Chapter Twenty

Nick.

"So how do I look?"

I walked out of the bathroom in my brand new Gucci suit making the last finishing touches to my tie as I gazed at Miley. She took one look before frowning at me and moving over shaking her head,

"You've done your tie wrong, as per normal."

She instantly started fixing it as I rolled my eyes, "Well I'm sorry there weren't many courses on how to look like a respectable figure in jail Mi. Plus this is the first time I've warn a suit since…God knows when." Miley pressed her hand against my chest staring at the knot she'd just 'fixed'

"You look good," She murmured uneasily,

"Good? That's it? I was going for handsome, irresistible-"

"You look like someone who better bring my son home to me." Miley announced patting my shirt before turning and walking away.

I watched her disappear out of the bedroom as I closed my eyes. If I intended to have a future with Miley then this was the defining moment.

Today was Daniel's custody case.

There were two possible paths, the first was that I'd bring home my son and finally have what society deemed as a normal family. The second was I'd walk away like I did Demi's murder trial with a guilty sentence hanging around my neck for the world to see, tearing the people I loved apart all over again. Only difference was I wouldn't be in prison this time, I'd be forced to attempt to resume a life without my son in the real world. But I wasn't taking the second option because today I knew what I wanted and there was no way in hell anyone could take it from me.

"Miley," I called out keeping my position.

"Miley."

"Miley."

She finally returned to the room looking on edge. She'd wanted to come to the court case, but my lawyer had recommended that she stayed at home. I agreed. We were both worried about what would spill from her lips in the heat of the moment, and anything Miley said could be taken out of context, especially by her parents. We didn't want her making a statement because I was going for custody, not her, and we had to make it clear to the judge that there was a clear distinction between that, even if we planned to co parent.

"We're gonna be okay," I stated as she just looked at me.

"You don't know that Nick."

I walked over and smirked taking her hand in mine as she just stared at me, "Miley I promised we'd be a family, I won't break that promise." She looked at me and nodded still distant, "Because if we don't get Daniel, then I'll take matters into my owns hands."

Miley sighed, "Nick, the courts won't let us try again-"

"Who said anything about the courts?" I asked her.

Her eyes widened as I reached up cupping Miley's chin, "He's our son, he's ours Miley." I repeated staring at her, "And if the world disagrees than so be it, I'm taking him with or without their permission."

Miley shook her head scared, "Nick that's kidnapping if we-"

I nodded, "It is, but if I lose today that's injustice. I'm bringing him home Miley."

I saw the mental debate she was going though, realizing what it meant. If we didn't get Daniel today we'd have to leave everything behind and run. I saw her tossing that up in her head until she finally nodded squeezing my hand,

"Let's try the legal way first okay? And if that fails we'll discuss your crazy suggestion." Miley whispered staring at me and I nodded in agreement, but she clearly had misinterpreted me, this was no suggestion. I was doing this with or without her approval.

"I love you,"

Miley smiled and nodded, "I love you too, bring him home Nick."

"I will, take care of the princess and yourself."

Miley smiled and nodded, "Always."

I kissed her forehead and looked down finding we had an audience standing behind Miley. I looked at Devonne confused seeing her in a puffy pink dress with a tiara on her head as I turned to Miley, "Why is she literally dressed like a princess?" I questioned as Miley leaned down picking up Devonne who was smiling like always,

"Because it's dress up day at school." Miley announced, "And she is a princess Nick."

"I am a princess." Devonne signed giving me a look.

I smiled and bowed my head, "Well your highness I must run and be prince charming and save your brother from your wicked grandparents." I announced as she gave me a firm royal nod and I turned to Miley, "You okay taking her to school?"

"Of course," She responded, "It'll help to be out of the house."

"I'll call you when we find out."

"I'll be waiting."

I went to kiss Devonne as she instantly held out her hand indicating that she was taking her role as princess to heart. I smiled and kissed it causing an instant giggle to escape her lips,

"You're my knight in shining armor daddy," She signed as I smiled.

"Thank you baby, love you."

She signed back the same message as I gave Miley one last look before turning down the hallway. By the time I got in my car the confidence was building because unlike my murder trial I didn't have any believe that today the world could rule against me. Plus there was always the benefit I only had to convince one person, not an entire jury that I was the best person to be taking care of Daniel. The rest of my family had decided to come and support me today as well, which itself was a blessing. I needed to show the Judge I had a strong family structure and having my parents standing beside me would hopefully be enough evidence that I had stable support if anything.

It was when I walked into the courtrooms through a back door and saw my frantic lawyer that I stared to question whether my confidence was a little premature,

"Nick! Where the hell have you been?" He yelled at me,

I looked at John Gordon scared, I hired him based on the fact he was the best lawyer in L.A and that his voice alone was the definition of power. I was beginning to understand why. I stared at him bewildered noting my family down the hallway sitting along the ornate wooden seats just as confused as I was.

"I'm sorry-was I supposed to be here earlier or-"

"What the fuck is this?" He snapped at me throwing a folder in my direction.

I caught it staring down look at the front page,

Confidential

Sealed file

The second I saw the second line I knew what it was. I opened it and found a school photo of my little girl, her birth certificate and all the records Miley had been so determined to protect.

"How did you find this?" I asked closing my eyes closing it.

"How did I find this? Thank God I did Nick! It was by pure chance actually, did you ever think this might be used against you?" He blew up as I just looked at him apologetic, I just didn't want to get her involved in this. "If Miley's parents know about Devonne about-"

"They don't, like we said." Joe interrupted walking over, "No one knows but us."

"And most of Miley's siblings," I added uneasily thinking about Trace, to say he was still mad was an understatement.

John groaned shaking his head, "You should have told me Nick, this changes everything."

"How?" I whispered.

When the smirk came to his face I wasn't expecting it, but the next thing he said took me even more by surprise.

"Because this will get you back Daniel." He stated simply.

I swallowed the lump in my throat confused, "What do you mean?"

"Nick don't you get it, Miley already has custody of a child that you two are both co parenting. That shows that you can work together and seeing as there is absolutely no evidence of complaints towards your daughter's welfare, like there was Daniel then there is no way you can lose today." He explained as I just blinked staring at him, the confidence in my soaring to unimaginable height, "But in saying that…"

I looked at him and John frowned, "Devonne will need to be in the court."

"No!" I snapped instantly, "No way, I won't let Tish or Billy even glimpse at her-"

"She could save Daniel, Nick." He responded.

"No she-"

"Can tell the judge what good parents you are," He explained looking at the folder tapping at it, "Nick, not to be rude, but how can the judge deny you if you are already taking perfectly good care of a child who has a disability. This is the perfect way to secure Daniel's fate, we just need Devonne to tell the Judge that you are worthy of having Daniel back."

I just looked at him as mom stepped forward chewing her lip,

"What about Devonne? Could they fight for custody of her-"

The lawyer smiled taking the folder back, "No, they would need to apply for an entire new case one of which won't get further then administration because they-"

"Won't be able to open a sealed file." I responded.

He nodded grinning, "And to put the icing on the cake, this is the children's court meaning no media, no people watching in- it's family based. Devonne's identity won't escape the court room, and if it does then the snitch could be up for charges of revealing a protected minors name."

"Oh my god…" Danielle whispered, "So we're going to get Daniel back?"

John Gordon nodded, "I have no doubt in my mind, now get your daughter in here, your case starts in twenty minutes and I need to put this in as late evidence."

With that John Gordon walked off and I stood there feeling for the first time like I finally had a bit more control over how this was going to play out legally. I was getting Daniel back and hell I couldn't wait for the moment Tish and Billy released all of this had been for nothing.

Miley.

"Can we see my pony tonight?"

"What if Daniel is home, don't you want to spend time with him?" I asked turning the corner one eye on Devonne the other on the road.

"But what if he doesn't come home mommy?"

I turned into the street Devonne's school was in and pulled up looking at her. I reached out straightening the gold tiara on her head as she looked up at me, "He's going to come home Von, have faith in daddy okay?"

"I do mommy,"

I leaned over kissing her head, "Love you, be a good girl today."

She nodded opening the door as my phone started vibrating. Devonne must have seen it to as she reached grabbing it before I could. Her eyes skimmed the screen as I held my hand out giving her a look as she reluctantly handed it over,

"Who's Dallas?" She spelled out as I looked down surprised.

Why the hell was she texting me? "She's…" I hesitated looking at Devonne who had one leg out of the car waiting for an answer, "Demi's big sister." She instantly smiled as I opened the text reading it,

You're still coming tomorrow right?

Tomorrow? What the fuck was- oh shit. The stupid luncheon.

I groaned reluctant, now was not a good time but it's not like I could suddenly cancel on her. Plus she wanted an explanation that I was willing to give, I just didn't want to face all of those judgmental eyes. The car door slammed marking Devonne's exit as I continued to look at the text unsure of how to reply right now, I guess it depended on the custody case.

I went to put my phone down only for it to start ringing this time. I expected to see Dallas' name but I was even more confused when I saw Nick's. I glanced at the clock answering,

"What's gone wrong?" I asked immediately, "The case is starting in-"

"You need to bring Devonne here." Nick stated in a rush.

I instantly froze feeling sick, "No, no way, Nick I'm not-"

"Miley you need to trust me she-"

"NO!" I yelled furiously, "I can't believe you'd even consider that-"

"Miley they can't touch her, John reckons there is no way in hell the Judge can refuse us if we already have adequate prove that we're good parents. Miley we need Devonne if we want to bring Daniel home." Nick stated very calmly as my eyes skimmed over to see my daughter standing at the traffic lights in her costume,

"Nick I can't risk that," I whispered scared, "I can't lose her."

"Mi you're not listening they can't take her. I promise."

"But the world will know and-"

"Miley her name can't leave the court room babe, you kept her safe the moment you asked to seal her file. No one can hurt Devonne babe, I promise she's going to be okay and this way we can definitely get Daniel back." I looked at Devonne feeling sick at the idea of risking her in a hostile environment let alone admitting to the two people I hated most in this world that she was mine.

"You promise?" I whispered.

"I swear Miley," Nick responded desperately, "No one will take her or Daniel away from us again."

"Okay, I'll be there soon."

"I love you."

"You better be right Nick." I replied hanging up.

I climbed out of the car managing to rush over to Devonne before the lights changed as I picked her up confused. "We need to go help Daniel baby, I promise I'll take you to see your pony tonight if you just help mommy and daddy okay?" I pleaded as she looked towards her school disappointed but nodded.

Devonne asked questions the entire car trip into the city, most of which I couldn't answer. By the time we arrived I was on edge not fully believing Nick's words. What if I lost both of them? How could I live without one or both of them by my side? They were my life now and I wouldn't change anything to do with them. I loved Daniel and Devonne and I felt like right now I was putting both of them in danger by risking both of them, just so I could have a family.

"Mommy are we going or not?" Devonne asked.

I looked at her and she just stared at me as I nodded,

"Yeah we are, we're going to pray daddy's right."

I moved in through a side door hesitating to look at the press outside. I'm sure mom and dad had made very public entrance today with my little boy, I just hoped they wouldn't be making the same exit. I'd only just walked in as Kevin and Danielle faced me,

"Good you're here, you okay?" Danielle asked at once as Kevin took Devonne.

"I'm confused," I responded, "And really worried."

Danielle nodded at me, "Well that case has already started, and I'm absolutely sure nothing is going to happen to either of them. Right Kevin?" Danielle turned to her husband, who nodded,

"Miley trust me, this is going to be okay."

"So everyone keeps telling me, yet nothing is ever that simple."

Both Kevin and Danielle just looked at me not sure what to say as I nodded, "Let's just go," I finished the conversation walking past them.

I opened the wooden doors entering to court room to find it was basically empty, much unlike the last time I came to a court case. Even thinking about that made me shiver, remembering the movement which Nick was charged with murder and assault then refused bail. I hoped today was a better result. I went to walk up to Nick as Danielle yanked me back motioning for me to sit down. Kevin handed me back Devonne sliding in alongside me as I caught sight of the back of my little boy. The smile attached to seeing Daniel lasted only seconds as I noted the people beside him. My parents.

"My client believes that Daniel is far too young to understand the nature of proceedings the past devlopments which have lead to why custody was granted to his grandparents." My mom and dad's lawyer explained looking at the Judge,

"Daniel just spoke," Kevin explained quietly, "Said he wanted to be with his mom and dad, he made it very clear which side he stood."

I smiled proudly as I ignored the blabber coming from the lawyers mouth. Instead I concentrated on Devonne making sure she was calm and ready for the task at hand. I silently explained to her what was happening until finally mom and dad's lawyer finished making his case and I knew by the nervous looks on both Danielle and Kevin's face that it was time.

"I have new evidence to provide the court, you should have the documents by now." John explained,

"We don't your honor." My parent's lawyer quickly interrupted.

I watched the elderly male judge staring down as he nodded, "And for good reason," He murmured then looking at John again completely shocked, "Are these documents legitimate?"

"Of course your honor,"

"May I ask where this child is currently residing,"

"With her mother and father of course,"

"Your honor to what child are we speaking of?" The other lawyer asked frustrated,

The judge ignored him staring at John, "So this is why you wanted an interpreter, okay I will allow this new evidence into the court. Please provide these to the defendants…" He motioned towards the court policeman who walked over accepting my daughter's file moving towards my parents.

"Oh God," I murmured under my breath,

The lawyer had barely opened the file before turning to my parents handing it to them as Daniel eagerly leaned over to look.

"Your honor this is surely false we-"

"It is clearly written that this child's file has been sealed for a reason, her mother chose to do so at birth due to circumstances which this court approved of at the time." The judge announced looking around the room more broadly, "And anyone willing to break the confidential nature will be prosecuted as set down by the law."

"What the hell is this?" My mom's voice suddenly yelled,

Her head spun turning to Nick who looked blank, "What the hell is-"

"My daughter. Daniel's twin sister, Devonne" Nick stated simply.

"Your daughter? Twin…" dad trailed off turning to the judge, "How could she keep custody of this girl when we didn't even know about her! Surely we should have full custody too!" My dad's voice got louder with every word and I could see the anger in every inch of their bodies ready to explode, yet this was the one place they couldn't act on the emotions they wanted to release.

"This is a separate child to which no complaints have been formally made so-"

"Where is this said child, I want to ask her a few questions!" Their lawyer announced his nostrils flaring,

The judge looked to John who turned spotting us motioning to me,

"I bring forward Devonne Demetria Jonas your honor."

Everything in me froze hearing the name I never wanted to be spoken publically let alone in front of my parents. Every occupant of the room turned but my eyes only saw my mom and dad's who just stared opened mouth completely taken by surprise. I didn't know whether to well in the joy as their faces paled and turned to looks of horror, or to be sick with worry thinking of the revenge they may impose on my new family. I clutched Devonne to me as Kevin sighed,

"Miley let her go," Kevin whispered.

I stood up deciding I would be the one to take her to the front of the courtroom. I walked down uneasily as Nick stood up giving me a weak-reassuring smile as we walked towards him.

"VON!" Daniel cried exciting jumping onto his chair waving.

I smiled towards him as Devonne's face broke into the biggest grin.

"You knew?" Mom hissed at Daniel.

"Of course I did," Daniel stated, "She's my twin sister."

Nick reached out to Devonne touching her hair as I heard a huff, "Don't you dare touch that child she-"

"Order!" The judge yelled at my mom as I put Devonne down,

"You need to be brave Von,"

"What is she doing with her hands?" Dad interrupted, "Is this a trick or-"

"She's deaf." Nick announced glaring at my parents, "Something that you should know."

I could feel their eyes giving me murderous glares right through my skin as I kissed Devonne's forehead and she smiled at me. John opened the door as Devonne hesitated and took off her tiara handing it to Nick. "Princess you don't want the crown?" He asked confused.

"I don't need it, I'm Daniel's knight in shining armor now daddy"

And with that she walked right up and stared towards the Judge,

"I want to ask questions," The other lawyer began as the Judge held his hand up,

"Silence, I will be asking the questions."

I looked at Nick who wrapped his arm around me and I leaned my head against his shoulder. "We're going to be okay Mi, it's okay." Nick guided me to sit down placing me next to his mom who instantly enveloped me in her arms,

"She'll be fine Miley."

"Okay Devonne can you tell me about your daddy?" The judge asked slowly as an interpreter started to translate only for Devonne to nod without his assistance,

Devonne began signing at a hundred miles an hour, causing the interpreter to even look a little stressed as she explain. "Devonne says that she hasn't known her dad for that long, but she loves him a lot." The man spoke watching, "That he's learning sign language so he can talk to her and that he always tucks her in at night and calls her his princess."

The Judge nodded giving a small smile, "And your mom?"

Devonne grinned before signing something that made my life worth living

She's my world.

The second it was repeated to the court Devonne turned to me and smiled as I looked back at her proudly feeling tears fill my eyes.

"So she takes care of you?"

Devonne nodded, "Mommy taught me sign language when she found out I couldn't hear, she said I was just special and that it wasn't something wrong with me, that it just made me unique. Mommy taught me everything, how to sign, to draw, to tie my shoelaces. I love her." The man repeated.

"And do your mom and daddy work together well?"

"Of course! Daniel and me want them to get married and we think they will once we're all back together again. I mean sometimes they disagree but I see them every night telling each other how much they love one another, so that's all that matters right?" The man translated as I looked at Nick smiling.

"You can't believe this! Miley's brainwashed her!" Mom proclaimed desperately, "Just like she's done to Daniel-'"

"No mammy! You told me I had to say good things about you, isn't that brainwashing? I want to be with my mom, sister and dad not you!" Daniel hissed looking to the judge, "I want to be with my family."

The Judge looked around the room staring at Nick and me for a moment before nodding,

"Okay I'll award temporary custody to Mr. Nick Jonas and therefore Miss. Cyrus for a trial period of three months in which counseling must occur weekly." He announced simply, "Court adjourned."

It was finished.

Completely done.

I could hear my parents yelling, while I couldn't speak. I just started crying as Nick brought me into his arms hugging me in relief, "We did it Mi, we're gonna be okay, everything is going to be okay now!" He pulled me to my feet as I held onto him suddenly feeling an arm wrap around my legs, followed my another.

Nick and me both split at the same time finding both Devonne and Daniel staring up at us grinning. I reached down picking up Devonne as Nick did the same with Daniel pulling us all back into a hug again.

"Now we're a real family." Daniel announced as Nick nodded.

"And nothing will break us apart."

I nodded feeling my phone buzzing as I ignored it holding onto my family, only for it to start again. Nick gave me a confused look as I sighed pulling it out of my pocket while I could hear my parents still arguing with the decision. I reluctantly pressed accept not knowing the number pressing it to my ear,

"Hello?"

"Miss Cyrus?"

"Yes, who is this, can you call back?" I asked quickly smiling at Daniel.

"Miss it's important, it's about your storage room-"

"What happened?" I hissed the joy in me dropping.

"Miss I'm so sorry there was a fire and..."

"And what?"

"Everything you had has been lost. I'm sorry."

AN: Sorry for the delay, this story is getting hard to write but I'm battling on :P So yay happiness, and then a kind of cliffy at the end. So who do you think destroyed all Miley's evidence? :P I'll give you a clue it might be Demi' murderer don't ya think ; )