29. Peyton
We stood in Judge Hadley's chambers, my heart pounding so loud I was positive all the Duprees and Bishops behind us could hear it. Ford could at the very least. He reached around Cash, who was standing between us, and squeezed my hand.
Six weeks had passed since I'd finally told him the truth. If I’d known how good my life would be once the secret was out, I would’ve done it years ago. I’d been so afraid of all that I could lose that I never let myself think about what I might gain. Not truly. I glanced at my husband, who had given me way more grace than I deserved.
He must’ve seen the regret on my face because he mouthed, You loved him enough for both of us .
It wasn’t true. I mean, I tried. Oh, did I try. But I’d always known there was nothing I could do to make up for the big, loud, amazing love of Ford Dupree. No one could ever take his place. But I loved him for saying that.
Perfect timing. Not lost time? I mouthed back. It was the only response I could give that came close to making up for the years Ford didn’t know Cash was his son.
Ever gracious, he smiled.
Holden straightened his tie and winked at Cash from behind the judge’s desk. My brother-in-law had arranged everything, calling in favors to make this moment as special as possible. The polished wooden walls of the judge's chambers felt warm and intimate, nothing like the sterile courthouse corridors outside where I'd spent so many anxious hours during the custody battle with Braxton.
A door opened and Judge Hadley walked in.
“Good morning, everyone,” Judge Hadley said, her silver hair catching the morning light as she smiled at me. “This is certainly a happier occasion than the last time you were here.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I nodded.
“Well.” Her chest heaved with a sigh. “I always say things have a way of working themselves out for those who deserve it.” The way she said it made everyone in the room laugh. Full of judgment and just a hint of teasing. “In all seriousness…” Her head tilted at the three of us and her eyes softened. “I’m so happy for you.” And I knew she meant it. Then she looked at Ford alone. “You know you are dear to me.”
“Yes ma’am.” Ford smiled.
She glanced back at the three of us. “Are we ready?”
We all nodded.
Her gaze went over our shoulders to the back of the room, full of Duprees. “Everyone quiet down now.” The wiggling and whispering from the Dupree grandchildren ceased.
Holden pushed the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity document across the table toward us.
Ford stared down at it. Then he turned to Cash. “You’re sure you want me as your dad?” There was a sparkle in his eye but his tone was a touch too serious.
Cash chuckled. “You already are.” He cuffed Ford on the shoulder and squeezed. “I’ve always wanted you,” he said so unabashedly that it made my breath catch. At least two of my sisters-in-law let out a little sigh. Cash didn’t care that his cousins were all watching. Or that Charlie might tease him about being a softie later. He squeezed Ford’s shoulder a second time. “And I always will.”
Ford kissed him on the top of his head. “Me too.” He turned back toward the table. His hand trembled slightly as he reached for the pen. I glanced up just long enough to watch Cash watching him. He was beaming, so proud to be able to call Ford Dad.
Ford signed his name, his usually confident, yet spastic scrawl a bit shakier than normal. When he finished, he set the pen down. Then he looked up at Cash with tears in his eyes.
“You're stuck with me now, kid,” he said, his voice rough with emotion.
Cash rolled his eyes, but smiled. "Pretty sure I was stuck with you already, Dad. "
Dad. The word still brought tears to my eyes every time Cash said it. It had only taken him two days after finding out Ford was his real father for him to start using it—like his heart had known all along who Ford was.
“The birth certificate amendment is next,” Holden said, sliding another document across the desk. “And then the petition for name change.” He smiled at Cash. “Cash Dupree. Has a good ring to it, doesn't it?"
Judge Hadley's eyes were warm as she watched us sign each document. "In my thirty years on the bench, these are the moments I live for. Seeing families become whole." She looked directly at me. "Especially when I've seen them through the harder times first. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen quite a happy ending as this.”
I sent up a silent prayer, thanking God. Because she was right. This could have ended so many ways other than the happily ever after it was. I had Ford to thank for that.
As we finished the last signature, I caught Ford staring at the name on the paper. “Cassius Levi Dupree,” he said and the room went pin-drop silent.
For two seconds, until Charlie yelled, “You can’t deny it anymore Cuzzie Cash!”
Without missing a beat, Cash said in a monotone voice, “Shut it, Chuck.”
Even Judge Hadley laughed at that. ”Well," she said, standing and smoothing her black robes. “I believe congratulations are in order.” She shook my hand and then Ford’s. Then she turned to Cash. “And young Mr. Dupree—you have quite the family here.”
“I do.” He grinned.
Holden pulled out his phone. "How about a picture? First official group family photo?” He raised a brow at the good judge. “Mind taking it?”
“It would be my honor,” she said.
We gathered together, Ford's arm around my waist, Cash in front of us, every Dupree squeezing in. The littles crowded in front.
As the phone clicked, I looked over at my husband, saw the joy and peace in his eyes. And I knew that every painful moment, every year of silence, and every anxiety-ridden, sleepless night had led us here. To this perfect moment, in this warm room, where we finally became who we were always meant to be.
The Dupree Family.