other arm wrapped around his big sister's shoulders, keeping her close.

When they reached the doors to the court room, Doris and Mel opened them, each holding one side open so the family could walk in together. Most of the town had already filed into their seats and all heads turned as the family entered. Natalia and Olivia locked eyes for a moment, speaking to one another without words, as they did.

Natalia squeezed Olivia's hand and kissed her cheek as they started to walk towards the front. Reaching the front row, they stopped and kissed Ava's cheek before she went to sit beside Phillip. Rafe hugged both his sisters and then stood back so his mothers could speak with Emma.

Olivia carefully knelt down to her daughter's height, with Natalia's help. "Jellybean, I want you t-to tell your daddy if you d-decide you don't want to stay o-okay. Jane is here and s-she will take you home or to the h-hotel if you change your mind about b-being here. Alright?"

Emma nodded. "Okay mommy."

"Are you alright Em?" Natalia asked as she stroked the girls cheek.

"I want to stay, I want to know that he is going to jail, but…" She trailed off, unable to finish.

"But what Em? Y-you can tell us a-anything?" Olivia encouraged her daughter to continue.

"What if…what if he does something bad."

Olivia and Natalia brought their youngest into their arms and held her tight. "Oh Emma." Olivia started. "I p-promise baby, he won't hurt anyone." She pulled back just a little and titled her head towards the bailiff. "See there Em, h-he won't let Frank hurt anyone. A-and look, there are s-several police officers h-here, and your d-daddy's security guards. No o-one is going to hurt anyone while we're here. Okay?"

Emma nodded against her mother's shoulder while Natalia rubbed soothing circles on her back. "Okay." Emma whispered. "Can I sit with you guys?"

"No baby, y-you have to stay with your sister, a-and your daddy and B-Beth, and uncle S-Sam, but We'll be right in front of you."

Emma nodded again and pulled back from her mothers. "They aren't gonna let Frank go right? He's going back to jail?"

Natalia reached a handout and took hold of one of Emma's. As much as she wanted to tell Emma that Frank getting released wasn't possible, she wouldn't lie to her, and although she didn't think it would happen, if Frank were found innocent, then he would be free to leave the courthouse today. "We don't know what's going to happen today. But I can promise you that Frank is not going to hurt anyone. He's not going to even get close to your mommy, or me, or anyone else." She gave her little girl a small smile and kissed her cheek. "We have to go sit with auntie Doris and Mel now, you think you're okay to go sit with Ava now?"

"Yes Ma."

"Good girl. I love you sweetie."

"I love you too." Emma kissed her cheek and then Olivia's before finally going and climbing onto Ava's lap. Sam coming to sit beside them with his arm around Ava's shoulders.

Natalia helped Olivia back to her feet and held her hips from behind until she was steady again. Once Olivia regained her bearings, Natalia stepped to the side and laced their fingers together as they made their way to sit beside Doris, Mel, and Rafe at the prosecution table. As soon as they sat, the judge entered and Olivia huffed at having to stand again. Court was called to order and once again, Frank was brought in. Olivia and Natalia heard their littlest daughter gasp behind them and turned to look, although fear was evident on her face, she was snuggled safely against Ava and the two knew she would be okay. They clasped their hands together tightly and waited for what was to come.

The judge cleared his throat and began. "Okay, we're on record on Spencer-Rivera verses Cooper. It appears the jury has reached a verdict. Ladies and Gentlemen, I will expect that you are going to maintain your composure, whatever this verdict is. If there are any sudden outburst, or any disorderly conduct, these deputies will have you taken into custody. So please, refrain from any outburst. There are to be no pictures unless you are a member of the press, if there are any taken, the camera or phone will be confiscated." He then turned towards the bailiff. "Please bring the jury in."

Once the jury was brought it, they were asked to rise again. Upon being seated once more, the judge asked Frank to stand and addressed the jury. "Juror in seat number one, you are our foreman. Has the jury reached a verdict?"

"Yes your honor we have."

"Would you please hand the verdict to my deputy." The juror did as instructed and the deputy took the envelope to the judge. He opened it and looked it over quickly. "I'm going to return the verdict to you. And as to each count, I would like for you to read the title of the count, and then what your verdict is." He passed the form back to his deputy who handed it to the foreman.

"Count one, home invasion involving a firearm, we find the defendant, guilty." The court room was awash with happy mummers, until the judge gave a scolding look, letting them know that silence was not a request. "Count two, aggravated battery against one Olivia Rebecca Spencer-Rivera, we find the defendant, guilty. Count three, aggravated stalking of one Olivia Rebecca Spencer-Rivera, we find the defendant, guilty. Count four, aggravated unlawful restraint of one Olivia Rebecca Spencer-Rivera, we find the defendant, guilty. Count five, aggravated unlawful restraint of one Rafael Joseph Spencer-Rivera, we find the defendant, guilty. Count six, unlawful use of a firearm, we find the defendant, guilty. Count seven, committing a hate crime against one Olivia Rebecca Spencer-Rivera, we find the defendant, not guilty. Count eight, harassment of one Olivia Rebecca Spencer-Rivera, we find the defendant, not guilty. Count nine, harassment of one Natalia Maria Spencer-Rivera, we find the defendant, not guilty. Count ten, assault of one Natalia Maria Spencer-Rivera, we find the defendant, guilty. Count eleven, violation of a restraining order, we find the defendant, guilty."

"Okay, the deputy will take the verdict form from you. Have a seat please. Mr. Carter, would you like to have this jury pulled?"

"Yes your honor, I would."

"Jury clerk."

The clerk snapped her attention to judge Anderson, and then quickly looked over to the jury. "Juror number one, was that and is that your verdict?"

"Yes."

"Juror number two, was that and is that your verdict?"

"Yes."

This continued with all twelve jurors, with no one answering any different except for a slight hesitation from juror number seven, who also answered yes after only a second. When it was complete, the judge took over once again.

"Alright everyone, on behalf of myself and the attorneys, we want to thank you. This has been a long process, but we do appreciate your patience and all the attention you've given us. I'm going to ask that you please return to the jury room and I will be there to see you shortly."

The room was asked to rise as the jury exited. Once they were all filed out, the judge spoke to Frank once more. "Mr. Cooper, there is a sixty-eight-dollar state fee and a one-hundred-and-thirty-dollar privates and rights service fund fee. You will remain in custody until after sentencing which will be on March second. Court is adjourned."

As the gavel hit down and judge Anderson stood to leave, the crowd erupted. Everyone was hugging and kissing, happy that this nightmare was finally over for the Spencer-Rivera family. Everyone that is, except for Marina Cooper who rushed to the front to hug her father. The bailiff allowed the two to embrace for a quick moment before dragging Frank away. Marina eye's bore into Olivia as she fled the courtroom, tears streaming down her face.

Doris grabbed Rafe and held him tight, whispering in his ear that it was over now. Emma was vibrating with excitement on her sisters lap, crying happy tears that Frank was going away for good. Phillip hugged Beth with one arm and Ava and Emma with the other. When he released the girls, Sam was quick to take his place. Lillian clung to Buzz, apologizing for the loss of his son, but also very pleased that justice was served. Similar things were happen throughout the court room.

Olivia and Natalia, however, didn't notice any of it. They were stood by the table, embracing one another as if they never would again. Both had tears of joy and relief streaming down their cheeks. Olivia's arms were wrapped tightly around her wife's waist and her face was tucked securely into her neck. Natalia was wrapped around Olivia's neck with her face buried in her soft hair. After a few solid moments like that, Natalia pulled back enough to look into her wife's eyes.

She cupped Olivia's cheeks in both hands and kissed her softly. "It's over baby. It's all over." She kissed the tears off her wife's cheeks and then her nose before finding her mouth again. When they were both breathless, they pulled back for much needed air. Before either one of them could utter a single word, they were bombarded by four bodies. Emma was in her brothers arms, desperately reaching with her small arms to hug both her mother's at once, Ava and Rafe both held tight to their moms, and Sam's arms came around all of them like the protector he was.

They were all crying and laughing at the same time. Several shouts of 'it's over' were heard from various mouths. As the family stood there, wrapped around one another, they began to be approached with congratulations. Rafe was still holding Emma in one arm and had his other wrapped around his older sister. Natalia had moved behind Olivia with her arms around her waist. Both embracing her and also helping to keep her upright without it being noticed. Sam stood next to them with a hand on each of their shoulders.

Doris was the first to hug each one of them, taking Emma from Rafe's arms, spinning her around, and hugging her tightly to her. She kissed the side of her head over and over again as she felt Emma squeeze her back just as tight. "Everything's alright now my angel. It's over." She kissed her temple and pulled back a little. Adjusting Emma to be seated across the front of her body with Doris arms under her bottom. "How would you like to celebrate my darling?"

Emma looked from Doris to her family and then smiled wide, locking eyes with Natalia, who shared her love for their favorite treat. "ICE CREAM SUNDAYS!" She shouted, with Natalia joining in.

Everyone laughed as more and more people approached to surround the family with hugs and the love of their community. Eventually the crowd began to disperse, leaving only a select few. Buzz and Lillian, Phillip and Beth, Josh and Reva, as well as Blake, Jamanda, and Ashley who was standing beside Rafe with a hand on his shoulder.

After a few minutes of talking, the group headed out of the courthouse. Natalia held tight to Olivia with an arm around her middle to help her walk. The kids walked beside their mother's all happy to have the trial over and Frank locked away.

The group met back up at Company with several others joining them. Ice Cream Sundays were brought to the family, on the house, and Buzz and Lillian joined them at the long table the group had put together to have as many people as possible sat around it.

"So, what will you do now that this is over with." Blake asked, honestly curious of the family's plans.

Olivia smiled at her wife and kids. "We still h-have a lot going on, b-but at the moment," She took Natalia's hand and kissed the back of it. "I just w-want to enjoy the w-weekend with my family."

Natalia smiled back at her love, eyes shining. "We can do that mi amor. We can definitely do that." She leaned in and kissed her wife sweetly, letting her lips linger until the unmistakable sound of her children's 'ewe' were heard. The two broke apart laughing, taking joy in the completely normal act of their children playfully making fun of their kissing. "I love you Olivia."

"I love y-you sweetheart."

Emma climbed down from her seat and went to kiss her mommy's cheek with her chocolate lips. "I love you mommy." Olivia grabbed her face and kissed her square on the lips, getting chocolate on her own. She released her daughter and grabbed her son around the neck smothering him in kisses as she smeared chocolate across his face. The entire table was laughing at Rafe's pretend disgusted face as he made a show of wiping her kisses off.

"I love you m-my Jellybean." She said with a smile as she cupped her cheek, looking into eyes so much like her own. "And I l-love you my son." She stated as she shoved Rafe in the shoulder. "And y-you, my darling daughter." She grabbed Ava, who was standing behind Emma, and brought her closer to her, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I love y-you so very m-much."

Ava bent to kiss her mom's cheek. "I love you too mom. I'm so glad this is all over now and we can go back to our lives."

"Me too b-baby. Me too." As her children returned to their seats, Olivia looked around the table. There, sat before her, were so many people, all of them laughing and joking. She let the joyous sounds resonate within herself. She closed her eyes and just absorbed the noises around her.

Her son and Ashley poking fun at one another, giggling next to her. Her eldest truly laughing at something Shane said, her littlest baby running around with Blake's daughter and Payton, sounding completely carefree for the first time in months. Her wife chuckling with Blake, Jamanda, and Doris on her other side, Natalia's hand firmly placed against her thigh.

She continued to sit there, eyes closed, ears open. She let every wonderful, happy sound take hold in her heart. Phillip and Rick were joking like old times, Beth, Christina, and Mel all conversing about this and that. Josh, Bill, and Billy making jabs at each other the way only family could. Lizzy and Ava discussing the hotels and Ava's almost complete apartment. Holly and Vanessa reminiscing about times past. Mallet and Remy talking about Mallet's official move to Police chief. Buzz and Lillian talking quietly. Olivia stayed like that, just soaking it all in, until she felt arms around her shoulders and a soft kiss to her cheek.

"It's amazing isn't it? How just a year can change so much?" Reva whispered in her ear, not releasing her.

Olivia brought a hand up to rest on Reva's forearm around her neck. "Yes it is. T-thank you Reva, for being t-there for me, and for m-my family."

"No need to thank me Olivia, that's what family does. And we are you know, family. Everyone at this table. We're not alone anymore Olivia. Neither one of us."

Olivia smiled and turned her head up to kiss Reva's cheek. She was right, this, everyone here, they were her family, by blood or love, and she did, love them. Each and every one of them. Even Reva. She let her and Reva's past slip from her mind. She let their usually banter fall away and took a deep breath. "I love y-you Reva. They w-will never find the b-body if you repeat t-that, but I do."

Reva chuckled. "I love you too Olivia. And I'm never going to repeat that. It would ruin my good name." She said with a wink and a smile as she kissed Olivia's cheek once more and stood back to her full height, discreetly wiping a tear off her cheek as she made her way back to Josh, who had been watching the pair.

Once Reva walked away, Natalia leaned over to Olivia and whispered in her ear. "Everything okay?"

Olivia turn to face her wife head on. She wiped a tear of her own off her cheek and grinned at her lover. "Everything is perfect." She stated, leaning in to claim her wife's lips in a heat filled kiss. This kiss was meant to convey everything she was feeling at that moment. Happiness, gratitude, a sense of family and friendship, and above all, love. She felt more love in that small restaurant, at that long table, then she had ever felt in her life. Her heart was full and she knew, without a single doubt, that this is exactly where she was meant to be, surrounded by family and friends, and kissing the love of her life with all that she had.