“WOOOHOOOOO!” Sophia’s voice cut through the chaos as she high-fived a passing child who had escaped his parents’ grasp. “That’s what I’m talking about son!” Her professional composure had completely evaporated as she danced between the aisles, her hair coming loose from its usual perfect arrangement.

Through her euphoria, Juniper caught sight of Roma. He stood perfectly still amid the chaos, head bowed slightly, that same knowing smile playing at his lips as he drew a deep breath. Their eyes met across the celebrating crowd, and she could have sworn she saw something like pride before he turned away.

“Order! ORDER!” Judge Donahue’s gavel competed with the joyous pandemonium, but his own eyes sparkled with barely contained satisfaction.