“Then what is she doing here?”
“She’s family.” Beverly wrapped her arms around my shoulders and squeezed.
“Fine.” Susan shook her head. “She’s sitting behind you and keep that ring where the judge can see it.”
We filed into the courtroom,and CJ refused to let go of me, so I sat right behind Cole, in between Beverly and Kimberly, while we waited for the judge. After a few minutes, the bailiff announced the judge's arrival.
We stood, and Cole reached for CJ, but he swatted his hands away and shouted, "No! Mama!" and hugged me again.
We all froze. Cole looked at CJ, then at me and back again. I wasn't sure how to react. I glanced at Kimberly and Beverly, who both had tears in their eyes.
“Well, the boss has spoken,” Susan hissed in an impatient whisper. “Get up here before the judge comes in.”
My legs felt like lead, but Cole helped me to my feet with CJ in my arms and led me out of the gallery. He clasped my hand as I stood next to him, still holding CJ.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked me.
“I’m ready.” I winked at him and smiled. He leaned down and stole a kiss right before the judge walked in.
Judge Tomlinson wasn'tthe scary entity I was expecting. He wasn't even wearing robes, just a plain gray suit. Even still, Cole's fingers tightened around mine, and his jaw clenched. I wondered if he was remembering his own adoption hearing.
The bailiff motioned for us to be seated. He made some remarks about all of CJ's paperwork being in order and that he reviewed them thoroughly. He put an unnecessary emphasis on the word thoroughly that I know Cole heard. I felt him taking slow labored breaths beside me.
The judge offered condolences for the loss of his mother, and his fingers tightened on mine even more. Cole was asked questions about CJ's life and how he was adjusting to caring for a child. He answered calmly and clearly. Judge Tomlinson's eyes fell on me and smiled, Cole pulled me against his body as if he were protecting me.
Cole’s parents and the rest of his family were questioned next. Satisfied with their answers, the judge said he had no problem approving CJ’s adoption, but wanted to make a statement before his official decree.
"Presiding over adoptions is not an easy job, and it's not one I take lightly. Children are the foundation on which we build our future. For the last thirty-seven years, ensuring the safety and protection of children has been the reason why I get up in the morning. Fifteen years ago, I very clearly remembered presiding over your adoption. The decision to deny your adoption was not one I took lightly. I was sure, given the information I had at the time, that I'd made the right choice by sending you to live with your blood relatives in the Midwest. However, as your adoptive father can attest, sometimes judges can make the wrong decisions. In this case, I was wrong. You've grown into a fine young man, and you even managed to get yourself an Ivy League education. Little Lincoln here looks like he has no shortage of love and support. And since times are changing and your family may beunconventional. It would be my honor to officially declare this adoption finalized.”
Cole squeezed my hand so hard during the judge's statement that I was beginning to lose feeling, but when he said the word finalized, he relaxed.
Judge Tomlinson made a giant show of signing the adoption papers. Cole's family and I hugged before we linked arms and prepared to leave the courtroom. The bailiff had just announced adjournment, and Judge Tomlinson was preparing to rise when I felt Cole stop.
"Son," his dad said in a cautious voice. "You won. Let's go."
Cole sucked in a deep breath and turned to Judge Tomlinson.
"Hey," he called. The elderly man turned to face him. "You knew good and goddamn well my relatives in Missouri were abusive. My mother wrote to you three times, begging you not to send me to them. You sat in that courtroom and listened to hours and hours of testimony from people telling you about the family I was a part of, and thriving with for eight years. Then you chose to send me to live with strangers who starved me, beat the shit out of me, and extorted my biological relatives. You made the conscious choice to send me to live with monsters because you couldn't see past your own prejudices. And yes, I turned into a fine young man, and it had nothing to do with you. And yes, I managed to get myself an Ivy league education as a legacy because my father, the man that raised me, made that possible. So don't sit here and pretend you made some grand gesture or righted a wrong. You did your job right for a change. That's it."
The courtroom fell silent, except for CJ’s babbling. I looked at Cole and back at the judge. His face turned a splotchy red color and was threatening to turn purple. A quick scan of everyone else’s face showed the shock that mirrored my internal feelings.
“How dare you talk to me like that. I could have you disbarred or hold you in contempt.”
"I don't think that will be necessary," Susan said quickly, gathering up the documents and ushering us towards the exit of the courtroom. "The session ended, and I don't think anyone would be interested in what sort of things could be unearthed if Mr. Simmons decided to appeal."
“This is…this is…” Judge Tomlinson blustered.
“Unconventional?” Cole supplied, as he put his arm around my shoulder as we exited the small courtroom.
“That’s enough,” Susan snapped. “Get out of here. I’ll talk to Tomlinson. Wait for me outside,” she hissed as we left the courtroom.
Cole's family,and I supposed my family now, gave us final hugs, kisses, and congratulations before leaving us in the hall to wait for Susan. Beverly had a feast waiting for us at the house. My fiancé led me to a small bench where we collapsed with CJ against my chest, fast asleep.
“How are you feeling?” he asked me.
“Happy. Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Happy.” I giggled. “How are you feeling?”
"Same." He pinned me with his sapphire blue eyes. "I'm so glad you're here. I didn't want to pressure you, but I honestly don't think I could've done this without you standing next to me."
