“Mr. Stewart.”
“Yes, Judge?” Jackson stood at attention. His palms were sweaty, but he wouldn’t wipe them on his dress pants. He knew if he glanced behind him, he’d find Mia, Swanny, and Kevin. His own little group of prayer warriors, who had come to the hearing with him to show their love and support.
For the first time, the judge smiled. “Sir, I want to apologize for the miscarriage of justice this court previously committed. Your record is exemplary. You have proven yourself many times over to be fit to have custody of that fine young man standing at your side. It is my judgment that from this day forward, Jackson Stewart will have custody of Dylan Stewart.”
Her gavel fell.
Cheers erupted behind them.
“Congrats, buddy!” Kevin pumped his hand.
Swanny slapped his back. “I knew you could do it. Praise the Lord!”
And then Mia was there, hugging both him and Dylan. “My guys! I’m so happy for you.”
Dylan smiled through his tears. “Can I move in today?”
Jackson blinked. “Your room is ready and waiting for you. We’ll get you moved in ASAP.”
Looking around, gratitude filled him. God had blessed him in so many ways.
Six months later
“What time are we leaving?” Dylan popped his head into the kitchen, his cell phone in his hand. Jackson hid a grin. If he were to guess, he’d say Dylan was talking with Wynne, his new girlfriend. The two had been inseparable since they’d started dating three months ago, around Valentine’s Day.
“Mia said dinner’s at six but she’d love it if we showed up around five.” Mia had rented a home a few months earlier to give her mom and Gus space.
“Did she say what she’s making?”
Jackson grinned, anticipating his brother’s reaction. “Yep. Lasagna, cheesy garlic bread, salad with her homemade dressing, and Jell-O pretzel salad.”
Dylan’s eyes lit up. “Sweet! It’s three thirty now. Do you think we’ll have time to stop and pick up Wynne on the way? Mia told me she’s welcome.”
“Absolutely. Tell her to be ready at four forty.”
Dylan put his phone to his ear. His head popped out of view, but Jackson could still hear his conversation as he repeated the menu. “This is going to be the best dinner ever. No one makes lasagna like Mia.” He closed his bedroom door, shutting off the rest of the conversation.
Sighing in satisfaction, Jackson sent Mia a swift text to let her know about the addition to the party. She replied with a simple heart emoji.
He couldn’t wait to see her. It had been almost two days since he’d kissed her goodbye before doing a double shift at the station. He’d returned home to the joy of his brother in his house, where he should be.
It had taken several months to get it all worked out, but for the past five months, he’d had full custody of his little brother. Knowing how much both Jackson and Mia had sacrificed to rescue him had made Dylan look up to his brother more than ever.
Just before they left to gather Wynne and head to Mia’s, Jackson went into his room and grabbed a small black safe box from his closet. He punched in the code and opened the lid. Ignoring the documents inside, he plucked a small, red ring box out.
“What are you doing?”
Jackson half turned and motioned his brother into the room. “Come here. I want to show you something.”
Dylan shrugged and sauntered over. Jackson flipped the box open. Dylan’s eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. Inside the box, nestled into the deep-red velvet, was a brilliant square-cut diamond. Jackson lifted it and handed it to his brother. The sleek gold band gleamed in his palm.
“Do you approve?”
Dylan audibly swallowed, then he cleared his throat. “Yeah. She’d be part of our family. It would be nice to have her around. Plus, when I leave for college, you won’t be alone.”
Jackson’s heart expanded with joy. And not only because his brother accepted Mia.
He took the ring back and tucked the box into his pocket. “You’ve never talked about college before.”
