A/N It's been a rough week but hearing from all of you makes things more bearable. :o) Can't believe this story is almost over...

Chapter 18

"Are you sure about this?" Lisbon asked as they turned out of the Brooks' driveway. Emma had been released from the hospital early that morning after three days of observation and another round of x-rays to see how her leg was healing. They had all met to help Emma and her grandparents pack some necessities for their trip back to California. The rest of Emma's belongings were packed in boxes to be shipped later. Now, everyone was headed over to the courthouse. Their CBI credentials got them an audience with a judge in short notice to sign the necessary paperwork.

"It's a little late to be asking such questions don't you think? Jane was staring out the passenger window. He sighed, realizing his tone was a bit harsh. "No, I'm not sure about any of this." He paused to gather his thoughts. "I just know I can't leave her here again."

Lisbon could understand where Jane was coming from and it wasn't that she wasn't happy about Jane's decision but it was a big step, one she wasn't convinced her friend was yet ready to make. There was still a serial killer on the loose after all. On a daily basis, Jane teetered on the line between just barely holding it together and one step away from a mental breakdown. She honestly had no idea what to say to him.

Of course Jane chose that exact moment to voice the question she was most dreading. "Do you think I'm making the wrong decision?"

Lisbon thought about it for a moment while Jane sat in silence, worrying about what her response would be. he honestly valued her opinion. She was the clear-headed one when he tended to jump first and ask questions later.

"It's difficult but no, I don't think you're making a bad decision though to be honest, I'm not sure if you're ready." Seeing Jane with Emma, it was obvious the bond between them had done Jane some good. It shifted his focus solely off of revenge and on to something much more worthwhile though Lisbon doubted Jane realized it.

"Probably not." Jane agreed.

"Then again, is anyone ever ready?" Lisbon mused.

Jane fumbled with the window button. He closed his eyes as the air breezed into the car and through his hair. The fresh air felt nice though it was still freezing outside "Fair point though we both know the circumstances aren't quite the same."

Lisbon noticed him twist the wedding band around on his finger. It was a common gesture and she guessed he did it unconsciously when his thoughts drifted to his family.

Jane turned to look at her. "I know I won't be able to do this without your help Teresa."

Lisbon knew he was dead serious with that statement. Not only did he never ask for her help but he rarely used her first name unless he was about to say something important.

"You can count on it Jane." She grabbed his hand across the console and gave it a gentle squeeze. "The team too; you'll have plenty of support. "

Lisbon closed Jane's window with her control and then locked them all. Apparently child window locks were appropriate for children, dogs, and figity consultants. The rest of the drive to the courthouse was ridden in silence, both of their minds thinking over the changes that would happen in their lives. Van Pelt had booked six seats on a flight leaving in a little over four hours so they had taken three separate vehicles. Both Lisbon's SUV and the team's car were rentals which needed to be returned before their departure.

The judge was an older woman with her long grey hair pulled back in a tight bun. She talked to Emma's grandparents first followed by Jane. It took about a half an hour for them to explain the circumstances that led to Emma's friendship with Jane and the other members of the Serious Crimes Unit.

After the judge listened to the somewhat lengthy tale, she took Emma into her chambers alone for a good half hour. When the door opened, Emma hobbled over to Jane as best she could using her little crutches and then climbed into his lap. She smiled up at Jane and he kissed her in the forehead. They waited eagerly for the formalities to finish.

Finally, the judge emerged from her office. She brought the paperwork out with her. "Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, I just need you to sign here." She handed them the document on a clipboard along with a pen.

They signed on the designated line and handed the clipboard back.

"Now you Mr. Jane, sign here on the first line in this box." He looked down at the girl still sitting on his lap. She stared back at him with eyes full of hope and joy for a long moment. Jane penned his name on the line in one swift movement. He was about to hand it back when Lisbon took the clipboard from him. Without a single word, she signed her own name on the line beneath his.

"Are you sure about this Agent Lisbon?" The judge asked, as Jane gaped at her. Neither he nor the judge had anticipated her move.

She wanted to say that Emma needed at least one adult guardian but instead she said, "Yes, I'm sure. Having two parents will be best for her." Seeing Jane at a complete loss for words was merely a bonus.

The Judge took the clipboard from Lisbon. "Okay, I just have a few things to sign myself and then I have to make a quick phone call. I'll be right back." She smiled at Emma and then walked the few steps to her office.

Jane had been staring at Lisbon since she had signed her own name on the adoption papers.

"What?" She asked. "Emma's going to need somewhere to stay until you find a half-decent place to live. Plus what were you planning on feeding her? You don't even own a refrigerator. Little girls can't live on tea and pastries."

Jane hadn't even thought about his current living accommodations. Surly, Emma couldn't stay in his drably hotel space. Jane was just beginning to realize he was going to need more help than he had first thought.

The judge came back with the paperwork and handed the folder to Jane.

"Congratulations Mr. Jane, Ms. Lisbon and Emma." She smiled.

"Does this mean they're my mommy and daddy for reals now?" Emma asked, her eyes bright in anticipation.

"That's right sweetie. You take care of those two." She winked at them and Jane realized he had found a judge he actually could get along with.

"Look over here guys." Van Pelt said, holding up her phone towards the three sitting on the bench.

Lisbon slid closer to Emma and Jane as Van Pelt snapped a couple of pictures.

"Now everyone," Jane insisted. "Do you mind?" He asked the elderly judge.

The team plus Emma's grandparents all piled onto the long bench against the wall. Van Pelt was last after showing the judge how to work the camera on her phone.

"On the count of three, everyone say cheese. One…two…three."

The camera flashed as the group complied. "Cheese!"

TBC

A/N Speaking of cheese, I'm sure you're all swimming in a pool of fluff at the moment. Only the epilogue to go which I have to dig off my old laptop. It's crazy to think how long ago I wrote that (after I finished chapter 2).

Oh, and one more thing. I had to share this little poem/review I got our forum yesterday for the last chapter.

But Emma needs a mummy too so then there would be three.
And the bestest way that it would work would be to add a Tree.

AG - Hope you're satisfied with how this chapter turned out ;o)