Chapter 12

Fate

"Off I Go" –Greg Laswell

My body shook with rage and sorrow when the judge told the court his verdict. Brice was gone and there was nothing I could do about it. I could feel Amanda wrap her arms around my trembling body and call my name. It wasn't until then that I awoke on the couch, in the living room, gasping for air.

"You're okay." Amanda assured, trying to calm me down by rubbing small circles on my back "It was only a nightmare, its okay."

I sighed holding my head in my hands "I can't lose him."

"I know," she said taking my hand and running her thumb over my knuckles.

I wrapped my free arm around her and gave her a peck on her cheek. "We should get going; we have to pick up Josh and Lori on our way to the court house."

"What about Stephen and Nicole?" She asked, following me to the door.

"We're meeting them there." I stated, glancing over at her. She seemed to be worried and I knew that the cause her nerves were from the court hearing.

"Hey listen," I said, lifting her chin up, and embracing her in a one armed hug. "Everything is going to be fine, don't worry. Alright?"

She nodded and I softly kissed her. Then I weaved my hand around hers and led her out to my car.

After picking up Josh and Lori we met up with Stephen, Nicole and Declan at the courthouse. The minute we were out of the car Lori went straight to Declan's arms.

"I thought you couldn't make it." I said

"You think I would miss such and important date in my best friend's and my nephew's life." Declan said more as a statement rather then a question.

"I'm glad you could make it." I muttered as we gave each other a man hug.

"No problem man." He said patting me on the back. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

I let my family go into the courtroom with out me. I just needed a minute to collect my thoughts before I went in there. I found a bench a few feet away from the door. Sitting down I rested my elbows on my knees holding my head in my hands.

"You seem troubled my boy." An older man said, sitting next to me.

"Just a lot at stake," I muttered not looking at the man.

"Family?" he guessed.

"Yeah," I mumbled "my son,"

"Well then if it's in fate's hands for you and your son then everything will work out." He assured me "Now go fight for your son."

I nodded and thanked the old man and did as he told. I marched into the court room and took my seat next to Levi.

"Good to see you Kyle," Levi greeted me.

"You to Levi," I responded fixing my suit coat.

Moments later the most heart wrenching cry filled the courtroom.

"Dada! Dada!" It was my little boy.

I went to stand but Levi stopped me.

"You can't go over there." He reminded me grasping my forearm.

I was torn, my eyes focused on Brice and all I wanted to do was hold him and make his cries stop.

In the course of my dilemma the bailiff ordered the court to rise and Judge Osler entered the courtroom and commanded everyone to be seated.

Mr. Marks, Alex's lawyer, called Ms. Schwartz to the stand.

"Ms. Schwartz, please explain to the court what you observed while the child was in the care of my client." Mr. Marks ordered.

"Mr. Bennet had all the right accommodations for the child and he was very attentive to the child's needs."

I could tell she was lying; when ever she looked at Mr. Marks her heart rate increased and when she glanced at Alex her eyes would fill with lust.

Then Levi questioned her and she continued to be dishonest. After Levi was finished Mr. Marks brought up Alex and had him explain what it was like to take care of Brice. He also was being deceitful with his answers.

Mr. Marks brought up a few more people that had witnessed how Alex cared for Brice in the past week.

I didn't look back, but I could hear the courtroom doors open and someone shuffle about taking their seat.

Now it was Levi's turn to bring up witnesses. He brought up someone I didn't know but I recognized.

"Mr. Bennet will you please tell the court your relationship to Alexander Bennet, and his biological son Brice Kyle Trager?" Levi asked.

Out of the corner of my eye I watched Alex's jaw drop.

"I am Alex's Father, and Brice's Grandfather."

That's when I recognized the older man; he was the man who I had talked to outside the courtroom.

"And would you please inform the court why the child's biological mother left Mr. Bennet?" Levi questioned.

He sighed as if he was ashamed "Yes, my son, Alex would get very drunk and beat Gretchen to the point were she had bad deep cuts and had been very badly bruised."

Then Levi turned to a projector and brought up a few images.

"If you will all turn your attention to the projector you will see evidence of the beatings Ms. Denver received from Alexander Bennet."

Gasps filled the room as more and more images where shown.

"Mr. Grant, please continue with your questioning I think we've all seen enough." Judge Osler finally stepped in.

"Yes your honor."

"Now why did your son feel the need to do this?" Levi pondered.

"Objection! Your honor relevance!" Mr. Marks almost shouted.

"Mr. Grant," Judge Osler warned.

"Alright, Mr. Bennet isn't it true that you tried to help your son?" Levi changed his question.

"Yes but he only got worse, so when Gretchen told me she was pregnant I helped her get away from Alex." He said looking down at his hands.

"No further questions your honor." Levi confidently took his seat next to me.

Mr. Marks asked a few pointless questions, and then Judge Osler resided to his chambers to decide his verdict.

"All rise for the honorable Judge Osler!" The bailiff ordered once again.

"Be seated!" Judge Osler commanded.

"From all the evidence that has been presented in this case I believe it is in the best interest of the child that he stays in the custody of his…." He paused looking at both Alex and I.

"Adoptive father Kyle Adam Trager." Judge Osler informed trying to stay professional but a small smile escaped his lips.

My jaw dropped and my eyes widened and slowly I could feel my mouth form a grin. Immediately I went straight to Brice and scooped him up in my arms and he clung to me.

"Daddy missed you so much Brice." I muttered into his hair.

"Dada!" he whispered into my shoulder.

I took Brice over to his family where everyone was overjoyed to have him back. I saw smiles I hadn't seen in a very long time return.

I left Brice with my family so I could talk to Mr. Bennet (not Alex)

"I just wanted to thank you." I said shoving my hands in my pockets.

"Kyle, it's not a problem." He paused "Kyle, my son is a very troubled man and if Brice were to be left in his care I worry about Brice's safety."

"I know but it still couldn't have been easy for you." I replied.

"You'll learn that what is best for your child isn't always the easiest thing to do." He said looking me right in the eye.

"Mr. Bennet-"

"Peter," he cut me off.

"Peter, I would understand if you wanted to be apart of Brice's life. I wouldn't stop you." I assured him.

He smiled. "Thank you Kyle I would love that very much."

We quickly exchanged information and I went back to my family.

"We should celebrate!" Josh cheered, as I wrapped my arm around Amanda who had Brice in her arms.

We all went out to dinner to celebrate Brice being back in our lives. I couldn't explain how happy I felt in that moment to finally have my son back. My life felt whole again.

AN: Okay so I posted a picture, of what I think Peter should look like, on my profile. Tell me what you guys think. Thank you for reading and please comment!