Chapter 15
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Sawyer
It’s been two days since that nightmare day.
Lorenzo was able to get us another hearing date with a new judge.
And he’s also said because of that, the deadline the first judge gave us is postponed.
It’s been such a relief to know we’re getting another chance.
And with a judge I hope will see Palmer and my ex-family for the liars they are.
“So, Lorenzo said that our hearing got moved up to tomorrow. He thinks that’s a good thing. And he’s been in front of this judge before. He said he’s a fair and honest judge,” Emerson says to me as we’re getting ready.
“That’s such a relief. I don’t know what we’d do if we got the same one. Or one with a different reputation.”
“My only worry was how long this would take. I didn’t want to have to leave for a race without you and River.”
I walk over to her and wrap my arms around her.
“I don’t know if I can ever express how thankful I am for you.”
“I will do anything and everything I can for you, for the rest of our lives.”
We spend the rest of the day with River at the animal sanctuary.
We’re with some of the family, but we still haven’t left the property.
Enea was concerned about us going to the campgrounds.
But he said if we stay in the sanctuary, we should be okay.
No one outside of the family is allowed in there.
The people that come to the campgrounds can see the animals from the outside. But they’re not allowed inside.
I’m nervous about tomorrow. But I told myself it can’t be worse than the first hearing. At least this time we’ll have a fair shot at this whole mess. And I pray that we get the decision that we want.
Emerson
The drive to the courthouse feels different than the last time.
Maybe that’s a sign that this one will come out in our favor.
Because this is a redo of the first hearing, Palmer and his group of assholes will go first again.
But that’s fine. Let them dig their hole, I hope this time they fall into it with all their fucking lies.
We listen to Palmer and the assholes spout the same exact stories. Again, I watch the judge’s face. This time, I can see him watching all the assholes. Every so often, he looks at Sawyer and me. Finally it’s Sawyer’s turn to get on the stand and tell her story.
Lorenzo gives the judge the papers that prove her story. The judge nods as he takes the papers. Sawyer is stronger than she thinks. The whole time she’s up there, she’s sitting up straight and she glances at Palmer and never shows fear.
After Sawyer leaves the stand, the judge asks me to come up. This is something different. I stand up and take my seat. I’m sworn in, and I turn to face the judge.
“I see that you have petitioned the court to adopt River Hamilton.”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“Was that done so that Mr. Beaumont couldn’t claim him?”
“No, Your Honor. I love Sawyer and River. I want to adopt River because to me, he’s my son. And I want to make it official, I want him to have my name.”
“I do see that you put in for his adoption before Mr. Beaumont filed his—”
“Excuse me, Your Honor. I don’t understand why this matters. Mr. O’Connor isn’t River’s biological father.”
“It matters because Mr. O’Connor has shown that he wants to be River’s father. That’s important when I’m looking at what’s in the best interest of the child.”
I hear someone snort. I look over and our guys are all sitting there with smiles on their faces.
“Being with his biological father is what’s best for River. He’s been trying to be in his son’s life from the start.”
The judge stares at Palmer’s lawyer and doesn’t say one word to him. Then he turns to me.
“One last question for you, Mr. O’Connor. You do realize that if you’re granted the adoption of River Hamilton, that’s a lifelong commitment to him. You can’t just change your mind later on.”
“I understand that, Your Honor. My da adopted me when I was three years old. He showed me that biology isn’t what makes us father and son.
His love for me is unconditional. If I called him right now, he would come down here just to support me.
That’s what I want to be to River. Someone he can rely on no matter what happens in his life. ”
The judge keeps looking at me and finally nods. “Thank you, Mr. O’Connor. You may step down.”
He waits for me to sit back down at our table.
“I’m going to take a minute to look at all the evidence that has been submitted. You can all stay here in the courtroom. I won’t be long.”
The judge bangs his gavel and we all stand up as he leaves the courtroom. Palmer and the assholes are glaring at me and Sawyer. It’s the funniest thing I’ve seen in a while. Even Sawyer’s trying not to laugh.
“If looks could kill,” Ares whispers to us.
“Right?” I smile.
We all talk quietly among ourselves, trying our best to ignore the death stares coming from the other side of the courtroom.
“I like that this judge listened when we talked. And it felt like he’s suspicious of Palmer and the assholes.”
“The assholes?” Lorenzo asks.
“Yeah the ex-family.”
Everyone laughs.
“You made them sound like a music group.” Sawyer laughs.
We hear someone on their side call Sawyer a slut. In response, one of our shifters growls. You can feel the vibrations from it.
“Fuck, I wish I could do that,” I say softly as we all look over at the assholes. Their eyes look like they’re going to pop out of their skulls.
“Holy shit, I felt that in my chest.” Sawyer giggles. “Imagine their faces if one of you walked in shifted? Could you even fit through the doors?”
“No. We wouldn’t fit.” Apollo laughs.
Almost two hours later, the bailiff announces that the judge is on his way back to the courtroom. We all stand up as we wait.
“You’re fucking going down,” we hear Palmer sneer at us.
I have to keep repeating to myself not to react to him. Palmer and the assholes all have the cockiest smiles on their faces. I’m guessing they’re expecting to win today.
After the judge sits down, we all sit too. I take a deep breath and hold Sawyer’s hand. If we lose today, I don’t know what we’ll do.
“I’ve looked at all the evidence that’s been presented to me. And I’ve also made a few phone calls. I find that Mr. Beaumont has no claim over the minor child. His claim that Sawyer Hamilton didn’t use the clinic to have her son is false.”
“That’s bullshit,” Palmer exclaims.
Palmer’s attorney is telling him to be quiet. The judge clears his throat.
“As I was saying, I’m throwing out all requests made by Palmer Beaumont IV. I am also charging him and all four of the Hamilton family with perjury. Each of you will serve five years and pay a fine of twenty thousand dollars each.”
“What the fuck? We didn’t do nuthin’ wrong.” Krystal frowns.
Palmer’s attorney turns to the assholes and says something to them. Whatever he says makes them all shut up.
“You each have seven days to turn yourselves in to start your sentences. You will start payment on your fines the month you’re released from prison.
As for Sawyer and River Hamilton, I’m granting you a restraining order on Palmer Beaumont IV, Steve, Martha, Krystal and Brooke Hamilton.
This restraining order is good for two years and there’s no limit to how many times you can renew it.
Mr. Emerson O’Connor, I wish you luck on your adoption journey.
I think you’ll make a great father for River. Court is adjourned.”
We all stand as he bangs his gavel and leaves the courtroom.
“This isn’t the end, you whore. I will get my son from you,” Palmer says to Sawyer.
“Is your client threatening mine? Here in court?” Lorenzo says as he looks at Palmer’s attorney, who turns and says something to Palmer.
“You’re a shit lawyer. You’re fucking fired,” he snaps back at him.
Palmer starts to walk towards us, Apollo and Ares step in his way.
“Get the fuck out of my way, you fucking neanderthals.”
Ares laughs. “No.”
Palmer tries to stand taller, but at his full height of six-three, the brothers still dwarf him. Ares is six-seven and Apollo is one inch shorter. I’m beginning to think Palmer has no survival instincts. He’s glaring at the brothers and now Georgíos is standing with them too.
Finally, Palmer and the assholes leave the courtroom. After they leave, the bailiff comes over to us.
“The judge left you this note,” he says as he hands it to Lorenzo.
“It looks like the judge has signed your adoption papers.” Lorenzo smiles and hugs both of us. “Congratulations, Da.”
Holy shit. I grab Sawyer and kiss her, while the others surround us in a massive group hug.
“I have a son.” I smile.