Chapter Two

"Stop looking at your watch," he whispered into her ear.

"We're already late," she replied in the same tone turning in his direction.

"I know, but…"

"Mr. Gardner, Miss Lockhart, is there anything you'd like to share with the court?"

"No, Your Honor, we apologize," Will replied respectfully.

Judge Kittleson eyed both of them for a short moment before she turned her attention back to the man on the witness stand and the woman standing in front of him.

"Please continue, Miss Gamble," she said and as the ASA directed her next question to the witness she again sent a short gaze in Diane and Will's direction, clearly showing that she'd keep an eye on them.

Diane let out a sigh and already started giving up on them ever making it to that restaurant for their dinner reservation, when she heard Helen Gamble's voice.

"I have nothing further, Your Honor."

"Miss Lockhart, Mr. Gardner, your witness."

Diane looked at Will with despair and he stood up, but instead of stepping closer to the witness he stayed on his spot.

"You Honor, can we approach, please?"

Judge Kittleson didn't seem surprised, like she'd already expected something like this to happen. She nodded and waved in the direction of the ASA as well.

When all three of them were standing in front of the bench Will cleared his throat and with all three women looking in his direction he finally took the courage to speak.

"Your Honor, we have kind of an…emergency, so I was wondering if we could ask for a continuance until tomorrow morning?"

"What emergency?" she asked impatiently, clearly not liking Will's request.

Diane looked at her husband, who was obviously trying to decide if he should tell the truth or not. He looked at her and she nodded in agreement that he should go with the truth.

"We have our wedding anniversary today," he said the words and Diane was relieved to see the look on the judge's face.

"Well, in case Miss Gamble doesn't have an objection," she replied turning her attention to the ASA.

"No, Your Honor, in fact I wish you too a fun night," she said teasing.

"All right then, we adjourn until tomorrow," Roberta said.

"Thank you, Your Honor," Diane replied and was about to turn around, when she heard the judge's voice again.

"But Miss Lockhart, don't think we will ever forgive you for robbing this man from us, no matter how many years have passed. I'm sure Miss Gamble agrees with me on this."

"Oh yes, it was a great loss to all of us," Helen replied and Diane smiled at Will, who clearly felt uncomfortable as the centre of all three women's attention.

"We are adjourned until tomorrow morning at eight," the Judge said loud, hitting the bench with her gavel and silently added, "Congratulations," looking at the couple.

o-o-o

"Good night sweetie," she said then placed the phone on the table. His hand immediately reached out for it and before she could say or do anything, her phone disappeared in the inner pocket of his jacket.

"You cannot make more phone calls tonight," he stated and his face suggested that he didn't want to hear any objections. She tried nevertheless, it would have been unlike her to just accept his terms so easily.

"Can I please have my phone back?"

"No. As you saw I didn't turn it off so in case it rings I might allow you to answer, depending on who is the caller of course."

"Is it going to be like this from now on? You should tell me before I give you your anniversary present," she teased and immediately saw the interest in his eyes. She knew him well enough to know how to get to him. No matter how old he was, he still loved getting presents just as much as his own kids.

"It depends on what that present is."

"Nice try."

"Actually I've already got my present," he said softly, placing his hand on hers, "A night out with the most gorgeous woman in this room, who happens to be my wife. I'm a lucky man."

She knew that he meant every word, the tone, the look on his face, the touch of his hand on hers were the proof. And the fact that he said it after seven years of marriage just proved it right that she'd chosen to give up her freedom for him. Now she couldn't imagine her life without him and their children.

"Right back at you, Mister," she replied smiling.

"What do you say if we disappear in our room right now?"

"How could I say no to that?"

With their arms holding the other they walked towards the elevator and after they stepped inside and the doors closed, hiding them from the world it just felt right to kiss him.

Once in a year that was their night and theirs only. For a few hours they were not parents of two children or fellow equity partners of a law firm, they were just a woman and a man who were still in love after many years spent together.

It had started out as a work-relationship almost ten years ago. He'd second chaired most of her cases, they'd spent days and nights working together. She'd got to know him exactly when her biological clock had started ticking. That had been the time for her to decide what she'd wanted from life: career or a family. It had been basically his fault that she'd ended up sacrificing the first for the latter.

Not that she ever thought about it that way when she looked at their children. She loved them more than anything in the world, just like she loved him. And now that she was working again, it didn't feel like she'd missed out on anything. Due to her maternal leave and the age difference, they were now on the same stages of their careers and it seemed like the perfect time to finally take another step forward, to open up their own law firm.

That was her anniversary present for him, she'd found the perfect place for them to start their dream in. But by the time they got out of the elevator, they'd both forgotten about the anniversary, the presents, the firm, even the children. They only had one thing on their minds and as the door of the hotel room closed behind them there were no doubts that they would make it a night to remember.