Chapter 28

Stephanie's POV

It was now the Monday before Thanksgiving and all of us were sitting at the court house. Melissa was the only one who couldn't be there due to work. Jeff and Gilbert were sitting on one bench while Shannon and Julie were sitting on another. We were just waiting on our case to be called, when Matt had a spur of the moment idea.

He whispered the idea into my ear and I agreed. Then we told Shannon and Julie who agreed as well. The only ones who didn't know anything about it was Gilbert and Jeff. Shannon and Julie promised not to say anything to anyone.

"Dad, can you listen for the case number. The four of us need to head down the hall for a little bit?" Matt asked his dad.

"Sure. Is everything ok?" Gilbert answered.

"Yeah. There is just one last thing we need to take care of." Matt responded.

"Ok. Don't be too long." Gilbert responded as we quickly left the area.

The four of us quickly walked down the hall and into another room. After talking to the lady at the counter and paying her what we owed, we took our seats and waited as patiently as possible. The more I thought about everything, the happier I became and knew in my heart that this is what I wanted.

Once our names were called, we walked into another room and did what we were told to do. After signing some papers and having them notarized right there, we headed back to where Gilbert and Jeff were sitting.

Matt and I held hands and everyone was smiles. I knew that they were suspecting something, but we would tell them after we get through our court hearing. Matt looked at me and smiled.

"I hope you don't regret doing this." Matt stated.

"I don't and I never will." I responded before giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Case number A57392048, Hardy vs. Wilkes." a court official called out.

Everyone followed the official in to the court room. Jay was already sitting at a table with his court appointed lawyer. Matt's lawyer was already in there and showed us where to sit. Matt and I held hands under the table. I was nervous and I think Matt could tell.

"This is the case of Hardy vs. Wilkes. Mr. Wilkes you are being charged with child abuse and abandonment. How do you plead?" the judge asked.

"Not guilty." Jay answered.

"Ok. Now we have hospital reports, school reports, and personal reports. I have spent hours going over this case. Mr. Hardy, I received your petition and I understand what you are doing and why you are doing it." the judge responded. "Is there anything else I should be aware of that pertains to this case?"

"No your honor." Our lawyer stated.

"Alright then. Mr. Wilkes, do you have anything to add?" the judge asked.

"What kind of petition?" Jay asked.

"Due to the severity of this case, I cannot reveal that information to you." the judge answered. "Is there anything else?"

"No your honor." Jay's lawyer responded.

"We will take a 10 minute recess while I make my final decision." the judge stated.

While we were taking the 10 minute recess, Matt and I pulled my lawyer aside and told him about earlier. He nodded in agreement and made a note to call us the following week. We took our seats again as the judge came back in.

"Alright, I have made my final decision in the case. But before I let my decision be known, I want to make it very clear that my decision is 100% final and I will not allow any further hearings on this case. Do both parties understand?" the judge asked.

"Yes, your honor." Our lawyer answered.

"Yes, your honor." Jay's lawyer stated.

"Thank you. After reviewing all evidence and reports for this case, I am sentencing Jay Wilkes to 5 years in jail for child abuse and neglect. I am also awarding Mr. Hardy and Ms. Anderson their petition. Bailiff, please remove Mr. Wilkes from the court room." the judge stated.

I was ready to burst inside. Matt and I exchanged smiles and waited for Jay to be removed from the court room. I couldn't believe that everything was finally over.

"Mr. Hardy and Ms. Anderson, I am very happy to grant your petition to adopt Bryan as your own child. Are you wanting to have his last name changed?" the judge asked.

"Thank you, your honor. Yes, we would like to have his last name changed to Hardy." Matt answered.

"Done. I just need the both of you to sign these papers and everything will be finalized as of today." the judge stated as the papers were handed to us.

Once we were done in the court room, we exited the room and joined Gilbert, Jeff, Shannon and Julie and in the hallway. Matt and I couldn't have been any happier that day. After hugging everyone, we headed out to our cars and headed towards home.

Jeff and Gilbert stopped to pick Melissa at their house while we headed to our house. Shane was at the house waiting with Bryan when we got there. Shane asked what happened and Matt told him that it would have to wait until everyone was there.