Chapter 29

Nicolas

"What do you mean there's a problem?"

When our lawyer called and her opening line was "Nico, we have a problem," my blood pressure immediately rose, the tension in my body was like steel spikes and every protective instinct for both Finn and Paisley revved into super overdrive.

"Well, I'm hoping it won't be too much of a road block or at least not much more than a delay..."

"Jessica, just get to the point, what's the problem," I growled into the phone. Glancing up I could see confusion and fear in Finn's face. He was sitting up straight, his mouth slightly open as he held back questions waiting for me, his knuckles were turning white where he gripped the armrests on his chair tightly.

Mrs. Pitfield, Finn's mother has disappeared, she checked herself out of the rehab clinic, I contacted Mr. Pitfield and he was concerned as well, she hasn't contacted him either."

"How does this affect everything?"

"Well the Judge had scheduled a meeting with her for tomorrow, in a case like this they usually like to get a statement in person from the birth mother to make sure she is consenting and there's no chance she'll change her mind down the road."

"But she signed her rights away," I objected and winced as I saw the way Finn paled hearing those words and not both sides of the conversation. "Hang on Jess, let me put you on speakerphone." I quickly brought Finn up to date as I put my phone down between us. Ajax and Benji sat quietly across from us, sharing anxious looks.

"Jessica, this is Finn, what does this mean?" he asked, projecting his voice to the phone. He was trying to sound calm, but I could hear a slight shake to his voice.

We spent the next 15 minutes voicing all our concerns, but not getting too many answers. It was all 'we have to wait and see'. When we hung up the phone we decided to head home. Benji promised to pack up the presents in the next day or so and deliver them to the apartment for us.

"Are you okay?" I asked, knowing that nothing would feel okay until we were able to bring little Paisley home.

"I don't know. Can we stop by and see her? I feel like I need to...I don't know...hold her for a little while."

Finn and I had just sat down in the back of the car, he let out a deep breath and ran his hands over his face.

"I don't know baby...it's a Sunday night..."

"Please," he said quietly, "Fran's working tonight, if we're quiet and just stay a few minutes I'm sure she wouldn't mind."

Fran was one of the overnight workers and we had developed a pretty good rapport with her when we saw her at shift changes in the morning or evening.

"Okay baby." I looked up at Benny and he nodded in understanding.

Finn was quiet for the entire ride to the child services facility where Paisley was being cared for. I didn't know if I should try to get him talking or let him have his space, but anything I could think to say felt hollow and patronizing.

As soon as we arrived he immediately hopped out of the car and jogged up the steps. I followed behind him and caught up when he paused at the door. There was a buzzer to gain entrance during off hours and a few minutes later a security guard showed up. Luckily it was one we had met and as my father taught me, always make friends with people you may need help from at some point.

"Hi Sean," I greeted him with a smile. "I know it's late, but we were hoping we could stop in and say goodnight to Paisley, we'll be very quick and very quiet."

"Umm...we're not really supposed to let anyone in, but...sure Mr. Salazar, if you're quiet and Fran says it's okay...just don't tell anyone."

"No, of course not. Thank you Sean!"

"Thank you Sean," Finn repeated as the man let us in the door. We knew our way of course and soon we were opening the door to the suite where the young babies were housed.

Fran looked up from where she was sitting in a rocking chair, and, quite by chance, rocking a fussy Paisley.

"Hi Fran," Finn greeted the smiling woman. "Sorry, we came so late, but I really needed to see her...I just needed to hold her for a little while if it's okay."

"The two of you must have some sort of connection, she's been fussy for the last hour and I couldn't get her to go to sleep, she's never like this." Finn quickly went and washed his hands in the small kitchen area and Fran placed Paisley in his arms as soon as he returned. Paisley almost immediately quieted down as Finn bounced her gently in his arms. She made a little humming noise as she looked up into his eyes and I swear part of me melted irreparably at the way the two of them looked at each other. Paisley with adoring eyes as her little hand reached up for his chin and Finn's smile coupled with glistening eyes as he processed all of the emotions that must have been churning through him since we got the phone call from Jessica.

Finn moved her so she was upright and leaning against his shoulder while he placed small kisses on the top of her head. Her eyes peeked over at me and she began to make a sweet gurgling sound as she reached her little opening and closing fist towards me.

I went to wash my hands as well and then stepped behind Finn, bending slightly so my face was at the little munchkin's level. "Hey little one," I said softly and she let out a high pitched squeak of joy. I leaned forward and placed a feather light kiss on her forehead and then her little button nose, causing her to squeal again.

"Shhhh little girl," Finn whispered, "You don't want to wake the other babies." He was rocking gently on his feet and she let out a big sigh, or a big little sigh...big for her, little for us. I couldn't help but grin, she was so sweet, so cute, it still amazed me how such a little package could be so incredibly amazing and draw the full attention of anyone within her sight.

"I'm going to go check on the other babies," Fran said quietly as she left the room. Finn and I sat down on a deep couch so close that he was practically in my lap and we cuddled our little girl, cooing at her and rubbing her back until she started to get sleepy and let out little yawns.

"We could just leave with her," Finn whispered, "take her away where they could never touch us."

"No, baby. That's not the answer, as much as I'd love to sneak away to a faraway island with the two of you, it wouldn't be fair to her. I promise you that everything will work out fine. I'll do whatever it takes to ensure that our little girl will come home with us soon."

"Are you sure?" he asked in a small voice, a voice I hadn't heard from him since he was a scared, lost boy of 16.

"I promise you. I promise both of you," I assured him.

The way he looked in my eyes, like he was putting all his faith in me, was both empowering and scary as hell. I didn't want to ever let him down, I would rather die than let either of them down. My small family.

Finn leaned back into me, finally relaxing somewhat. I reached around and ran my hand over Paisley's head, over the soft downy hair. After a few minutes she was asleep and when Fran returned we realized we should put her in her crib and get on our way.

After lots of kisses Finn carefully placed her into the crib and pulled the little monogrammed blanket I had made for her up to her chin.

"We'll be back in the morning," he said to Fran on our way out. "Thank you for letting us spend some time with her."

"Of course honey," she said, patting his shoulder. "I wish every baby had daddies like the two of you."

I gave her a smile and nod as I quietly closed the door on our way out.

"Feel better?"

"I guess," Finn sighed, trying to put up a brave front. "I'll feel better when the judge signs the paper."

"I know, me too." I pulled him into my arms and held him tightly.

------

I spent a lot of the next day on the phone with Jessica. At my direction she was pulling out all the stops, both in finding Finn's Mother and exploring other means to secure our guardianship.

While I took care of several errands, including picking out car seats and a new "family" car, Finn chose to spend the day at the care center with Paisley. They didn't mind because it was like having one less baby to care for since he did everything Paisley needed. While she napped he sat next to her crib with a sketch pad creating numerous drawings of her as she slept.

Our appointment with the Judge was the next day at 11:00 a.m. We had decided that we still had a strong case and even Eddie had volunteered to speak with the Judge on our behalf. Jessica was confident that with her history and drug problems, the Judge would have no qualms with stripping away her maternal rights and Eddie would be giving up his as well with the stipulation that Finn and I were awarded custody.

Finn

It was 10:45 on Tuesday morning and Nico and I were sitting outside the Judge's chambers with Jessica and another one of our lawyers who were conferring quietly a few feet away. Eddie was inside with the Judge as Jessica had been lucky enough to get him an appointment with the Judge right before ours.

My mother was still missing in action, but at this point I really couldn't care. Eddie was worried, but I could also tell he was weary of the situation. He'd been with my mother for a little over 3 years now and I think he was beginning to realize that no matter what he did, he couldn't help her. She had too many problems that just seemed to get worse and worse with time, never better.

I was staring down at my hands as I held them in my lap when Nico reached across and placed his warm, large palm over them. It was comforting and I felt a strength from the touch that flowed through my entire body giving me the confidence I needed not to bolt out of the courthouse.

The fifteen minutes felt like hours, but Nico's presence kept me grounded.

"Mr. Jennings, Mr. Salazar, the Judge will see you now."

It was a closed session, which I was very grateful for. Luckily they were very sensitive to the issues surrounding Family Law and Nico had asked for increased confidentiality and security for our situation.

Jessica presented our case, I sat numbly on the bench unable to focus on all of the legal terms and 'motions' that were flying through the air. Every now and then I glanced at Nico, whose face was serious as he focused on Jessica and the Judge.

"Mr. Jennings, Mr. Salazar will you approach the bench?" The Judge said loudly after a period of time.

I stood, holding myself stiffly so I wouldn't shake. Nico stood next to me and took my hand as we walked together to stand in front of the Judge, who was sitting high above us in his long black gown.

"Mr. Jennings, I've read the file extensively, including statements by yourself, Mr. Salazar as well as Mr. Pitfield who, as you know, I also spoke with this morning."

"Yes, Sir...Your Honour," I said with as much confidence as I could muster.

"I've also reviewed the documents that your mother originally signed, giving up her parental rights in lieu of a guardianship by yourself."

I nodded, "Yes, Your Honour," I quickly added.

"Normally, I would have liked to meet with your Mother and hear her statement in person, ask some questions and be assured that this is what she wants and it was a permanent decision. But, as we know, that is not possible at this time."

"No, Your Honour," I confirmed.

"Mr. Pitfield informed me about a lot of things...your Mother's abandonment of you, her emotional and drug problems, her intentions...or lack of them, with Paisley Louise. I feel confident in my decision to remove any rights she has to the minor in question."

"Thank you, Your Honour."

"Mr. Pitfield has also signed over his parental rights citing his inability to care for a child, lack of experience and a few other personal reasons."

I stood still, barely able to breathe as the Judge spoke, looking from me to his paperwork, occasionally glancing at Nico.

Next, he held up a thick folder. "Do you know what these are Mr. Jennings?"

"No Sir..umm...No Your Honour."

"There are at least a dozen letters of support in this file...about you. Your friends, family and colleagues vouching for you as a person, telling me what a great parent you would be, both of you," he added gesturing at Nico.

"I'm focusing on you Mr. Jennings because this guardianship will be given to one person, an adoption application could be applied for by a couple, but this initial ruling will be solely based on you and if I find you to be an appropriate guardian for this little girl."

I looked over at Nico and he nodded, giving me a small smile. He looked confident, his look said, 'you got this,' but I felt nervous. I'm a 19 year old college student...if the Judge is making a decision just based on me...

"Mr. Jennings," the Judge continued, he now looked down at his paperwork and his voice got louder, deeper and more official. "Based on the testimony I have received prior and this morning, based on the recommendation by Social Services of Los Angeles County, based on the letters of support, but mostly importantly based on what I have learned about you as a person, with the power given to me by the State of California I am awarding you with full and permanent custody of the minor child named Paisley Louise Jennings Pitfield. Mr. Pitfield has also signed a waiver allowing her name to immediately be changed to Miss Paisley Louise Jennings." He rapped the desk loudly with his gavel and looked up giving me a full smile.

I took a breath that I seemed to have been holding for the last five minutes and let it out with a high pitched huff. I felt a sudden wave of dizziness and almost fell back except Nico was immediately behind me with his hands high on my arms.

I looked back at him and he had a large grin, then I quickly looked back to the Judge.

"Thank you Your Honour...thank you so much."

"Congratulations Mr. Jennings," he said with a grin, "It's a girl!"

We all let out relieved laughter and Jessica came up giving both Nico and I a hug.

"Mr. Jennings, please see the bailiff to sign the official papers, and have a nice day. Court is over." The Judge stood up and made his way out the side door to his chambers.

After I had signed all the paperwork I looked over at Nico who was on his cellphone. "I'm going to rush this paperwork over to Social Services, personally," Jessica said, looking very pleased about the outcome.

"Thank you, for all your help!"

"My pleasure Finn. This is just the beginning. Adoption will probably take about a year, but that's just a formality of paperwork, she's yours Finn."

A few minutes later she had gathered up several copies of the court documents and after conferring with Nico for a few minutes she ran out the door.

Nico walked over, a permanent grin still on his face.

"Hey?" he said.

"Yeah?"

"Let's go get our girl."