It was now a couple of weeks after Betsy's birthday and Jackie had just dropped the little girl off at Daycare. She was now heading to the studio to host her talk show. She was still enjoying it but recently she was considering quitting to open her own salon one day. She really did love doing people's hair. Jackie knew Fez enjoyed working at the salon he worked at, but she also knew he'd love to work with her. Arriving at the studio she got out of her car and hurried inside heading straight for her office.

XXXX

"Good morning, Jackie," greeted Carrie her assistant.

"Hi, Carrie, any messages for me?" the brunette wondered.

"Just one, from a Eliot Baker attorney," her assistant said, reading the paper.

"Did he say what he wanted?"

"Just for you to call him back as soon as you could." Nodding, Jackie took the paper and reached for her phone. Carrie left the room to give her boss some privacy.

XXXX

"Eliot Baker's office, how may I help you?" came a kind voice over the phone.

"My name is Jackie Burkhart and Mr. Baker left a message with my assistant this morning that he wanted me to call him," she explained.

"Of course, I'll send you right through," the secretary said pressing a button and transferring the call.

"Good morning, Ms. Burkhart I hope you're day is going well?" the lawyer asked.

"Yes it is, sir. What can I do for you this morning?"

"There was another letter put in with Brooke and Michael's will that I didn't share you with you and Mr. Forman at the time," the lawyer began.

"What did it say?" the former cheerleader wondered.

"It said that if they died and you were given custody of Betsy that they wanted you to adopt her legally as your own. The will is legally binding, but adopting her will provide another layer of insurance."

"What does the process require?" Jackie questioned.

"Since you already have custody of her all you would need to do is appear in front of a judge and formally declare your wish to adopt Betsy. Then the judge will grant it and have you sign the adoption papers. I've already spoken to both sets of Betsy's grandparents and they aren't contesting the adoption. I just need you to talk to Mr. Forman then get back to me. Once you've done that I will set up the court date with a judge in family court."

"Okay, I'll talk to Eric tonight and get back to you tomorrow," Jack said.

"Very well then, until tomorrow," Baker said hanging up. Jackie took a deep breath, she knew this was a formality, but it didn't make it any easier.

XXXX

"We need to talk after she's in bed," Jackie said softly as they ate dinner with Betsy giggling as she ate.

"Is everything okay?" her fiancé asked in concern.

"Yeah it is, I just got a phone call today," Jackie answered. Nodding in relief he turned back to his dinner. Two hours later Betsy had been given a bath and read her bedtime story.

"Okay, kiddo, it's time for bed," Eric said as he tickled her.

"Okay, love you Unca Eric," the little girl said kissing her godfather's cheek.

"Goodnight, have sweet dreams," Jack said tendlry also kissing the young girl.

"Night," Betsy mumbled sleepily as he eyes drifted close. After watching her for another moment the two adults walked into the living room and settled on the couch.

XXXX

"The lawyer who dealt with Brooke and Michael's will called me today," the brunette informed her fiancé.

"Oh, what did he want?" Eric asked nervously. "Brooke's or Kelso's parents aren't fighting for custody after all are they? I couldn't handle it if we have to give up that little girl," he stated. He could feel himself start to panic.

"Calm down, Eric. No one is trying to take her away. The opposite, actually. Apparently there was a letter along with the will that stated if we were to get custody of Betsy because of their deaths that they wanted us to formally adopt her."

"Of course we can do that, but what all do we have to do?" Eric replied.

"Let the lawyer know and he'll set up a date with a family court judge. We'll meet with him and declare our want to adopt Betsay and once he grants we'll sign the adoption papers and she will legally be our daughter. The will already made that the case, but adoption is even stronger," Jackie concluded.

"Then we'll call the lawyer in the morning," Eric said kissing her. Jackie nodded before letting the kiss intensify.

XXXX

"Your lawyer has submitted a formal declaration for the two of you stating that you Jacqueline Burkhart and Eric Forman wish to adopt Bethany Victoria Kelso. Is that correct?"

"Yes, your honor. It is," they answered in unison.

"I have read over the circumstances regarding how you became guardians for the minor child and that her grandparents aren't contesting this adoption. It is my pleasure to grant your request for adoption. I hereby declare you the adopted parents of Bethany Victoria Kelso. Just one more thing before you sign the papers. Do you want to change her last name?" the judge questioned. Instantly both young adults shook their heads. If she wanted to change it to one of theirs when she was older that would be her choice, but they didn't want to take that last peace of her parents from the little girl.

"No we don't, Your Honor," Eric responded.

"Okay then, sign these papers and you're free to go. Congratulations," the judge said with a smile. The engaged couple signed the papers then headed out of the courthouse happy things had gone so smoothly.

TBC?

A/n, sorry for the long delay. Real life got in the way.