Disclaimer: Moochiecat and Prairie do not own CSI.

Authors' Note: Sorry for the delay. Prairie had a bit of writer's block with this story. Don't blame Moochie.

Finally, after months of waiting, work, and worry, the momentous day dawned. It was the day the Judge of Juvenile Court would decide if Maria became the daughter of Nick Stokes, remained in foster care, or if some other fortunate couple or individual would become Maria's parents.

Nick was so scared he was nauseous. Catherine got some Ginger Ale and crackers down him and Nick managed to dress for court. Handing Catherine the keys, he mumbles that he can't possible drive.

In the court chambers all interested parties are present. The Judge enters and the proceedings begin…

Chapter 8

"All rise."

Nick stood with the rest of those in the courtroom, his stomach churning and bile threatening to rise in the back of his throat. The crackers and ginger ale Catherine had forced down him earlier that morning were no match for the nerves that jangled around in his stomach. He felt a warm hand slide reassuringly into his and looked to his right to find Catherine's blue eyes smiling at him. She squeezed his hand and tugged him down to the wooden bench next to her once the judge had been introduced.

"Breathe, Nicky," she whispered, and he did so, surprised to find that he had been holding his breath. Behind him he felt the comforting presence of his friends – Doc Robbins and his wife, Greg, Jim Brass, Ray Langston, Sara, and even Grissom had flown in for the proceedings. Nick knew he was not alone in this. He would have their support no matter what happened today.

The judge was speaking, but Nick was having a hard time paying attention. His mind wandered over all of the different scenarios. What if Maria was given to one of the couples that so desperately wanted her? What if the judge found Nick and the other couples unsuitable and left Maria in foster care to grow up without a family? He loved Maria so much. He only wanted what was best for her, but he truly believed that was with him…and Catherine. Nick thought of the pink room waiting at home for her, cheerful animals painted on the walls and stocked with a cozy crib and boxes of diapers. It was all ready for its tiny occupant.

The judge continued spreading and Nick forced himself to focus. "After careful deliberation and study of the various home visits and interviews, it is the decision of this court that Maria Noelle Culver be placed with Nicholas Stokes as her legally adopted father. Court is now adjourned."

Nick stood on shaky legs and felt Catherine tugging on his arm and kissing his cheek. He turned to her as if in a daze and swallowed hard past the lump in his throat before speaking. "She's really ours, Cath?" He wasn't surprised to find that his voice was shaky.

Catherine nodded, her blue eyes teary. "Yes, Nicky, she's really ours." Ours. That word twisted with a knife-like agony in her gut. Maria would belong to Nick, but Catherine wasn't really part of the family. She was Nick's girlfriend, but she lived in her own home. This baby wasn't really hers no matter how much she wanted her to be.

Grissom squeezed Nick's shoulder and Sara threw her arms around his neck. Greg slapped him on the back heartily and Jim Brass shook his hand. Ray offered his congratulations with a happy smile, Nick too emotional to say a word. Suddenly, he missed Warrick more than words could say. His best friend would have been there celebrating, too, eager to be a doting uncle to little Maria.

"Here you go, Mr. Stokes."

Nick, jolted out of his reverie about Warrick, turned to find Maria's foster parents, Kelly and Michael Holt, standing in front of him, Maria cradled in Kelly's arms. "We're so happy you've been granted custody," Kelly Holt spoke in a soft southern voice. "Michael and I can tell you really love her; you will make a great father for her."

Nick cleared his throat. "Thank you and thank you so much for taking care of her and loving her these past few months." He reached out and took the squirming pink bundle from Kelly, amazed at how much Maria had grown since the last time he'd seen her. Big brown eyes framed with long eyelashes stared up at him as she waved her pudgy fists in the air. She was dressed in a frilly pink dress with lots of ruffles, dainty shoes covering her flailing feet.

"I think she's excited to see you, Nick," Catherine commented. "She remembers you."

Nick kissed the round little cheek and held Maria close. "I love you, baby girl," he cooed against the soft skin. Maria squirmed against him, reaching out to grab at his nose. He kissed her fingers and laughed as she went right back to grasping for his nose.

"Okay, everyone!" Doc Robbins' voice boomed out. "Mrs. Robbins and I have planned a celebration at our place. We hope you all can come." Cheers rang out and the CSI family followed Doc Robbins and his wife out of the courtroom.

"Nick," Catherine murmured, her hand wrapping around his forearm.

Nick turned to look at her and found her nodding her head toward someone across the room. Young Nate Culver stood there, looking a bit nervous as he inched forward toward Nick Stokes and his baby daughter.

To Be Continued.