Perfect Fit(88)
“Thanks for coming, Mom.” I pulled her into a hug and held her a little tighter and a little harder. “I know that I told you it wasn’t necessary, but having you here really helps me.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else when you needed me.” She pulled back and pecked my cheek with a kiss. “I am so very proud of you, Miller. I am confident that everything will go your way today. I just can’t see an alternative ending.”
My father hugged me next and I noticed that he lingered a little longer than usual too. “You’re an amazing young man and I’m proud to call you my son.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Herbert and Joann Candless arrived with their attorney, Brady Barnes, and tension filled the hallway. I had wanted to try and talk to them before things got to this point, but both Vanessa and Jag had advised me against it. Even though I had good intentions, Jag told me it could look like I was trying to pressure and harass them. Vanessa told me that it wouldn’t do me a bit of good and told me the best thing to do was to let the court decide once and for all who would be the best guardians for Lucas and Lily.
What Jag and everyone told me had finally sunk in. I was going to win that day and it was obvious that the Candlesses knew it. Their attorney surely had informed them that their case was weak and they hadn’t proved that I was unfit to raise the children. The hostility they had felt toward me had faded and now I saw resignation instead. In my mind, the only unknown was whether or not Judge Burrows was going to grant them visitation rights or would leave that up to me.
A bailiff opened up the door to the family courtroom and looked at us. “Candless vs. Brexler?” She asked.
“Yes.” I said.
She stepped aside so we could all enter the small courtroom. It wasn’t as grand as the ones portrayed in TV, but then again it wouldn’t require a jury box and a lot of seating that sensational trials needed. It would be a judge, a bailiff to keep order, and a court recorder. Once we were seated, the judge entered the room from a side door. We all rose to our feet and stood until we were instructed to take a seat.
Judge Burrows went through the process of introducing herself to both parties and named the case for the record. I put all of my focus on not bouncing my knees or giving away the sudden nervousness that washed over me. The confidence I felt in the hallway completely bailed on me. I felt Jag’s hand brush the side of my leg beneath the table in an effort to reassure me.
“I’ve had the time to review all of the depositions and evidence provided to the court.” Judge Burrows looked at me and then at the Candlesses. “None of the documentation I’ve read indicates that Darryl and Destiny were not of sound mind when they named Miller Brexler as the legal guardian of their children in their wills. Furthermore, evidence has not been provided that Mr. Brexler isn’t fit to be their guardian or that Mr. and Mrs. Candless would be the better candidates for guardianship of Lucas Brexler, age 6 and Lily Brexler, age 5. I am ruling today in favor of Miller Brexler and permanent guardianship will be granted to replace my previous order that granted him temporary guardianship. In addition, I do not see any reason to award visitation rights to Mr. and Mrs. Candless, as Mr. Brexler has stated that they can have access to their grandchildren freely.” She leveled a firm look in my direction. “However, if he fails to deliver on his promise then I will reconsider setting visitations.” The judge dropped the gavel and exited the room.
“Congratulations,” Jag said warmly in my ear. He put an arm around me and pulled me into him. “It’s finally over, Bones.”
I turned and looked at him. He was smiling happily at me and had we not been surrounded by people, I would’ve melted into him. “Thank you, Jag. I can’t imagine going through this without you.”
“I’ll always have your back.”
“Miller.” Joann’s voice pulled me away from Jag. I rose to my feet and turned to face her.
“Mrs. Candless.” I wasn’t exactly sure what to say to her. Sorry wasn’t right, because I wasn’t sorry that they lost their case. I could see in her face that she wasn’t going to apologize either, but I also saw fear that I would make this harder on them. What mattered was not how Joann or I felt, what mattered was what was best for Lucas and Lily. Having a relationship with Destiny’s parents was good for them. I didn’t want them to lose that connection to their mother. “When would you like Lucas and Lily to visit?” I extended the olive branch because it was the only way to proceed. I knew it was the right thing to do once I saw the tension fade from her face.