The night before the hearing to establish paternity Blake and Rick had a quiet dinner at the light house. "I'll clean up if you put him to bed." Rick offered. "You mean you'll throw away the take-out containers, and load the dishwasher." She smacked him gently with a towel. "I on the other hand have to change a diaper, put him in pajamas, rock him, and give him his pacifier. I don't know Dr. Bauer, that seems awfully unbalanced to me yet, you've got yourself a deal" She grinned. "Say good night to Daddy" she said as she walked up the stairs. As Rick cleaned up the containers there was a knock at the door. Rick opened it, surprised to once again see an unexpected, uninvited Phillip behind it.
Rick held the door with one hand while bracing the door jamb with his shoulder, effectively blocking any chance Phillip had of entering it. "What do you think you're doing here?" Rick asked him through clenched teeth.
Phillip danced from one foot to the other. "I just wanted to talk to you before we go to court tomorrow. I'm not interested in anything than what is best for Matthew, and I'm not sure a court case and media circus is is."
Rick dropped his hand but didn't move. "What is best for Matthew, is for you to climb to the top of the lighthouse and jump"
Phillip narrowed his eyes. "I think that is the most hateful thing anyone has ever said to me." He leaned against the railing on the porch. "Look Rick, I don't blame you for hating me. In fact, I would be surprised if you didn't, but I was hoping that maybe we could work this out on our own."
Rick stepped out onto the porch and closed the door behind him. "Phillip, there is nothing to work out unless you walk away. I've talked to Blake. I understand why Meredith did what she did. I understand everyone's behavior in this except yours. You wanted nothing to do with Meredith or that baby until she was gone. Why? Why now Phillip? Is it because Blake left you for me? "
Phillip laughed. "You know what man, Blake leaving me was the best thing that ever happened to me. Good luck with her."
"Why then Phillip? The night Meredith died you were willing to let me chose her life over Matthews. You didn't even take a moment to decide. Do you remember? You said to me that we could have other babies, that losing this one would bring us closer together, and that our next child would be so welcomed and wanted." Rick balled his fist and punched the wood clapboard. "Now all of a sudden you want to be his father? Go to hell Phillip. I'm not going to work anything out with you in some back-room deal. No, this is going to go public. Not because I want my dirty laundry hanging on a public line but because I want Matthew to know what kind of man you are." Rick opened and closed his fist, shaking off the pain. "Now you get the hell off my porch, unless you want me to give you back the light house too, pal."
Phillip pushed himself away from the railing. "Alright, you have if your way." He walked off the porch, turning to add "You take good care of my son. I don't want to see a scratch on him when I walk him out of that court room."
The next day Rick and his attorney along with Blake, Maureen and Ed waked into an empty courtroom. Behind them arrived Phillip and Ross. When Ross spotted the Bauer's, he leaned in and whispered something into Phillips ear. Phillip looked over and nodded. Shortly before court began Holly arrived with Fletcher Reade not far behind.
Blake leaned over her chair "Mom, this is family court. It's closed to the press." Before Holly could respond the bailiff entered the courtroom.
"All those with business before the honorable Judge Cane may now rise."
Everyone stood and waited for the middle-aged judge to take his seat. When he sat, they sat, the room was silent except for the gavel he pounded when he called the proceedings to order. He looked over the information provided to him in a brief from Ross, and that of Rick's attorney as well. When he was satisfied, he laid the folder in front of him and began.
"Gentleman, the matter before this court is to determine the paternity of the minor child known as Matthew Edward Reade- Bauer. Now, this is not a trial, but I will be asking that each attorney present their argument for their client's interest. Is that clear?"
Both Ross and Rick's attorney confirmed that they understood. "Mr. Spaulding, Dr. Bauer, I will say this now. My responsibility as an officer of the family court is to rule in the best interest of the minor child. I want you to understand in advance that all rulings made are to that end. Both of your families hold a lot of prestige in this town, but neither name nor money will have a bearing on this case. Do you understand?" Both Rick and Phillip affirmed.
"Very good. Mr. Marler, I will ask that you present your clients case if you please."
"Very good your honor" Ross said, proceeding to the podium that stood between the two desks.
"My client Phillip Granville Spaulding has reason to believe that he is the biological father of the child currently in Dr. Bauer's custody. During the summer of the previous year my client and the minor child's late mother had a brief sexual affair. The child's mother, Dr. Meredith Reade became pregnant as a result of this affair. Dr. Reade didn't notify my client that he was the biological father until after she and Dr. Rick Bauer had been married. My client at that time agreed to allow Dr. Reade and Dr. Bauer to raise the child as their own. However, on the day the child was born Dr. Reade unfortunately suffered a lethal complication to her pregnancy and died. My client attempted to reach a private arrangement with Dr. Bauer, but was rebuffed on two separate occasions which lead him to pursue a legal decision regarding the child's paternity and custody."
Ross turned the page in his notes. "Your honor, my client has been precluded from spending any time with his child since his birth some months ago and requests that he be given legal and physical custody for the child while at the same time would like the child's birth certificate amended to reflect his name as father to said minor child. Thank you."
Ross took his notes and sat down next to Phillip who smiled. The judge made a few notes before calling Rick's attorney. "Miss. Greenlee, you're up" The judge announced without looking towards the gallery.
"Thank you, your honor. My client, Dr. Fredrick Bauer has been the only parent Matthew has known since his birth. Dr. Bauer and Dr. Meredith Reade were married when Dr. Reade was indeed already pregnant. At the time of their marriage Dr. Bauer was under the impression that he was the child's biological father. It wasn't until after the marriage that he was made aware that Dr. Reade had potentially become pregnant by a brief dalliance, a one-night stand if you will with a man, she could not name. It wasn't until after Dr. Reade's untimely death that Dr. Bauer was made aware that Phillip Spaulding was the man in question. Mr. Spaulding however knew and ignored his obligation until the child was six months old, at which time he served Dr. Bauer with a paternity suit. Your honor, we request that Matthew's birth certificate stand as signed, listing Meredith Reade his mother and Frederick Bauer his father. We further request that Mr. Spaulding's request for custody be dismissed as well as the requested amendment to the birth certificate which you also have on file. Frederick Bauer is the only father this child has known. Under his care Matthew, the child in question has flourished in both growth and in hitting milestones as all babies do when they are shown love and care. Thank you, your honor."
As Ross before her, she took her notes and rejoined Rick at the table. The judge scratched an itch on his forehead before leaning back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest. The silence was deafening as he appeared to ponder the information he had gathered.
"Mr. Marler, I am going to address your client directly, but I'd like you to advise him that this is not a trial. Still, he still holds his constitutional rights afforded him."
Ross stood "Yes your honor."
"Very good, Mr. Spaulding, when did you first become aware that the child Dr. Reade was carrying may have been sired by you and not Dr. Bauer? Let me rephrase. Did you learn of the child's potential paternity prior to or after the birth of said child?"
Phillip took in a large breath of air and exhaled it before answering. "It was between Christmas and New Year's your honor. Rick, I'm sorry, Dr. Bauer and Dr. Reade were attending a party at my home. During the party Dr. Bauer had consumed a large amount of alcohol and decided at that time to bare his soul. He indicated that the baby his wife was carrying wasn't his. I asked how he knew this and he volunteered that it was based on an early ultrasound that Dr. Reade had participated in prior to their wedding. He informed me that Dr. Reade had a one-night stand in Chicago around the same time I had been with her. It was then that I realized the child may be mine."
"Did you ever confront Dr. Bauer or Dr. Reade with this information?" The judge asked.
"I did, some months later. You see Dr. Reade went into premature labor in early January and I didn't want to upset her by confronting her at that time. When I did however, she confirmed that I was likely the baby's father."
"Did Dr. Reade make any requests from you at that time? Did she want paternity established in order to gain financial support, or request a custody agreement be made?"
Phillip looked at Ross who indicated that it was an appropriate request to answer. "She did not. She asked that I step aside so that she and Rick could raise the child together. At the time I was engaged to the woman that Rick is currently sleeping with, so I agreed to the arrangement. I wouldn't tell Rick I was the child's father…" Ross put his hand on Phillips shoulder indicating that he had said enough.
The judge looked over his glasses "Mr. Spaulding, I am not interested in turning this hearing into a salacious romance novel. Please confine your answers to the questions I have asked. With that said, I have one more question. Mr. Spaulding. You originally agreed to the arrangement, but then changed your mind. Why? Other than Dr. Reade's death what changed?"
Phillip placed both hands on the table seeming to steady himself. "Your honor, the night Matthew was born his mother died. Before that occurred, her doctor asked Rick to make a decision, her life or the child's. He chose her, even though Meredith had begged him to choose the baby he went against her wishes. She willed the child to live, and as a result she died. After the birth when they took the baby to the nursery Rick stayed with Meredith's body for hours on end. He completely ignored the baby. He was left alone in the nursery being cared for by strange nurses. It was that night that I started to question if I could allow Rick to raise Matthew on his own."
The judge pursed his lips. "One more question Mr. Spaulding. You said you were engaged, and that relationship has ended. I'm curious…" He paused. "No, strike that, I'm not going to turn this into a circus. It's none of my business."
Ross put his hand on Phillips "Your honor, my client is not married, and his current relationship status is irrelevant to his paternity. When my client is named the biological father any relationship, he may enter into will have the child at its core."
"Mr. Marler, as I said in the beginning, my only concern is the welfare of the child."
"I think I know what you were going to ask." Phillip answered out of turn. "I'd like to answer if I may"
"If you feel it's pertinent, I will allow it."
"My former fiancé was aware of Matthew's paternity prior to his birth. When I discussed with her that I was entertaining pursuing custody she wrote me a dear John letter and almost immediately moved in with Rick. To be clear your honor, she has been my only relationship over the course of the past eighteen months, while I was her second of three men with whom she slept with. One being my father..." He was going to continue but the judge banged his gavel. Blake put a hand over her mouth.
"Mr. Spaulding, your former fiancé is not the one seeking custody of a child. I suggest you contain yourself. Mr. Marler, your client has been warned. I will not give any additional latitude, do you understand?"
The judge turned his attention towards Rick. "Dr. Bauer, the same constitutional rights that apply to Mr. Spaulding apply to you. Do you understand?"
"Yes, your honor"
"Dr. Bauer, I do not wish to rehash the circumstances that have brought us here, but I must ask is there any part of Mr. Spaulding's testimony that you wish to dispute?"
Rick looked down at the table. "He is correct your honor in all except my devotion to my son. I was asked to choose between the life of my wife, and that of my son. Meredith begged me to do everything to save the baby. It is an impossible position to be in. As a doctor I am used to giving people tragic news, but to be the one receiving it changes the axis of your world. I knew I wasn't capable so I did not make the decision to save her life lightly or alone. Now I'm not trying to throw shade on anyone, but I took the advice of my father, Fletcher Reade, who is Meredith's brother, and that of Phillip Spaulding. Each agreed that while you can't replace a child that the baby's chances of survival were lower than Meredith's and that in the future, we would be able to have more children. It was then that I gave her doctor the directive to do whatever it would take to save Meredith's life. As Phillip indicated however, she willed her body to deliver her son, and as a result died from heart failure minutes after he was born. She likely wasn't even aware that she had sacrificed herself for our son."
The judge cleared his throat and continued. "So, the decision to save your wife had nothing to do with the child's paternity then?"
"No, your honor. In fact, one of the last words Meredith spoke was to ask me if I loved Matthew. I did and still do"
"Alright, let's move on. Mr. Spaulding indicates that his former fiancé is living with you, is that correct?"
"Yes sir, she initially began caring for Matthew as his nanny if you will when I returned to work at Cedars Hospital. While our relationship has progressed to a romantic one, she is still one of Matthew's primary caregivers."
The judge absently placed the end of his pen in his mouth as if formulating his next question.
"Mr. Spaulding, I should have asked this question of you earlier. What is your living situation currently?"
"Your honor, I currently reside at the Spaulding Mansion along with my Aunt Alexandra Spaulding and father Alan Spaulding."
The judge pondered the responses. "As I said in the beginning, my only concern is the welfare of a child. With that said there are some aspects of this case that I can rule on today, and others that I am going to have to continue. In the matter of paternity. I am ordering two impartial laboratories be secured to establish paternity of the child. Once the time and place have been secured your attorneys will notify you. Now, Mr. Marler, I am surprised that you would advocate for removal of the child from Dr. Bauer's custody prior to establishment of paternity. As you know, he is the presumptive father as he was legally married to the child's mother at the time of his birth."
Ross rolled his eyes and shrugged. The judge banged his gavel. "I wouldn't push it there Mr. Marler." He dropped the gavel.
"While I don't believe it's in the child's best interest to be removed from Dr. Bauer's care, I do believe that given the circumstances that he should have visitation with Mr. Spaulding."
Phillip let out an audible "yes" The judge looked at him with pursed lips.
"I'm sorry your honor, I will control my client" Ross said.
"Before you become too excited Mr. Spaulding understand there are parameters that must be met prior to these visitations. You are subject to a home study by a court appointed social worker. The court will arrange for the study to be conducted within the next fourteen days, though given the need for expedience I will request that it be soon. I will reconvene this hearing for twenty-one days from today's date at 9:30 a.m. Does anyone have any questions regarding the matters I have so ordered?" No one did.
"Alright, we will get the home study ordered, and we will notify you of that paternity testing which is also to be carried out as quickly as possible." The judge banged his gavel and rose from his seat as did those who were a part of and observing the proceedings.
Once again being a Spaulding had some privilege. A social worker was at the mansion within forty-eight hours of the judge's ruling, and of course it went off without a hitch. By that time Phillip had outfitted the pantry in baby foods, and the room next to his in-baby clothes, and paraphernalia enough for six babies. When the social worker reported her positive report, the judge issued a bench order for visitation to begin the following week, some two weeks before their next hearing.
On the morning of the first ordered visitation day Rick rolled over and wrapped an arm around Blake's waist. "Good morning" He stretched an arm above his head.
"Morning" she whispered tersely.
Rick rolled over onto his side, running a finger along her arm which she pulled away from him. "Are you alright?" He asked "Are you angry with me?"
"No, I'm just nervous about today." She continued to lay on her side, her back to him. He reached out laying an arm over her waist. He pulled himself closer to her. "It's going to be alright" He whispered, nuzzling the back of her neck with his nose.
"No Rick, it's not. This is all my fault. Had I just let Meredith tell Phillip he was the father from the beginning this could have been avoided." She felt Rick tense then relax.
"Blake, it's not your fault. You were doing what you thought was best." He pulled her even closer, but Blake pulled away suddenly. "Please, stop, I'm not feeling all that well." Rick completely released her.
"I'm sorry" She said "I'm just nervous. I've got butterflies in my stomach." Hearing this Rick reached for her again.
"I bet I could get rid of those butterflies for you. I don't hear Matthew yet" He was rebuffed again.
"I can't, I'm sorry. "She rushed to the bathroom and slammed the door behind her.
A few hours later Blake drove up to the gate of the Spaulding Mansion. She pushed the button at the guard's gate. "Yes" Came a faceless voice. "I'm Blake Lindsey, I'm bring Phillips…I'm bring Matthew Bauer for his court appointed visit" She heard a buzz followed by the slow dramatic parting of the gate. She drove the long driveway to the front door. She placed the car in park and gently extricated Matthew from the confines of his car seat. She grabbed the diaper bag and headed to the door. She pushed the bell and waited. Joseph answered "Ah Miss Lindsey, right on time. Mr. Spaulding will be waiting for you in the library." Blake knew the way.
Upon entry she was surprised to see Alan. "Ah, Blake, right on time. Thank you" Alan said. He walked over and reached out for Matthew whose lower lip began to quiver. "It's alright, I'm not going to hurt you, I'm your grandpa" He cooed, but it wasn't enough. Matthew turned red and began wailing.
Blake quickly turned Matthew away from Alan and whispered softly into Matthew's ear. As she did, she swayed with him, patting him on the back. "It's ok sweet heart, I'm right here and I"m not going to let anything happen to you"
Alan sneered "Well Blake, it looks like you've found your calling. Wet nurse to the middle class in Springfield. Quite the fall from a Spaulding executive isn't it." Blake didn't dignify the remark. She just continued the swaying and patting until Matthew calmed sufficiently.
"That's enough dad." Phillip said from the doorway. "Leave Blake alone." Phillip sounded almost cordial as he entered the library. Alan conceded. "Alright, alright. I will be nice. My apologies Blake. Phillip, bring Matthew by the offices later. I'm sure the executive secretaries would like to see him, and we can get some of these papers signed." Phillip waited until Alan was at the door. "Dad, bring the papers home with you tonight. I will sign them after Matthew has gone to bed." Alan's lifted his briefcase as way of good bye.
"Sorry about that" Phillip said to Blake.
"Hello my boy. Come see Daddy" Phillip clapped his hands together before jutting them out to Matthew.
Blake sighed "It's ok buddy, Phillip isn't going to hurt you." Matthew looked dubious, but allowed the transfer while never taking his green eyes off of Blake.
"Well, hello there. I have been wanting to see you. Oh, my goodness you are getting so big." Phillip said bouncing Matthew in his arms. "We are going to have so much fun today. We are going to go see the horses. Then we're going to take a walk to the pond. Then we're going to take a nap. Wait til you see the room I had made up for you." He looked at Blake "would you like to see it?" It was a courtesy that he hoped she wouldn't take him up on. Fortunately, Blake shook her head no.
"I packed his diaper bag. I put several outfits, diapers, and jarred food in here for you. He just had his breakfast, but will want a bottle soon. After that he will want his morning nap. His binky is in…."
Phillip put a hand up to cut her off. "Thank you, Blake, but I think I will be able to figure out what my son needs and when he needs it." Phillip walked over to the phone and picked it up. "Vera, could you please come to the library. Thank you" Matthew smacked Phillip's chin with his little hand. "Ouch, that hurt." Phillip teased. Matthew giggled when Phillip smiled at him.
"Yes sir, how can I help." Vera asked and then noticed Blake "Oh Miss Lindsey, what a pleasure to see you. How have you been? I hope you have been well?"
"Miss Lindsey was just bringing young Matthew for his visit." Phillip answered for her. "She will be leaving soon. Would you please take this to the kitchen." He handed her the bag. "Put the bottles in the fridge please."
Vera looked at him over her half rim glasses that she sometimes wore. "I've taken care of a baby before Mr. Spaulding. I'm sure I can figure it out" She took the bag. "Shall I take Master Bauer to the nursery?" She asked. Phillip kissed the baby on his forehead. "Yes, thank you. I'll be down soon to give him his bottle" Matthew, feeling secure in Vera's strong arms studied her with curious eyes. "Very good Mr. Spaulding" Before Vera could take Matthew from the room Blake reached out and laid her hands on his plump little arm. "You be good. Daddy and I will see you tomorrow after you've had some time with Phillip" She leaned in and gave him a kiss before watching Vera take him away. "Thank you, Vera, take good care of him" She called out.
"Thanks for bringing him, Blake. I appreciate it, but I think you should be going now." Phillip lost his soft edge now that Matthew was gone.
"It wasn't like I had a choice now, did I?" She said picking up her purse. "So, tell me Phillip, is this the life Matthew can expect here?"
"What kind of life is that, Blake?"
Blake waved her purse in the air "One of nannies, and cooks serving him his breakfast in the kitchen while the adults are in the dining room?" She paused "then of course it will be off to boarding school once the novelty of having him around is over, right?"
Phillip crossed his arms over his chest. "What's wrong with boarding school? You and I were both charter students there." Phillip reminded her.
Blake scoffed "And just look at the well-adjusted adults we became. Phillip, tell me, is your relationship with Alan any better than mine is with my mother? Meredith didn't want that life for him. She wanted him raised in a home with two parents who love him"
Phillips tone was vicious. "I'm sure Meredith would much rather him be educated in a boarding school versus being raised by the likes of you. Tell me something Blake, how long after the funeral did it take for you to jump into Rick's bed? Had the grass started to grow on her plot yet?"
Blake reached up to slap him but stopped midair. "You didn't seem to mind the likes of me when it was your bed, I was warming did you?" She turned on her heal, adding "Make sure Matthew is brought to the light house by 4 tomorrow." Blake left an angry Phillip standing alone in the middle of the library.
