AN: Round 2 with certain people

Chapter 20

Courtney's POV

Wednesday

10:30 AM

Every time I breathed I shook each step we took I felt my whole body shake.

" Hey it's going to be okay, " said Duncan squeezing my hand "Don't be scared " he adds as we walk up the steps to the courthouse.

We've only been married for a day and he's so different, maybe he did stronger? But why was I feeling so worried could I be this scared knowing that today we could lose our daughter?

" I just want this to be over " I breathed as we walked into the building " I know me too and once we've beat your parents we'll never have to deal with them again " replied Duncan sounding reassuring to me "Yeah your right I'm just scared of what the outcome will be if they... "

Pulling me to the side we stop walking before entering the hallway where the courtroom we needed to be at was located.

" Hey listen to me whatever goes on today we can't let them show we're weak we love our daughter and we're not going to lose her, " says Duncan sounding very fierce and bold.

Did my husband just sound intimidating?

Slowly making my lips form a smile "Wow you sound very convincing " I reply looking at him "Well when a man fights for someone he loves he shows up to fight and right now I'm gonna teach my new in-laws to never fuck with us " says Duncan cracking his knuckles.

I suddenly felt a lot better after hearing what Duncan said, wow he is confident.

" Your right we can't let them scare us and we have to show them we're strong, " I said feeling my confidence come back "Let's do this " I add as we walk down the hallway.

When we walked into the courtroom sitting on our side were not just Duncan's parents and brothers, but also Geoff, Bridgette, DJ, Katie, Cody, Harold, Leshawna, Owen, Noah, Trent, Gwen, Tyler, Lindsey and Heather.

" What are you guys doing here? " I asked seeing them stand up, " I called and told them about what was going on "answered Geoff looking at everyone "And we're all here to support you guys, " said Trent giving a thumbs up "Yeah go kick your parent's ass, " said Heather smiling.

Just as we were about to thank them Emma walks in with her briefcase in hand "Oooh who's that? " asks Noah smiling...

" Okay I'm here let's do this, " says Emma as the three of us walk past the seats for the audience "Are you both ready? " she asks as we took our seats at the table "We hope so " I answered holding Duncan's hand.

I look at my clothes and hope that it's presentable for today while Duncan wore a suit.

" Also thank you for letting us call your sister to babysit our daughter, " I said smiling since Duncan's mom was here and we didn't want Serenity to be present "No worries she's pretty good at babysitting " replies Emma opening her briefcase to take out papers.

" Oh there's something we want to change about today, " I said getting Emma's full attention...

11:00 AM

" All rise for the honourable judge Martin " calls the officer we all follow and stand as the judge walks into the room but when Duncan saw him his eyes opened up.

" What's wrong? " I breathed placing a hand on his back "It's the same judge that sentenced me " he whispered now making my eyes open...

" Please be seated, everyone "

" This case is to settle and determine full Parental/Guardian custody: Mr & Mrs. Preston vs Miss. Preston & Mr.Stone " calls the officer handing all papers to the judge...

" Both representatives please rise "

Emma and the other lawyer stand, I glanced at my parents and they both looked overly confident that they were going to win this. They will not!!!

" Before we begin this case is there anything that either side wish to add? " asks the judge looking between us.

Emma looks at us for a moment then nod to give the news...

" Your honour my clients wish to be addressed in this court as Mr & Mrs. Stone, " said Emma looking at the judge "As they have recently married in the past 12 hours to seal their commitment to one another " she adds which earned a small applause from everyone sitting behind us...

" WHAT!!! " shouts Dad standing from his seat and looking directly at us " ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!!!! " he adds but his lawyer tries calming him down while Mom has a mortified look on her face.

* bang * * bang *

" Silence in my courtroom Mr. Preston or you will be removed, " warned the Judge looking at Dad unimpressed.

" He took the news better than we thought, " said Duncan trying not to laugh, making me nod.

" If anything that just made your dad look completely foolish " whispered Emma surprising us both.

" Alright let's begin shall we "

11:45 AM

Both Emma and my parent's lawyer presented why we were all here today to the judge and those in the room to observe. During so they were firm and detailed about everything.

But when it came to Duncan's side being discussed he tensed up making him nervous, " it's okay " I whispered taking his left hand in both mine.

" Well I thought this name looked familiar," said the Judge now paying full attention to us " Mr. Duncan Jay Stone " he adds...

Duncan's POV

Oh shit!!!

I didn't want him to call my name out in front of Courtney's parents, boy they must be having a riot now.

Taking a breath I looked at Courtney and Emma before I stand up and face the judge...

" Hello, again Judge Martin " I greeted looking straight at him " If I recall last I saw you Mr.Stone you were 16 with multiple charges " he explains in a loud tone of voice "Yes your honour but I've cleaned up my behaviour, I've learned lessons of great value and I'm here today with my wife to fight for custody of our daughter " I replied seriously.

" I hope so for not just your sake but for your child as well," said Martin "Let's continue please bring up your clients for questioning...this is going to get ugly.

12:30 PM

Courtney's parents were the first ones to get asked questions by both Emma and their lawyer, I swear the questions their lawyer asked didn't make any sense nor did they add up. They made themselves like they were the victims and to top it off how they felt they failed as parents after everything they did for Courtney.

I wanted to yell at them but if I did I'd be removed from this court.

Then when Courtney was called to the stand she told the court what she had experienced during her pregnancy, the constant abuse from her parents, the negative and toxic environment she had to live in, that they only referred to her as a delinquents child never calling her by her name, and how she feared her parents would treat Serenity if she was under their care.

But when the other lawyer came up for questioning what he asked made me want to grab his throat for asking beyond personal questions that involved our relationship, sexual activity and how she left her parent's house with an infant that she couldn't care for properly.

" They are playing dirty and mind games to make her break " breathed Emma quickly standing up "Objection...your honour the Preston's lawyer is out of line with his question " she calls.

" Agreed representative this ends your questions " called Martin looking upset " Please Mrs.Stone steps down " he adds.

As soon as Courtney got back to us I hugged her briefly, " it's okay just breath " I told her quietly before she sat down to catch her breath.

" We'd like to call Mr. Duncan Jay Stone to the stand," says Emma I just about stopped breathing when I heard my name get called but I'm gonna get through this.

Taking a deep breath I walk over to the stand once I sat down I took the oath, to tell the truth then as luck would have it that douchebag lawyer of my in-laws approached.

" Mr.Stone you've been known as a criminal in your teenage years, served many times in juvenile detention, countless charges that include theft, property damage, breaking and entering and lastly automobile theft..." he states making eye contact with me "Now how does all this make you responsible to raise a child " he adds as I glanced at Mr.Preston smirking right at me.

" I made a lot of mistakes in my life and whenever I think back to them I regret ever doing them...but I would never allow my child to follow my past " I answer with a straight expression.

" You've also served time in jail which is said by my clients that you were sentenced to 6 years," said the lawyer walking towards the table "Yes" I answer squeezing my hands to keep calm.

" And during your time away my client's daughter discovers she's expecting your child but were unaware of the news, " he asks "Yes I didn't know Courtney was pregnant while I was in jail " I replied not nervous about what he was asking but I get the feeling something was coming.

" Now both of you were 16 years of age at the time did either of you think of consequences before performing sexual acts," he asks and there it is...

" Objection your honour...once again out of line " calls Emma...

" Agreed...rephrase or ask a more relevant question," says Martin...

Taking a deep breath I keep myself calm awaiting to hear what I'm going to be asked next...

" No further questions your honour " followed by him going back to his seat, no doubt their questions were personal...

Emma then stands up and approaches the stand ready to question me...

" Mr.Stone you didn't the chance to be around when your then girlfriend now wife was pregnant, correct? " she asks "Unfortunately no " I reply looking at everyone " And if time could be turned back would you have been there for your daughter? " asks Emma...

" From day 1 and even though we were 16 at that time I wouldn't have missed anything because I'd always be there for both my daughter and wife for either of them I wouldn't let anyone disrespect them " I reply.

" Thank you no further questions your honour " finishes Emma going back to the table...

" You may step down Mr.Stone...we will take a 1-hour recess so that I may make my final decision on this matter," said Martin before hitting his gavel.

1:15 PM

Once we stepped out of the courtroom everyone just went out to get some air or grab a bite.

Myself, Courtney and my parents went to a nearby coffee shop to chill.

" How are you both feeling? " asks Mom picking up her tea " I feel exhausted emotionally and mentally " answers Courtney picking up her iced coffee " It's intense but we can only hope that we win " I answered "Everything will be alright son " replies Dad before taking a sip of coffee.

Courtney's POV

I'm relieved we got out of the courtroom fast I wanted out of that room just even being 2 feet from my parents was driving me insane.

Now we had to wait for the judge's decision, god I feel so unfocused especially when I'm studying law but I guess I'm too overwhelmed to even think about anything.

" I'm gonna call to see how Serenity is doing," I said reaching for my phone "Yeah good idea," says Duncan smiling as I dialled.

After a few rings, Kitty picks up...

Kitty: Hello kitty here

Me: Hi Kitty it's Courtney

Kitty: Oh hello Mrs.Stone how are you?

Me: I'm alright...I just wanted to call and check in on how things were going.

Kitty: I and Serenity are having a fun time together, we're just singing some karaoke together so fun

I smile hearing that there having a good time

Me: That's good...

Serenity: is it my mommy?

My heart starts beating hearing her voice in the background

Kitty: Yes, do you want to talk to her

Serenity: Hi Mommy

Me: Hi sweetheart, are you having fun with Kitty?

Serenity: Yeah, we played with my dolly, and we sing

Me: Aw that sounds like fun

Serenity: * giggle * yeah, are you and Daddy coming home?

Me: We hope soon but til then be a good girl okay

Serenity: I will, is daddy there?

Me: yes he's right here, one moment

Tapping Duncan's shoulder he looks at me " It's Serenity " I said handing him my phone before he talks to her...

Sighing heavily I can only hope we can go home today knowing Serenity is staying with us...

2:05 PM

Once again we were back in the courtroom the judge had just entered and taken his seat.

" Before I announce my decision representatives I will allow one final statement from both parties," said Martin waiting to hear from us.

My parents stand together ready to give their statement...

" Your honour we stand here today in hopes the child be in our care to gain better care, and more educational opportunities the same which our child had the privilege to grow and thrive from, we wish to have her in our lives more than to be complete strangers to her," said Dad expressing a loving expression that was fake.

" With us, she will have a better living, a proper home, and etiquette, we already have selected well-known schools for her and she will have full-time care from me so that she may begin to prosper more " adds Mom smiling.

I swear a pin could be heard not to mention that they don't even say her name, they don't learn or care for Serenity.

A few whispers were heard most likely commenting on what was just said...

" Alright...Mr & Mrs Stone your statement " said the judge looking towards us...

As we stand together we hold hands before we speak...

" Your honour up til now I was raising my daughter putting all my best efforts into being the mother I knew I wanted to be...being alone during and after my pregnancy was a challenge but the one person that kept me going forward, to be strong and not give in was Serenity...and even during those times, I wanted her father with me so that we could raise her together " I explain turning to look at Duncan.

" Nothing has brightened my life more than when I first met my daughter...she's literally what makes me keep going every day, my only regret was not being there to protect her from those that never accepted her. I'll always be there for her and no matter what path she decides to walk on I'll be there to support and continue caring for her " states Duncan holding back his tears.

Looking between us the judge takes a few moments to think before he decides...

" Thank you for both statements... my final decision made...is that for the sake and for the benefit of Serenity Maria Preston... "

I hold Duncan's arm tightly anxiously awaiting to hear the verdict...

" That court grants that she remains in the care of her parents Duncan Jay Stone and Courtney Maria Rose Stone...and I also undo the revoke on the restraining order sent to Mr. and Mrs Preston which is in effect immediately...case closed " he announced slamming the gavel.

Next thing I knew everyone behind us was cheering and even whistling...

" Our baby is staying with us " I cried hugging Duncan tightly " I know I know thank god " he breathes before kissing me.

I couldn't be any happier than to know our daughter is staying with us.

Duncan's POV

Man, this victory couldn't have been better, we needed to celebrate this.

" Let's get out of here, " I said as we make our way out but when we did, my in-laws were pissed. My mother-in-law just rushed giving us a frown but I shook my head and then my father-in-law approached us.

" This is an outrage," he says at us "No not really by the way, " I said pulling out the letter from a while ago "The next time you write false shit like this again do a better job of not having your jobs logo on the paper, " I said tossing it at him.

" Out of my way " he breathed rushing out of the room "Bye dick," I said as we walked up to the others where we got praised for winning.

Duncan's Parent's House

7:30 PM

Music was playing, our friends were having a good time, tons of pizza was ordered and drinks were served. And to top it off there was even a cake.

Before we arrived we went home to pick up Serenity since this victory was more about her.

" Are you happy? " I asked as I sat on a chair with Courtney on my lap " I'm very happy Duncan the happiest I've been " she answered smiling at me.

As I was about to kiss my wife " Here you are " says Mom giggling at us as she walked up with Dad" Hi Mom " I greet standing up with Courtney " Hello Melinda and James " greets Courtney a little embarrassed.

Mom nudged Dad "Oh yes...well first congratulations to you both on winning the custody battle," says Dad smiling at us "Thank you " I replied "Since you two are newlyweds we thought you both need these," said Dad holding out a box.

Courtney reached out for it and carefully holds it "What is it? " she asks but my parents only smile so I open it slowly and I'm shocked "Are these...no way " I breathed shocked to see in the box was two wedding bands " oh my goodness " said Courtney admiring them.

" Yes there your grandmother's and grandfather's rings," said Mom smiling, my grandfather's ring was a white gold solid band and my grandmother's was also white gold but smaller.

Taking out the ring for Courtney I place it on her finger with the engagement ring and she puts the ring for me on my finger.

Holding our hands up we smile "Wow looks good " I said "Thank you so much " says Courtney hugging both Mom and Dad" your welcome but we also got you both this " says Mom handing us a thick pamphlet " Just a little something for you two " explains dad winking.

Just when this day couldn't have been better my parents gave us 2 two airline tickets to Vancouver along with an all-paid weekend stay at the Fairmont Hotel.

" Think of it as a mini honeymoon," said Mom "Thank you, Mom and Dad...we're going to use these ASAP," I said already getting excited "Maybe we can leave Friday," said Courtney "Sounds good " I replied.

As the night went on I definitely couldn't help but feel so blessed knowing that we won a big fight...and that I'll be enjoying the rest of my summer with my wife and daughter.

AN: what are your thoughts about this chapter? Hope you are all enjoying it cause it's only got a few chapters left til it's done. Thank you so much to those who have been reading.