Road to Redemption 25
Todd and I flew back into Llanview with Ray Martinez. We met Tea at the courthouse where we would be trying to convince a judge that I was no longer a threat to myself or other people and hopefully he would judge that my son's Power of Attorney over me be rejected.
"Mom, where have you been this whole time? Were you with him?" Cole asked as he glared towards Todd.
"I was getting treatment from a psychiatrist that I trust and yes he was there. He's part of my life now and I really wish that you could give him a chance," I stated.
"Marty, Todd, the hearing's about to begin, we need to get into the courtroom," Tea stated as she came out into the hallway.
XOXOXO
The courtroom proceedings was long and tedious. It was painful to recount my painful discoveries from my past and to listen to the lawyers argue over my fate as if I wasn't in the room listening to them. In the end the judge ruled in my favor and I was given back the ability to make decisions about my own life.
"I'm glad that you're well again mom, but I wish that you wouldn't let Todd continue to manipulate and destroy you. Please cut him out of your life," Cole pleaded with me after the hearing had convened.
"I can't do that Cole, not even for you. I love Todd and if I can forgive him for raping me then why can't you," I asked.
"Because I'm scared that he hasn't changed the way that he's convinced you that he has. I love you mom and I don't want to see you get hurt any more. I want you to be happy."
"Todd makes me happy, we're getting married tonight at our house and I really want you to be there," I pleaded.
"I can't watch as you make a mistake...I just can't," Cole stated as he walked out of the courtroom.
"I wish that he could see the good in you that I see," I stated as I embraced Todd.
"Just give him time Marty, he'll come around eventually," Todd stated as he held me in his arms.
XOXOXO
The outside backyard looked amazing. There was beautiful lights hanging from the trees and extravagant flower arrangements on the tables, but I couldn't take my eyes off of Todd.
I walked down the aisle towards him and took his hand in mine.
"There's something that I want to say," Todd stated as he looked into my eyes. "Marty, I have spent my entire life loving you. You make me want to be a better man and without you I would have nothing. I want you to know how much I cherish the gift of your forgiveness and I promise to work everyday to be worthy of that gift. I promise to love you, honor and cherish you for all eternity," Todd stated as he slipped on my wedding ring.
"Todd, you are my soulmate, my best friend, my lover and very soon you will be my husband as well. You were the first person who showed me what love was. Please take this ring as a symbol of our love and know that I will honor and cherish you the rest of my days," I stated as I slipped his ring on his finger.
"Does anybody have any objections?" Andrew Carpenter asked.
I looked around the room and my eyes locked on Cole who had just walked into the backyard. I felt relieved as he sat down without saying a word.
"In that case with the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride," Andrew stated.
Todd wrapped his arms around me and gently, but passionately kissed me.
I grabbed Todd's hand and I walked towards Cole. "Thank you for coming," I stated as I pulled him into a hug.
"I thought about what you said and you were right. If you can forgive him for hurting you then the least that I can do is try," Cole stated as he offered Todd his hand.
I smiled as I watched the two men that I love most in this world make amends and shake hands with one another.
"If you do anything to hurt her again, I'll kill you," Cole warned.
"I wouldn't expect anything less, but you don't have to worry, I'm going to make your mother very happy," Todd stated.
"I'm going to go dance with Starr," Cole stated as he walked towards his love.
Todd wrapped his arms around me and we began to dance around the backyard. "Are you ready to spend the rest of your life in these arms?" Todd asked.
"I am. I've always been ready," I stated. I was excited to begin my new life with Todd as his wife.
The End