Chapter 28 Fighting back; Family business.

THE NEXT EVENING

The dinner party the next evening consisted of Marty/Kensi, Roger/Cheryl, James/Karen, and Carl/Jill (Marty's new acquaintance in Immigration Law).

After introductions, Marty started with the topic to discuss. For the benefit of Carl/Jill he started at the beginning of their story in reference to Afonso/Sofia. Then he introduced the topic of adoption and turned it over to Kensi.

Kensi talked about her discussion with Amanda from CPS, with emphasis on Amanda's negativity towards she and Marty adopting Sofia and Afonso. Kensi mentioned the comment – "more illegals", the very negative body language, Amanda's abrupt departure, then asked for advice. She and Marty were most interested in how to overcome this perceived roadblock, and how to proceed in adopting their foster children.

Surprisingly, perhaps, all the professionals at the table were acquainted with this Amanda. They had experienced (or had heard of) this same behavior, and were interested in seeing it stopped for good. It was deemed detrimental to efficient, quality care for those children while in CPS custody or care. They brainstormed for quite a while and decided that a proper 1st step would be to have a search done of Amanda's case records (with proper authorization) to see if there was a pattern of this kind of behavior in her past.

Question: Who would be responsible for this search?

It was decided that James, as the San Jose County DA had the skilled investigators needed to do the job. And he had experience working with the judiciary to get proper authorization that will stand up in court. James assured the group that the job could be done, but it might be 2 weeks or more before he could report back in regards to findings. They agreed to wait for his report before making a decision about further action.

Meanwhile, Marty & the steering committee were working on the adoption procedure itself. It was frustrating to see that at every step in the process Amanda, or someone with ties to her, would raise questions or objections and sometimes even file a motion with the court to disrupt the process. Significant patience was required to keep moving forward. Kensi and Marty were thankful that they had a solid group around them all working together and supporting each other. They were determined to get this done.

They were also grateful that the emigration process and paperwork had been so thoroughly documented; all the I's had been dotted and all the t's crossed. When the intact family had arrived, all was set to go, then disaster struck when the shooting occurred. Kensi & Marty were more than happy that they had been called upon to come to the rescue. They looked back with fondness on the day Kensi stepped into that interrogation room and Sofia had rushed into her arms.

James, the DA, had assigned two of his top prosecutors to build a case against Amanda – if there was a case to build. As Amanda became aware of what was happening in the legal sphere, opposition slowed and eventually ceased. The prosecutors didn't have a case they felt comfortable taking to court, however they found enough evidence to seriously damage the reputation of CPS, Amanda and several of her peers. The outcome was Amanda taking early retirement and the entire department being put on notice that bias in any form would NOT be tolerated.

Afonso and Sofia had been kept in the loop by Kensi and Marty, so they knew the process was nearing completion. But they didn't know how close it was.

January 29 was the kids' 6th birthday; Marty was picking them up at school, they were picking Kensi up at her work and going out for a birthday dinner. As they entered South Bay Marty said, "Kensi said she would be in the gym, I'll race you there!" The kids took off running, Marty sauntered along behind. He knew what they would find.

The twins barged through the gym door and skidded to a stop, amazed. The room was crowded with people, young and old. Kensi was down on her knees, her arms spread wide in welcome. Sofia rushed into those arms and they embraced, tears flowing don both their cheeks. Kensi choked out the words "WELCOME HOME HONEY!" She pointed up at the giant banner WELCOME HOME SOFIA & AFONSO! Sofia looked straight at Kensi and stammered, "You will . . . be my . . . my mommy now? Forever?" Kensi could only nod vigorously; she was so choked up.

Afonso stopped, turned around, and rushed into Marty's arms. "Thank you . . . dad. I love you!"

"I love you too, son!" Marty responded.

The crowd cheered, clapped and whistled. The party could now begin!

The proud adoptive grandparents were beaming, Julia in her Sunday best and Donald in his Marine dress uniform. They had supported Kensi and Marty all throughout this long, arduous process. Everyone was emotionally exhausted, but it was a very satisfied feeling. The new grandpa & grandma had special birthday gifts for the kids – 6 days/nights at Incline Village, NV with 3 days of snowboarding passes AND new snowboards. This was going to be exciting! When Afonso asked, "what about mom and dad?" Donald replied, "they are on their own!" "Of course," Marty muttered; Kensi gave him an elbow.

After party games and refreshments, the crowd dispersed, and the Deeks family retired to their apartment for presents and the private part of the party. It was such a relief to have the family legally secure.

One question regarding kids remined.

"Kens?"

"Um."

They were cuddling under the covers, the party was over, the adoption finalized, their family secure, the kids unbelievably happy, their new mom and dad ecstatic!

"I was thinking," Kensi stated.

"Thinking is good . . . about what?"

"Should we try for a baby? I hear it's fun!"

*choke* "Well, the 1st part is fun, as we've discovered. The special delivery however, though my part is only nerves . . . no pain."

*smack*

"Ouch!" He exclaims.

"Well, we can do pain, Mister Deeks!"

"OK, demonstration not needed. Back on topic. Do you have a strong desire one way or another, babe?"

"I am leaning towards calling our family of 4 complete and doing something to close the factory for good."

"Well, 1st let's decide if 4 is enough. I am ok with that if you are sure you don't want a baby of our own. The mother baby experience is unique, are you sure? We could just do birth control, not permanent, then reconsider after a year or two?"

"I'd really like to ditch the condom thing; the mess, the interruption, the loss of the skin-to-skin experience. I'm willing to try the pill and see how I feel. What do you think?"

"If you are willing to try the pill, I am OK with that. Don't you think that the little added protection a condom adds to the program is worth it?"

"No, I don't. If we are careful, avoiding my most fertile 3-5 days I am comfortable with the plan. Understand that emotions can rule the day – or night," she smirks. "After all neither of us thinks a baby, if one happens to come, would be a disaster. At least I am of that mind. Are you?"

"Yes, I agree. So, you are going to see your Ob-Gyn and get an OC prescription and see how you feel?"

"Yes, if you're, OK?"

"I am OK. Do you want me to come along to the doctor visit?"

"No, I can handle this. That being said, I need some more cuddle time with my naked husband. Do you need my assistance shedding your clothes?"

"It's only my sleep-wear."

"Well, why is it still on your hot bod?"

"Just a sec- "

Her lips stop the talking . . . they get down to business!