Finally, the time had come, as my lawyer told us it was time. I took a deep breath as I stood up, holding Jay's hand in mine as we walked into the courtroom once again. I took my seat as I waited for the judge to come into the room, and soon enough the judge entered. It was impossible to read her face, as she took her seat. I watched as the judge took a deep breath and began to speak

"Cases involving the well being of children are always hard, this case especially considering the circumstances. First, let me say, I enjoyed my conversation with the boys, they are delightful, intelligent young men, who are full of potential. I was taken aback at how well behaved and well mannered they are, in fact young Jesse even offered me a bite of the sandwich the bailiff had brought them for lunch" she said with a smile.

"Unfortunately, in cases like this, you have to not only think of the children's well being, but also their future. Now there is no denying the fact that the children are emotionally connected and attached to you Ms. McAddams, but when it comes to financial responsibilities you simply do not have a stable financial record. That being said, I can not be sure you would be able to provide these boys with their needs throughout their life." She continued

I listened, and it almost felt like I had been punched in the stomach as she spoke. I was startled when my lawyer spoke up "Your honor, I have here a waiver of financial responsibility, and it is signed by a person with an extremely stable financial record and is willing to accept all financial responsibility for the boys." I looked at my lawyer at shock, I had not heard of this, and honestly was at a loss as I heard it continue. I looked back to Jade, who looked just as confused and simply shrugged her shoulders, as I turned back to face the judge.

I watched as my lawyer handed the bailiff the papers, and he took them to the judge. I watched as the judge looked over the papers that now lay on her desk, being brought out of my thoughts when the other lawyer spoke up "I object! Why hadn't we heard of this before?"

"Your honor, we weren't sure that finances would be an epic part of the case, so we didn't want to use the waiver if it wasn't necessary." My lawyer explained, I watched as the judge sighed "This is highly unusual, but if it involves the well being of children I will take all circumstances into thought, to ensure I make the right decision"

The judge continued to look over the paperwork when finally she spoke "Is the approved signer of the financial waiver present in court today?" the judge spoke to my lawyer. My lawyer quickly glanced to me, before speaking "Yes your honor" I watched as my lawyer looked back at Jay, and my breath hitched in my throat when I saw Jay stand up, he quickly glanced to me, before taking his spot on the floor in front of the judge.

I couldn't even speak, as I watched the scene unfold in front of me. The judge spoke "Your Mr. Reso?" Jay simply nodded his head while the judge continued "You do realize that by me approving this waiver, you will be financial responsible for both Jacob and Jesse Slotes. You won't have any custodial rights, but it will be your responsibility to provide for them financially until the age of 18" Jay spoke "I understand your honor"

I honestly couldn't even speak as I watched the judge glance back at me, before she continued "Mr. Reso, I'm curious. Why would a single man take this burden on himself? This waiver will not go away if your relationship with Ms. McAddams goes sour, you are aware of that?" Jay simply smiled as he spoke "Your honor, I love those little boys as if they were my own. Honestly, I've never been a big spender, so if I can use my money to give two great little boys everything they ever need, to make their life as good as it can be, then what's wrong with that?" he said with his trademark smirk on his face, I watched as he glanced back to me, his smirk growing into a wide smile as he turned back to the judge before speaking " and of course spending a bit on their pretty aunt too".

The judge smiled as she looked over to me, seeing the blush grow on my face, as she cleared her throat. "Very well then, Mr. Reso you may be seated" Jay walked back to his seat next to Jade, as I sat there almost in shock.

The judge took a few minutes as she glanced over the paperwork again, before she spoke "Like I was saying, cases like this are never easy. Genetically, Mr. Slotes would be the premier choice, since he is the paternal father of both boys. These are children though, and their feelings and emotions must be taken into consideration. Mr. Slotes, you had a very stable job, an impressive financial record and great references" the judge spoke. My stomach turning at each word, the thoughts running crazy in my mind, as I almost went into a panic attack.

Then I heard the judge speak "but…" my eyes looked up, as the judge continued "you are missing one thing, and that's an emotional connection to your sons. You claim your deceased ex-wife kept you from the boys, but I see nowhere in your records a petition for custody rights." The judge turning her face to face me as she continued "Ms. McAddams, it is clearly stated in the deceased's will, that you should be given full custody of the boys. After examining, the reports from the child psychologist and the conversations I had with the boys myself, it is clear to me that you are big part of the boys lives. In lieu, of new circumstances, namely, the waiver by Mr. Reso, I now have no reservations about giving you full custody of the boys" she said with a smile.

My heart beating faster as she spoke, I watched as she lifted the gable and spoke "I rule that full custody of Jacob Slotes and Jesse Slotes be given to Lily McAddams, In cooperation of the waiver of financial responsibility" she finished with a smile, banging the gable on the desk. I felt a rush of relief wash over my body, as I sat in the chair stunned, tears escaping out of my eyes freely. I wept freely, as I embraced my lawyer, I hugged him tightly thanking him again and again. I let him go as I saw Jay, Jade and AJ walking through the small gate to stand behind the table with us. I let go of the lawyer and immediately was greeted by the arms of my sister, who was also weeping. I heard Jade speak "We did it!" as I nodded my head in agreement. I let my sister go as I wiped my tears with my hands, before AJ embraced me tightly, a smile plastered on his face. Our hug ended, as I glanced over to Jay who was shaking hands with my lawyer when I heard Jay speak "Great Job", only to hear the lawyer respond "Well, that's what you hired me for Mr. Reso" My eyes grew wide, as I looked to Jay with a shocked face "What?" I said shocked. Jay smiled sheepishly as he explained "Ok, don't get mad! I knew you wouldn't let me help" I looked over to my lawyer who simply shrugged and spoke "I was told to keep my mouth shut, so I did…" he said with a smile.

I watched as Jay walked past the lawyer, his arms outstretched as he spoke "Alright you can yell at me all you want, but I know you love me" as he grasped my hips pulling me closer to his body. I smiled as I looked into his blue eyes as I spoke "I should hate you…but I'm so glad you didn't listen to me!" as I wrapped my arms around him, pulling into a tight hug. My body pressed up against his, I heard Jay speak "I had to do something." I smiled as I pulled back, and quickly lunged forward capturing his lips with mine, letting my lips lead the kiss as my lips danced with his.

The kiss broke, and I laughed when Jay said "that's enough thanks for me." For the once in months I could laugh and be relaxed, not worrying about the trial. I was brought out of my moment when my lawyer spoke "Follow me, we need to sign some papers in the judge's quarters, then we can get the boys" I smiled widely, when Jay spoke "Let's go get them" We walked out of the courtroom, Jay's arm wrapped around my shoulders as Jade and AJ followed behind us. We were led to a dark office, where the judge sat behind her large desk. We walked in, as a smile grew across her face and I couldn't help but say "Thank you". The judge simply smiled as Jay signed some paperwork, I then signed the paperwork when I heard the judge spoke "Just promise me something" I looked up to her eyes, when she finished "I'd like a Christmas card, letting me know how the boys are doing." I smiled wide when I said confidently "Done." As I finished my signature.

The judge stood from her side of the desk when she spoke "Let me go get your boys" as she left the office. I leaned against the desk, looking around the office, Jay stood right next to me. It seemed like it took forever, I know it sounds crazy but I just couldn't wait to see the boys again, I guess this time knowing there was no way I could lose them. Jay reached over, resting his hand on my knee when he spoke "Nervous?", I smiled when I answered "I just want to hug them again." In mere moments, the door opened and in ran Jacob and Jesse followed by the judge, I couldn't help but cry when I heard their little voices exclaim "Aunt Lily!" and they ran towards me. I knelt down, as they ran into my arms, I hugged them tightly as the tears escaped from my eyes, I laid a gentle kiss on each of their heads. Jacob spoke "Aunt Lily, don't cry!" I smiled wide as I wiped the tears from my face when I heard Jesse speak "We're here now Aunt Lily!" I laughed a little as he made a funny face at me, I hugged the boys again. I let them go, watching them walk to Jay, AJ and Jade each getting hugs again.