Epilogue
ADOPTION DAY
The court room was packed as we sat waiting for the adoption proceedings to begin.
This day had been circled on our calendar, and we’d be anxiously awaiting it.
The entire Dillinger clan and extended family were here in support and solidarity today.
They sat behind us with banners and balloons.
Maceo and Smoke’s asses thought they were gonna bring in confetti cannons, but Allison made them leave it in the car.
Steph and I sat at the front with Daxon and Sevyn between us.
We’d been counting down these days since Shelly told us about the hearing.
For that reason, Steph and I postponed our honeymoon until after things were finalized.
Instead of a traditional honeymoon, we were planning a huge family vacation with all the kids, grandkids, and grandparents.
That shit could either go very right or very wrong.
Either way, it would be Dax and Sevyn’s first trip out of the country, so it had to be special.
All we had to do was get their passports and pick a location.
Our immediate celebration was of course a cookout at the big house.
My mother had us up late last night prepping all the sides and marinating meat because she said she wasn’t missing this ceremony to start cooking.
Knowing her, she had several slow cookers going before she left the house this morning.
Steph and I barely slept last night. We were a mixture of nervous and excited.
Since we were up, I told her about the list of names and discussed what would happen moving forward.
I knew eventually we would tell Sevyn and Dax about the family business.
It wasn’t something we could keep from them forever.
It wasn’t something they had to join, and honestly, I just wanted them to have a regular life for once. Ultimately, just like the other kids, they would have a choice in the matter.
“All rise!” the bailiff said, breaking my thoughts.
He motioned for everyone to stand. We stood and Judge Marin walked into the room with a bright smile on her face that seemed to get wider as she surveyed the room.
“Wow,” she said, as she took her seat and motioned for us to do the same. “I wasn’t expecting so many people, but this is beautiful to see. This is one of my favorite days, so it’s always nice to see such a big turnout of support.”
Her gaze fell upon the kids.
“Daxon, Sevyn. How are you feeling today?”
“Ready to go home,” Daxon said. “It’s been a long time since we had a real home.”
Steph sniffled and he grabbed her hand and kissed it.
“My mom’s a little emotional,” Daxon said.
Judge Marin smiled softly. “I think that just means she’s very happy today. This is a big moment for you all. How are you feeling, Sevyn?”
Sevyn cleared her throat. “I was nervous at first, but Dax and I have been welcomed into a very loving… very rowdy and funny family. For the first time in a long time, I have my own room. I have parents that want me and never fail to remind me that we are safe… and loved. Even though I’m still a little nervous, I think this is the best decision for Dax and I.
” She looked at me and Steph. “I don’t wanna go anywhere else. ”
Judge Marin nodded. “Those were beautiful sentiments. I’m not gonna hold you all too long. I’ve read over this case. Ms. Shelly, do you have anything to add?”
Ms. Shelly stood and cleared her throat.
“Your honor, I’ve had the esteemed pleasure of watching Daxon and Sevyn be welcomed into this amazing family.
Stephanie and Stanley Dillinger are everything I could ever hope for as parents for these children.
They are observing, loving, caring, nurturing and most of all, they love their children unconditionally.
It’s been an honor to watch the relationship this blossom thus far, and I have no doubt they are what’s in the best interest of Daxon and Sevyn. I fully support this adoption.”
Again, Judge Marin nodded. She grabbed a pen and started scribbling on several sheets of paper before finally looking up.
“Please stand.”
The four of us stood and grabbed hands.
“By the power vested in me by the state of South Carolina, I hereby grant this petition for adoption. Daxon and Sevyn Montgomery will be recognized from this day forward as the legal son and daughter of Stephanie and Stanley Dillinger. Mr. And Mrs. Dillinger you are, entitled to all rights and privileges thereof as their parents.” She banged the gavel.
“Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present to you Daxon and Sevyn Dillinger.”
The room broke into applause as Steph and I embraced our children in the tightest hugs. She smothered their faces with kisses like they were babies. All either of them could do was grin and take it.
“We love you so much,” she said to them. “So much.”
The family gathered around to hug and congratulate us. My wife found her way into my arms where she allowed the floodgates to open. I can admit that even I shed tears. I never imagined starting over and raising kids in my retirement, but then again, I’d learned to expect the unexpected.
The judge allowed us to celebrate for a moment before gathering us all to take some pictures.
Once all the paperwork was signed and we had our copies, we were free to go.
Gathered outside the courthouse, I stood back and watched my kids…
all eight of them along with my six bonus children, and fourteen grandchildren, and my goddaughter.
This was my legacy.
These were the parts of me that would be left behind long after I was gone. They were hot heads. They talked shit and loved to fuck with me, but they loved and protected each other fiercely. They were a rough bunch, but they were mine.
Steph slid into the cusp of my arm and wrapped hers around me. She tilted her head up for a kiss, and I was happy to oblige.
“How are you feeling, Mr. Dillinger?” she asked.
I smiled. “Complete, my love. Just… complete.”
THE END