Disclaimer: Ideas are fictional; not making any money on this. Hawaii 5-0 belongs to CBS. That's okay because none of this would work on TV.

Chapter 3: Family Court, Chapter 3

Disclaimer: Ideas are fictional; not making any money on this. Hawaii 5-0 belongs to CBS. That's okay because none of this would work on TV.

Family Court, Chapter 3

May, 2021

Two mornings later on Friday, Steve, Danny, Jack, and Jesse appeared in family court decked out in suits and ties. They sat at the table with their lawyer; their ohana was slowly filling the visitor's seats. Stan and Rachel were there with their sons sitting next to Chin and Malia with their son. Kono and Finn sat near the back in case baby Fiona became too vocal for the court. Joe White sat with his wife next to Kamekona and his fiancé. Max and his wife with their children were there too along with the rest of the Five-0 team. Charlotte Harmon and Sean Singer were sitting at the table on the other side of the aisle. Cliff Russell slipped in the door just before the judge banged his gavel to bring the court to order.

Judge Sheehan surveyed the faces before him. His gaze was drawn to Steve, Danny, Jack, and Jesse. They looked so hopeful for their happy ending. The judge was very well aware of Five-0's reputation, and he knew the two men sitting at the table had a very large part in the team's success. Judge Sheehan had reviewed the police and caseworker's reports with interest.

The judge saw so much sadness in his court. There were too many children who remained wards of the courts when their parents were unable or unwilling to take care of them. Today he had loving parents who wanted to add to their family. He noted that the courtroom was filled with their friends and family who were ready to testify on their behalf if necessary. It would take most of the day to listen to everyone's testimonial.

Judge Sheehan had two options: he could listen to the case that the McGarrett-Williams lawyer was prepared to present, or he could make an immediate ruling. The judge made a decision. "Commander McGarrett, Detective Williams, it's nice to see you back in my court on such a happy occasion."

Steve and Danny rose to address the judge. They agreed that Danny would be their spokesman unless Steve was specifically asked a question. "Thank you, your honor. We're hoping it will be a happy occasion."

"I see that the petition by the minor's aunt was withdrawn. Who can tell me why Miss Erlich withdrew her petition?"

Cliff stood and cleared his throat. "I can, your honor. I'm Cliff Russell, Miss Erlich's former fiancé. We came to the island earlier this week with the intention of adopting young Jesse. We were invited to the McGarrett-Williams home Wednesday evening to meet the family. Many of the people sitting here were present, and we realized that Jesse already had the family he needed. Steve, Danny, and Jack love Jesse the way that every child should be loved. Jesse loves them too, and the family has the support of everyone here. Miss Erlich flew home yesterday after she dropped the petition."

"Thank you Mr. Russell. May I ask why you are here today if you are not trying to block the adoption?"

Cliff blushed a little. "Well, I kind of like it here. I have some business associates here and I was considering relocating to the island. I can work from anywhere. And if today goes the way we all hope it will, there's going to be a party later today that I'm hoping I'll get an invitation to."

The judge smiled at Russell's honesty. "There's a nice crowd present. It looks like it will be a big party. Master Jesse, please rise."

Jesse hesitated and then stood up when Steve nodded and held out his hand for support. Danny took his other hand.

"Is it your wish to live with Steve, Danny, and Jack McGarrett-Williams as their son and brother?"

"Yes sir."

"Master Jack, please rise."

Danny moved to the side to make room for Jack. Jesse and Danny broke their handhold to take Jack's hand. The family stood united for whatever the judge decided.

"Is it your wish for Jesse to live with you as your brother and for your dads to have another son?"

"Yes sir."

"I could listen to the testimony of those present, but it's a nice day outside and I have no doubt that we all have something better to do. Besides, I'm sure that I can anticipate the gist of that testimony. In the matter of the petition by Steven McGarrett-Williams and Daniel McGarrett-Williams to adopt the minor Jesse Wright, your petition is approved. Congratulations to you all. Court is dismissed." Judge Sheehan banged his gavel once and rose to leave the courtroom just as pandemonium broke out.

Steve and Danny picked the boys up and they had their first hug as an official family. Rachel texted Grace in London who let out a whoop of glee at the news. In the courtroom, the other boys ran to celebrate with their brothers. Soon Steve and Danny were surrounded by the ohana.

Steve put his hand up to get everyone's attention. "Wait, I'd like to say something. First, Danny and I want to thank everyone for their support not only for the last couple of weeks but since we brought Jesse home. We still have to pick up the official paperwork. That will probably take another hour. The party is at our house and it starts as soon as we can all go home and get into more comfortable attire. Cliff, that includes you too. Charlotte, Sean, please come too when you're off duty. We'll be at it for the rest of the day."

Danny made a quick call to his parents to give them the good news. Mom and Dad were thrilled and promised to spread the news to the rest of the family. Everyone fell in love with Jesse during his visit in December, and they all knew how much this meant to Steve, Danny, Grace, and Jack.

It was a little surreal as the family took a number and waited in the row of chairs. They were all a little surprised that after the turmoil of the last couple of weeks the resolution came so quickly. The boys were sandwiched between Steve and Danny who had an arm draped over both boys. They sat in silence, but everyone had a happy grin on their face.

"Number 97." The next available clerk finally called their number.

Steve gave the information on their case. "We're here for the adoption papers from Judge Sheehan's court: Steve and Danny McGarrett-Williams and Jesse Wright."

The clerk found the file and smiled. "You mean Jesse Wright McGarrett-Williams, don't you?" She recognized the men from various newspaper and TV reports over the years.

Steve flashed his most charming smile. "Yes ma'am, I guess I do. This is our first adoption. We're not real sure of the protocol."

"Well then you're in luck. I do this every day. Jesse, do you want to keep Wright as part of your middle name or drop it completely?" The clerk looked at Jesse expectantly.

Jesse wasn't sure what to do. He looked to his dads for guidance.

Danny put his hand on Jesse's shoulder. "It's up to you son. Whatever you decide is okay with us."

After some consideration, Jesse made his decision. "I'd like to keep Wright. I'll be Jesse Wright McGarrett-Williams." Jesse grinned when he heard his new name out loud. He liked the way it sounded.

"That's a mighty big name. It will take me a few minutes to type all that in this little box. Wait here please." The clerk went back to her desk to complete the necessary forms. When she was finished, she notarized the papers and put them in a file for the family.

"Okay, here's your copy of the judge's decision and the notarized amended birth certificate. There's a $10 fee for the notarized birth certificate. I must say you all look really handsome in your suits. Are you going to be celebrating?"

Jesse piped up before Steve or Danny could answer. "We're having a big party in the back yard. Everyone is coming and we're going to grill out and everything.

"Well congratulations to you and your new family. Have fun."

Danny took the folder and had to take a peek at the papers. He had a fluttery feeling in his stomach similar to when Grace and Jack were born. Jesse had been with them since October, but this would be different. He was officially and forever their son. It reminded him how he felt after the civil ceremony and later wedding with Steve. Sometimes a piece of paper really does make a difference.

Danny had an idea. "Uh, can you take a picture of us? I know these guys. They will have their suits off before they hit the front door." Danny offered his phone to the clerk and indicated the correct button to push. The family backed up a few steps and smiled as Danny held Jesse's new birth certificate. After the clerk snapped the picture, Danny thanked her and herded his family out of the courthouse.

The family settled into the SUV with Steve at the wheel as usual. Steve turned in his seat to make sure that the boys were buckled in properly. Then he let out a whoop. "We did it! Oh my God, we did it!"

That set off a round of whoops and cheers. Finally Steve reached over to link hands with Danny. "We have another son. Who would have guessed ten years ago when you moved in that someday we would have two sons?"

"Not me babe, but I'm sure no one would have bet that we would still be together either."

"Oh Danno, where else would I be? It's always been you Danny. I only ever wanted to spend the rest of my life with you and Grace, and now Jack and Jesse. It's a pretty great life, isn't it?"

"Yes it is, Steven. It's a pretty great life. Now do we have to make any stops before we go home and get out of these fancy clothes? I don't remember the last time I wore a tie."

There were a couple of stops to pick up food for the party. Steve picked up most of the party needs last night; he was pretty sure that today would go their way. It was after noon before Steve pulled into the driveway at home. The boys were out of the SUV before Steve could unbuckle his seat belt.

Danny stopped the boys before they could inflict any serious damage to their suits. They were new and Danny wanted them intact while they still fit the ever-growing boys. "Jack and Jesse, stop where you are. Wait until I can unlock the door and turn off the alarm. Then you need to go upstairs and change into play clothes. Please hang your suits up. It's what separates us from the animals."

He wasn't surprised when he found a tie hanging from the handrail going upstairs. He could hear the boys planning what they wanted to do when their brothers came over. They knew that lunch would be first on their agenda. They were too nervous this morning about being in court to eat much breakfast. They were starving now.

Danny walked into their closet to hang up his suit. Steve joined him a few minutes later just as Danny was pulling on his board shorts. "We did good today Danno."

"Yes we did. We had a lot of help too. Where are the boys?"

"They're putting drinks in the cooler for me. I made sure that they hung up their suits. They look so happy."

"So do you. I knew that you were making arrangements for today. You were pretty sure of us, weren't you?"

"Failure was not an option. We're having a simple cookout for lunch with hot dogs and hamburgers. We have some side salads and the usual munchies to go with them. Our supper is being supplied by one of the Kelly cousins. They will be arriving shortly with the pig."

"Wait, did you say pig? Please tell me that we're not going to sacrifice a pig in our backyard."

Steve laughed at the image in his head and shook his head. "Danny, we're having a pig roast. They're bringing all the side dishes too as well as dessert. I wanted us to be able to enjoy our own party. I lit the grill before I came upstairs. Let me change my clothes so we can get this show on the road."

Steve and Danny were setting up tables and chairs with the boys when their family arrived. Everyone helped get the food out for lunch. Cliff came too dressed in island clothes this time. He wore a t-shirt from a local surf shop, board shorts, and slippers. He was nicely tanned and seemed more relaxed that the last time he was here.

The boys were fascinated with the pig roast preparation. The pig would be ready at six so those who had to work would be able to join them. The afternoon passed quickly with the boys and many of the adults in the surf for a while. Then there was a relatively tame volleyball game since the boys joined in.

There was a quiet time for the boys to rest up a little before dinner. Danny and Steve had a chance to chat with Cliff. They were not surprised to hear that his engagement with Liz was off. They were surprised to hear that he was making plans to move to Oahu. He had a deal cooking with Finn, but he said that he would be making the move even if the deal didn't pan out. Steve suspected that their ohana was expanding again.

The remainder of their Five-0 team who had been covering for Steve, Danny, Chin, and Kono, came over around 4 p.m. Kamekona came over with his fiancé; he had a large tray of shrimp to share. Max and his family walked in with Joe and his wife a few minutes later. Sean and Charlotte came over with their families just as the pig was pronounced ready to eat. It was the best party Steve and Danny ever hosted.

As the sun set, Steve lit the tiki torches and turned on soft music. He held a sleepy Fiona as Finn and Kono danced. Stan and Rachel joined them a few minutes later. He passed Fiona to Danny and danced with Charlotte. The party didn't break up until almost midnight. The boys had showered and were sleeping upstairs. They were split between Jack and Jesse's room and Grace's room.

Thankfully, their family helped pick up most of the bottles and glasses and stacked the extra tables and chairs. Steve extinguished the torches and walked the rest of the family out. He locked up and set the alarms while Danny started the dishwasher. They walked upstairs together.

They were exhausted and barely made it through their showers before collapsing on the bed. "Just think Danno. This morning when we woke up, we were Jesse's foster parents. Tonight we're his dads, and Jack has the brother he always wanted.

"It's been a great day, and I have to say that you planned the best party of all time. The pig roast was a brilliant idea and quite delicious too."

"Thanks Danno. We have an awesome family, don't we?"

"Yes we do. Now if you don't mind, I need to get some sleep. You know the boys won't sleep late, and I heard some discussion about bacon and pancakes for breakfast. I'll make the pancakes if you'll fry the bacon. Deal?"

"It's a deal, Danno. Love you."

"Love you too. G'night."

The lights went out, and the men were asleep in minutes. Down the hall, their sons sleep peacefully. Jesse wouldn't have any more nightmares about the night his father shattered their family. He had a new family who would keep him safe. The picture snapped by the clerk early that day was tacked up on his wall; Danno printed it out for him before he went to bed. In the other bed, Jack slept deeply. He knew that Jesse didn't need him to keep watch at night any longer. Instead, they would take care of each other. After all, they were legally brothers now, and no one messes with a McGarrett-Williams.