Chapter 21

October – Age 18 – Senior Year

The trial date was here. Quinn had hired a lawyer and had been gathering 'evidence' against Finn. She had character witnesses as a sob story. Finn tuned out most of what she said.

Mrs. Eldridge from church came to testify on his behalf, so did Shannon Beiste and Sue Sylvester. Wende Hench also gave up her time to let the court know what had been going on since his first visit.

"Finn Hudson, please take your seat for your testimony," the judge said. He stood and walked up to the witness box. "Please state your full name for the record."

"Finnegan Christopher Hudson."

"Would you please tell the court why you should remain the child's guardian."

"Charlotte," Finn said.

"What was that?"

"My daughter's name is Charlotte Amelia Hudson. She was born on March 15th, 2015 at 6:37 pm. She was 7 pounds 8 ounces, 20 inches long. That is the child in question. I know all of this because I've been there since she was born. I have loved her ever since Quinn told me about her. I was so excited and terrified but I knew I needed to step up and be what Charlotte needed me to be. Quinn told me she wanted to give up the baby and I nearly lost it. I wrote everything down that happened in the journal in front of you, the good and bad. I tried to be as objective as possible, but after a while it was just getting ridiculous. I got my grades up, met with Children's services, and got a job. I started going back to church and they have a child care program that I use. I stepped up, because I loved Charlotte before I even know if she was a girl or a boy.

"I tried to support Quinn the best I could. I used the job to help pay for doctors' bills, and new maternity clothes. But all that did was get me verbally torn apart. Nothing I could do was good enough. She kept telling me that this was all my fault. It takes two people to make a baby, and I certainly didn't force her. Her rants at me would typically end in violence."

"Objection. Speculation. Witness has no proof," Quinn's lawyer piped up.

"We have substantiated proof of those claims," Sam stood up and announced. "Sound bites and photos of said assaults, along with witnesses."

"Overruled! Continue Mr. Hudson," the judge ruled.

"Thanks, um. I went to DYFS to see what I needed to do in order to keep Charlotte. Eventually I had to contract the services of Ms. Samantha Carter, Esquire because I needed to have my custody legally sound. I have been there for her since her first moments in this world. Her first smile was a thing of wonder. I was there when she was crying through her first tooth. I haven't heard word one from Quinn since she left the hospital, after signing over full custody of Charlotte, forfeiting all her parental rights.

"I believe that it would be in the best interest of Charlotte for her to stay with me. I have loved her from the beginning, not because all of a sudden it could boost me into popularity."

"Thank you Mr. Hudson," the judge said. "You may return to your seat. I will adjourn for the afternoon. We will meet again for the final decision 10 am tomorrow morning." The gavel sounded.

"That was good, very passionate," Sam said. "I have high hopes. We still have our closing statements and then the judge will make the ruling."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Finn got home with Carol, Burt, and Charlotte and was met with a homemade dinner. Kurt, Dave, and Santana had made spaghetti and meatballs for the returning family. "What's going on?" Finn asked.

"It's been a long crazy day, we imagine," Dave said "We figured that dinner was the least we could do."

"Thank you guys," Carol said, holding back tears. She gave hugs and kisses to the three teens. "Are you two going to stay here tonight?"

"If it's alright with you Mrs. H," Santana replied.

"It's no problem," Carol said. "I'll get the couch and chair all ready for you guys."

"I'll do it," Dave offered. He did stay here quite often, spending time with both Finn and Kurt.

"Alright."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

The next morning came too soon and not soon enough. Finn was nervous and optimistic. With some cajoling, Carol called all four teens out of school and they schlepped down to the court house. Finn drove with Charlotte and Santana, while the boys went with Carol and Burt. Finn sat up at the table with Sam and Wende, but the rest of their horde had to sit in the gallery. Charlotte with happy to sit there with Santana and Kurt and Dave and her bag of toys.

Quinn's lawyer was first to give his closing statements. It sounded way too rehearsed and so fake; Finn was sure he had seen the judge roll her eyes. When Sam got up to say their final piece, everyone in the audience sat up that much straighter.

"Finn Hudson is a dedicated father. He worked extremely hard to provide for Charlotte and they have a very close bond. To give custody away would certainly be a detriment to both parties. Finn and Charlotte have a tremendous support system. You can tell, from yesterday's testimony that Finn does everything in his child's best interest. He has steady employment, goes to church, has child care, and goes to high school full time. It is our plea to keep sole custody with Charlotte's father, Finn Hudson."

"Now that I've heard both final statements from each party, I will make my ruling," the judge began. "I'll be candid here. I don't think this whole dog and pony show was necessary. Quinn Fabray, just because you see your daughter doing well and Mr. Hudson moving on doesn't give you the right to go 'woe is me, he took my baby' You signed the papers that Ms. Carter expertly drew up and explained to you. You knew from very early on that you didn't want this child. Mr. Hudson does. He took responsibility and is raising her quite well from what I can see. I am continuing to allow him to have full custody of Charlotte Amelia. I am also recommending that you seek counseling. Court is adjourned."

There was a raucous amount of cheering from the 'spectators'. Finn leapt the barrier between the two groups and scooped Charlotte up in his arms, kissing her cheek. She was screaming "Daddy!"

"We won!" he cheered, squeezing her tight. Santana was on her feet and hugging them both fiercely. Sam and Wende made their way around the gate and back to the crowd.

"Congratulations Finn!" Sam said, a big smile on her face.

"Thank you so much!" Finn replied gratefully. "I couldn't have done any of this if it weren't for you two."

"You put in the work, we just did the paperwork," Wende said.

"We are going to the diner across the street to celebrate," Carol said. "Do you want to come with us?"

The two women conversed with each other briefly before replying in unison. "We'd love to."

The group was walking out, pretty much all coupled up, so Finn pulled Santana toward the back of the group. "Hey, I don't think I ever said thanks for sticking by me during all this."

"Why wouldn't I?" she asked. "I honestly couldn't imagine not being here."

"This is why you're the best," he admitted. "So I've got a question for you."

"Yeah?" she questioned, grabbing his hand as they walked.

"Would you be my girlfriend?"

"I kinda thought I was?" she replied, slightly confused.

"Well, I wanted to ask you, officially."

"Ahh, well, my official answer is yes," she replied. He stopped them and leaned into kiss her.

"Daddy! Tan Tan!" Charlotte squealed from her perch on Finn's hip.

"That's right Tan Tan is officially Daddy's girlfriend," Finn explained to Charlotte who proceeded to clap and blow raspberries. Finn felt on top of the world now.