Liars (Licking Thicket 2)

Sure enough, the judge began to go through everything, hearing evidence put forward by my attorneys about why I was the right choice and hearing evidence by the Kensingtons’ attorney why they were the ones who should get custody. It was brutal—ten times harder than I’d anticipated—and all I wanted was the warm grip of Parrish’s hand in mine reassuring me that I’d survive this. That even if I lost Mari, I wouldn’t lose him too.

Judge Kelly asked me a million questions and then asked the Kensingtons just as many. My head spun with thoughts of Mari’s future, my future, Parrish’s future. When she finally announced she’d made a decision, I was almost grateful. It was a bit like ripping off the Band-Aid. Sure, it was going to hurt like a bitch, but it had to happen at some point, right?

I inhaled Marigold’s baby shampoo smell and murmured words of love in her ear.

“I may not be your daddy the way I planned, and Parrish might not be your papa, but I will always be your uncle Diesel, you got me? And Parrish will be your uncle Parrish. Wherever you are, whenever you need us, say the word, baby girl. We will drop everything and come running, you hear me? I love you more than anything.” My voice broke and the tears began to slip down. I tried blinking them away.

“I am awarding full custody of Marigold Estelle Church to Mr. Edwin Montgomery Church. Diesel, it’s clear to this court that Beth’s wishes were made with clear consideration as to your ability to care for her child. You have been running a profitable business for over eight years, and you have put down obvious roots in your community as evidenced by…” She riffled through a stack of papers in front of her with a smile. “These twenty-five plus character recommendations from community members and leaders. I also personally know you to be generous, dependable, and kind. You have a healthy support system that will serve you well in the years to come, parent friends who have all volunteered to help with babysitting needs, and an adequate living situation in which to raise your niece. Further, it is the court’s decision that you may fully adopt Marigold at this time.”

The words didn’t make any sense. I tried to listen more carefully, but my brain was on the fritz.

“Diesel? One last thing.” Miss Sara peered over the bench at me, her eyes calm but intent. “I’m also in receipt of these forms requesting your last name be changed to Partridge, in light of your recent marriage to Parrish Partridge? And, pursuant to that, you wish Mr. Partridge to be added to the adoption petition, and for Marigold’s adoptive surname to be Partridge, as well?”

Oh. This part I understood. “Yeah. Uh… I mean… yes, Your Honor. That’s correct.”

Miss Sara—Judge Kelly—smiled. “I just want to be clear, you can choose to file this paperwork now, or you can wait until later.” Her eyes traveled around the room hesitantly, like she was just as surprised as I was that Parrish wasn’t there. “Frankly, you need never file it at all, if you’d prefer. Your qualification for adoption is not predicated on your marriage. Do you understand? You could parent Marigold all by yourself.”

I nodded, because I understood the words she was saying, even if I could barely make myself believe them. I’d won on my own. I was good enough on my own, not because of Parrish’s money or his last name. I could choose whether I wanted to take this step or not.

But I’d made that choice weeks and weeks ago, back in the men’s room just down the hall, even if I hadn’t known it at the time.

“I could, ma’am, but I wouldn’t want to. Both our lives are better with Parrish in them.”

“Alright, then. So be it. Congratulations, Mr. Partridge.” Judge Kelly turned to the Kensingtons. “Mr. and Mrs. Kensington. It is clear to me that you have done an admirable job in providing a secure childhood for a girl who so desperately needed it. The court thanks you for taking Beth in and raising her as your own. Hopefully you understand that it is the court’s position that when possible, placement with a blood relative is preferable unless there is sufficient cause to doubt that placement. In this case, there is not. However, I do hope for everyone’s sake, especially Marigold’s, that you and Diesel can work out some kind of visitation agreement in order to give Marigold as many people in her life who love and care for her.”

Ian Merchant’s hand squeezed my forearm, and I looked over at him. His face held a guarded smile, like he was almost as shocked as I was.

“You did it,” he said under his breath. “Congratulations, Daddy.”