I missed the combine and watched the draft alone in my room. My chance for the NFL this year is gone. After several long talks with Blake and Matt, a heart to heart with Riley and Emma, I accepted the deal with Arizona. Every one of my family agrees that I will work my ass off to get an active first string position when I'm healthy again.

I have to if I want to ever play again. Riley has decided to go back to Arizona when the school year is up. She has her own decisions to make about the diner and school. It's killing her to have to make these choices. The hard decisions aren't easy but we have to do what's right for each of us.

The one decision that was easy was that we want to be together. So my rehab is going to be in Arizona. I'm going to stay with Riley in her childhood home and help her run the diner. I might not be able to cook or wait tables but I can keep the books and inventory. I'll learn to do anything else.

Grandma is determined to help too. She's investing in the diner, in us. She says she wants to get into the food industry and this is her chance. She's redoing the interior, updating the kitchen and overhauling some of the menu by giving Riley some of her own recipes. I think she just wants her hand in the pot to make sure we succeed. I believe in Riley, she's just like Grandma, she won't fail.

Grandma never fails in anything she's done. Including, maybe especially, when she throws a party. And she's thrown some doozies. Tonight is no exception. Sarah and Laney have been putting in a lot of hours making sure this gala goes off without a hitch. Grandma won't settle for anything less than spectacular.

Dad's hearing is this morning, we have our final exams in the coming weeks, and the big spring foundation fundraiser bash tonight. We tried to talk her out of it, given the circumstances, but once Grandma makes her mind up, there's no changing it. She refused to change her plans stating that Dad has screwed up enough over the years, she won't allow him to ruin this too.

I don't blame her for being frustrated with him. He really messed up. I just don't care anymore. Both of my parents seem to think they can make my decisions for me and I've had enough. I'm an adult, they can't do anything but take my inheritance away. I doubt Grandma will allow that to happen but if it does, I don't care. I'll just work at the diner with Riley.

We'll make it work.

Grandma insisted we take a limo to the courthouse this morning. I'm glad she did. Driving up, we see the media crowded around the parking garage entrance waiting for us. I hate driving through these crazies. One of them inevitably steps in front of the car every time. I bet they do that shit on purpose too. Anything for a photo opportunity.

"Why are there so many reporters out here? Shouldn't they be in the courtroom?" Riley is stunned by the turn out. I hate to tell her that this crowd is just the tip of the iceberg of what is ahead of us. She'll learn soon enough that this is a mild media event for my family.

I'm not surprised the press is here. It's a juicy story and has been headline news since Dad's arrest went public. Riley has stayed safe and secure at Grandma's house since she got back from Arizona. She hasn't been around campus, where the rest of us have been getting the third degree, stalked at every turn. Even at practice, I'm getting the scattering of media.

"Bradford's are big news." I grumble, watching the mass start to swarm the car. "Don't worry about them, I'll be with you the whole time. You don't have to make a statement. We'll just walk straight into the courthouse and ignore all of them."

The car comes to a stop right by the elevator into the building. There's a security guard waiting for us as our driver opens the door. Getting out, I hold tight to Riley's hand as cameras flash in our eyes, blinding us momentarily. Security pushes them back as questions are yelled out to us.

"Aiden, is it true your father has caused Bradford Engineering to go bankrupt?" Almost, but I'm not admitting that.

"Riley, did the Bradford's pay off your father to get you out of their son's life?" Shit!

Riley paused in her step. Her eyes widened, heartbroken already and now being put on the spot, because that's exactly what my Dad tried to do. I doubt Ben went along with him. My opinion is that Ben refused Dad, probably got offended and pissed with him too. Knowing Dad, he wouldn't take no for an answer and solved it by killing him.

That's what I think happened. I haven't mentioned it to Riley. I don't want to hurt her more than she is. I know this whole trial is going to be hard on her. It's better she gets the facts from the police reports and investigators that Grandma hired. She needs to come to her own conclusions about this and handle it her way. I won't push what I believe on her.

"Aiden, was Ben blackmailing your father?" Yeah, because that's likely- not!

"Riley, did your father know you were pregnant before he died?" What the fuck?!

That sparked more ridiculous questions

"Riley, how far along are you?"

"Aiden, is Riley forcing you to marry her for the baby?"

"Riley, is it true you're after the Bradford fortune?"

These questions are only making matters worse.

"Aiden, did Adam find out Blake is really your father?" I can only wish that one were true.

The elevator door slides shut and Riley slumps against the steel wall. This is just the beginning of this nightmare of a trial. It's going to be so hard for her to have to face this every day. And we will. The questions will get uglier, the press pushier. Maybe it's best she'll only come when she has to do her testimony. That will save her from some of the exposure.

"I don't know if I can do this." Her whispered statement sends fear into my heart. Is she having second thoughts about us?

Stepping in front of her, I take her face into my hands and make her look at me. "Do you love me?"

Her eyes widened, as if she didn't realize she spoke those words out loud. "You know I do."

"We can do this together and put my father in jail, where he belongs or we can drop the charges and go back to Arizona. We can run the diner together and leave my family behind." I'd do it too. As long as I have her, I'll give up everything.

I've thought long and hard about this over the last week. I could walk away from football, the money and the fame without blinking an eye. I'd hate losing football but I'm not going to be playing for a while anyway. I can't turn my back on my family but they would understand if I left the spotlight for a quiet life with Riley. Hell, Beckett managed to do it all these years. Occasionally, he makes an appearance when Grandma demands it. But otherwise, he's a normal person with a normal life.

"You can't do that to Georgia or Blake. No, this is your family, Aiden. Family matters. It's just hard for me to think about all the time. I miss my Dad." It's just that simple. And exactly why I know she's meant for me. She understands me, and my connection to my family. Something Leighton never understood. "I meant the trial. I don't know if I should have pressed charges against your father. It's severed your relationship with him."

"My relationship with him was non-existent before I met you. He needs to pay for everything he's done, Riley. Not just to you, but the company, the family, Grandma... even to Mom. She wasn't always this cold person she is now. I remember when Mom was actually attentive and loving. Dad ruined her. That's not going to happen to us. I'd never treat you the way he did. I promise." I can make that promise to her and mean every word.

The boys and I had a long talk after the funeral service. We made a pact and I know they'll keep it. If I turn into my father, I gave Sawyer and Harper, Wyatt and Landon permission to kick my ass. I think they'd be standing in line behind Blake and Grandma though. There's no way either of them would let me get this bad. Plus, I've got too much respect for Grandma to ever do that to her or Riley.

We walked into the courtroom and took our seats with Matt and Cade right behind the prosecutor's desk. As the rest of the family arrived, and every branch of the family was there, they all took their seats around us. Even the Segler's were there, minus Roan. Because they are witnesses to some of the accusations against him, hitting Hunter and the party when Grandma collapsed. Reese and Dillon have their own testimony to make.

Voices around us hushed as they brought Dad in. Dressed in one of his grey Armani suits and silk ties, he has the look of a stand up businessman. It's too bad it's just a mirage. He's a fake, a phony. There's not a genuine bone in the man's body. The lying sack of shit!

Following him with my eyes to the defense table, I see my mother walk in, staying in the back of the room, hiding. In the front row, behind my father, another woman stood up. She greeted his attorney, then cupping Dad's face, she kissed him. Right on the lips in front of everyone. The press began snapping pictures of them, of Mom, of me.

The burning rage filled me. He has the audacity to bring his flavor of the month here, to rub his indiscretions in my Mom's face, in Grandma's, in mine! How could he be so oblivious to his family's feelings? To mine?

"Aiden, honey, why don't you go get your Mama and bring her up here with her family. She shouldn't have to deal with this alone." Grandma encouraged me, taking Riley's hand and nudging me along.

The woman has a bigger heart than I do right now. But I do as I'm told and get up. Heading down the middle aisle, I go to the back row. Mom looks up at me, obviously prepared to argue with me. I don't want to fight. Not in front of him. I won't give him the satisfaction.

"Grandma wants you up with your family." I tell her and hold out my hand. "You don't need to do this alone, Mom. We're here for you." It's what Grandma wants, and it's the right thing to do. No matter how angry I am with her, I'm more angry with him. He did this to us.

Cautiously, she took my hand and followed me to the front row. I knew the exact moment Mom saw the mistress. I know she wanted nothing more but to run out of here and hide. She can't let him win, not like this.

"He's the one who lost out, Mom. He's the one who doesn't know what he had with you. It's his loss, not ours. Come on, sit with me." Guiding her past the other woman, we move to the front. Grandma and Riley slide down to make room.

It was awkward and infuriating to see that woman fawning over Dad. It broke Mom's heart having her shoved in her face this way. But she stuck it out. Her head held high, with Grandma's encouragement. And she didn't let him see her pain.

The judge entered the chambers

and we were told to stand. As he brought the court to order, we sat down and prepared for what we had to do to see Dad didn't get out. He needs to pay.

Because we had to be careful everything was handled with caution. We weren't going to be accused of conflict of interest. Grandma hired the best attorneys in California. Having money allows us to buy the best. Cade and Lance helped with the foot work and keeping the family up to date but they couldn't represent Riley or Grandma.

Each side made their opening statements. Explaining the circumstances and requesting a jury trial. Of course, the defense wants a dismissal, but we fight against that. And it goes back and forth between the attorneys and the judge for what feels like hours.

Witnesses are read off, not for a full testimony but for information credibility. In the end, Riley has to make her plea to the court. I know this was so hard for her.

"He killed my father. He admitted it in front of witnesses that are here today. He admitted it to me."

"Objection, your honor!"

"Sustained. Miss. Hudson we are only stating grounds for trial. Your statement will be taken at that time. Please continue." He's going by the book but I don't think he likes Dad.

Dad looks over at me, there's a twinkle in his eyes. The smug bastard just sits there listening as if he knows he won't be found guilty. He will, he damn well will be found guilty.

"I ask the court to please take his financial position into consideration before granting bail. Adam Bradford is a wealthy influential businessman who has the means to avoid a trial. I ask that he not be released on bail." She recited it just like Cade coached her to.

Riley looked at me and Grandma. She feels horrible about all of this, but it's the right thing to do. Grandma nodded to Riley, approving her request before she stood to make her own request.

"I'm Georgia Bradford, the defendant's mother. I am also requesting that my son be retained in custody. He has stolen from my company, he lies, he cheats and he steals. I don't believe he is trustworthy to release on bail. He's my first born, and I love him but I cannot condone his actions." It was harder on Grandma. She didn't cry or show a hint of any emotion but she was clear and concise with her wishes.

Taking her seat once again, I heard the mistress whisper to Dad, "Who the hell does she think she is? Doesn't she know who her son is? Just pay the damn judge off already so we can get outta here."

I raised my eyebrows at Dad when he glanced over his shoulder. I know he's eyeing Grandma but she won't look his way, but raises her chin in defiance. Looking back to the judge, I see the disgusted expression on his face.

"This judge doesn't accept bribes, Miss Abbott." I guess he heard the bimbo too. I bet that's not going to go over well.

The prosecutor stands up in front of us. Making his final statement. "Your honor, prosecution requests that the defendant be retained in custody with no bail."

Dad's attorney jumps to his feet, slamming his palm down on the table. "Objection! Mr Bradford is an upstanding businessman, a pillar of the community. We request that he be released on his own recognizance."

Looking over at the defense, our attorney literally rolls his eyes at the dramatic response. Tilting his head and sounding slightly bored, he continues. "Your honor, while Mr Bradford may be a businessman and have his home in the area, he also has the ways and means to leave, not just the city, but the country. Having access to a private plane as well as a yacht, we feel the defendant is a flight risk. We ask that he serves time for the duration of the trial and until sentencing."

The judge nods, contemplating his decision. "Bail is denied. Mr Bradford will stay in the custody of Orange County. This trial will begin July eighth for jury selection. This hearing is adjourned."

With a smack of his gavel, Dad is taken away in handcuffs with the police escort. His mistress is crying and screaming at us that we are the ones doing him wrong. That we will rue the day we decided to go up against Adam Bradford.

Grandma, fed up and pissed off by her antics, stood up and walked right over to the whiny witch. "Let me tell you something, you gold digging hussy. That boy is my son! I'm the one who holds the purse strings. I'm the one who holds power here. Not him! His assets are frozen, his job gone, he has no home, no cash and now no family to steal from. If you're looking for a sugar daddy, you just came up broke. Why don't you go find another billionaire marriage to ruin. I can guarantee you, you will never see another dime of my fortune."

We left. We didn't look back when she yelled about getting even. We ignored the press when they surrounded us, calling out a barrage of more ridiculous questions. We moved on as if we were putting a chapter of our lives to rest. Closing the book, locking the door and throwing away the key.

I've never been to a red carpet event before. Hunter and the girls have spent the afternoon primping for the cameras that will be there. Apparently there will be a television crew there to film the night's events. The Bradford's are getting their own special on a major network.

I don't think I should go. I'm nervous. I'm scared. I'm miserable. I want to go home, back to Arizona, back to my childhood home and run the diner. I want to put this year, and all the terrible events, behind me. I want my Dad. The bright spot of everything has been Aiden. I couldn't have gotten through all of this without him.

Hunter has loaned me a sparkling violet gown. It's beautiful, glamorous and sexy. Everything Hunter is. It feels like I'm pretending to be someone else dressing like this. It isn't my life. I've gotten dressed, and have been so careful not to knock a single crystal off this gown. Even my shoes glitter. The strappy silver sandals wrap around my ankles on very tiny spikes. I've had my makeup done, thanks to Colby and my hair curled in ringlets down my bare back. Sitting here as the others finish up, I feel out of place.

"Honey pot, you look stunning." Georgia walks in with a smile on her face. "Aiden will swallow his tongue when he sees you. But you're missing something."

Coming closer, Georgia motions for me to stand up. She hmm's and Mmm's as she circles me. Then with her nodding and a soft mumble I don't understand, she steps behind me.

"Yes, I think this will work nicely." Moving my hair away from my neck, she places a necklace around my throat.

Not just a chain or a string of pearls but diamonds, rocks bigger than any I've ever seen, in a row of ice around my neck. A single deep purple stone droplet rests right down my cleavage. It's cold stones are a heavy weight on my collarbone. Georgia moves us to the full length mirror and standing behind me, admires the finishing touch.

"Perfect! I thought this would work well when Hunter told me what dress you were wearing." Georgia is happy with the look. "It's just a loan. My father gave it to me at my coming out celebration. I was so nervous the entire evening that I would lose a stone. I couldn't eat a bite."

"And you're trusting it with me?" I ask, concerned about the same thing.

"I trust you with Aiden's heart. This necklace means much less to me. I know you'll be careful with it." Georgia's faith in me is mind blowing.

I know I won't lose it. I keep touching the solid weight on my neck. I'm just worried I'll get called a gold digger like that woman in the courtroom. I didn't ask for any of this. I don't know how to handle it. This isn't me.

"I've got someone I want you to meet tonight. She's a lovely young woman, a Harvard medical student. Her name is Cami Toller. Aiden's first sweetheart, he was ten, I think. She's also the first recipient of our foundation grants. She graduates this year with honors. I'm so proud to know I had a hand in helping her succeed." Linking her arm through mine, she guides me out of the suite, away from the girls giggles and happy voices, and down the stairs to the ballroom.

It's stunning. Like a Cinderella dream. The room is filled with flowers and glitz, glamorous gold chandeliers of white lights, dripping with crystal drops. Music soft and pleasant is playing in the background. White linens with gold plates, good silver utensils and crystal goblets and flutes cover tables.