Chapter 135- The Verdict

The week leading up to their court hearing in Union City was a blur. Nathan, Charlotte, and Bill worked fervently on the case, trying to find something- anything- that would help them keep Allie. Heeding Bill's warning, Nathan and Charlotte tried to not only prepare themselves, but also their daughter for what could lie ahead for their family with Judge Cameron's pending verdict.

The evening before the hearing, Nathan stayed up late, doing one last look through their copy of the adoption papers and official records, trying to find something they may have missed. Charlotte had stayed up most of the night to help. But around midnight, she finally excused herself to bed and begged Nathan to get some rest as well. He shook his head and said there were just a few more things he needed to go over and then he would be up, knowing full well he had no intention of going to bed until he found the missing piece to this puzzle.

No matter how long it took.

But even with his desire to keep investigating, Nathan couldn't avoid his fatigue and fell asleep at their dining room table sometime later.

In his dreams, he was fishing with Allie and Charlotte at the meadow. It was the perfect day until suddenly a storm came over the mountains catching them off guard. Nathan called out to his girls that they should all get back to the safety of their home as quickly as possible, but a boom of thunder mitigated his cries to them. Another flash of lightning seemed to blind Nathan for a moment and when he opened his eyes, Allie and Charlotte had vanished!

"Nathan…"

He felt himself stir, but his exhaustion and nightmare held on tightly.

"Sweetheart…" Charlotte whispered, running a hand gently along his back and shoulders. "Please, come to bed."

Finally, Nathan was able to pull himself into reality. Lifting his head from where it had been resting on the back of his hands across the piles of papers on the table. His eyes struggled to focus, but when they did, he saw Charlotte kneeling beside his chair. Her face drenched in concern. She reached forward and slowly brushed her fingers into his hair, pushing back the piece that fell over his face.

"I can't…" He said, his voice heavy with emotion. "I still have so much to do before tomorrow. I know I'm missing something and going to bed isn't going to solve my problems."

"Falling flat on your face from exhaustion won't solve them either, Sarge."

"Please…. Don't Sarge me… Don't act as if saying that is going to wave a magic wand and make everything better because it won't. Not right now. Not with the weight of what's going on and the possibility that I'm going to lose my daughter tomorrow."

He might as well have slapped his wife across the face at the way her body reeled back at his words and harsh tone.

"Oh, God…" Nathan turned to face her, instantly realizing his blunder and its unintended impact. "I'm sorry, Charlotte. I didn't mean..."

Charlotte held up her hand to stop him from continuing. She paused for a moment to collect her thoughts and choose her next words carefully. "I know you didn't mean it… And I know that you have a lot going on. The Mounties trained you on how to handle a myriad of different situations, but this… It wasn't one of them." Charlotte reached forward and took both of Nathan's hands into her own. "As the head of this family, I know you are feeling a lot of pressure to protect us, in a way I don't think you ever expected you'd have to. But Nathan, what you aren't seeing right now is how you are no longer alone. You're not a single dad anymore having to be everything and everyone to the most wonderful young woman there is. You have Bill, and your parents. Our friends and neighbors in Hope Valley, Brookfield, and so many other places. And…" She squeezed his hands tightly in her grasp. "You have me." Charlotte gave him a small, tender smile. "I hope that's worth something."

He moved to cradle her cheek in that way of his. "It's more than just something, Charlie." He regarded her steadily, his blue gaze as solemn as it was tender. "It means everything to me to have you by my side, supporting me. I'm sorry about what I said. It's been a long, few days and…"

Charlotte silenced him, capturing his mouth in a reassuring kiss. Dissolving the tension from them both.

"I love you," he murmured against her lips.

"And I love you… Sarge." Charlotte gave him a disarming grin. "And yes… No matter what you say… No matter how much you complain, or huff, or just become downright disagreeable and moody… You will always be Sarge to me. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am…" Nathan teased in return, giving her a quick wink before swiftly sweeping Charlotte off her feet, taking them to bed.

"How's my favorite brother-in-law?" Dylan joined Nathan and Bill in the hallway outside the courtroom they would be in for the custody trial. "I see you brought your very best today, with your ex-Mountie turned small-town lawyer."

"That's Judge Avery to you." Bill bit back.

"Right! You were the judge who did up the paperwork for Nathan's adoption of Allie, but then never finalized and recorded it. How in the world could I forget that?"

Nathan reached beside him and quickly grabbed Bill's arm, stopping his advances towards Dylan. It would do them no good, if Bill were to be thrown out of the courthouse before the case was even heard before the judge.

"You'll meet him formally in a few minutes, but why don't I introduce you to my lawyer." Dylan turned his attention down the hallway to where a group of men were standing. One of the gentlemen acknowledged Dylan, excused himself from the others, and started walking in their direction. Dylan turned back towards Nathan and Bill. "Ya see, sniveling Mr. Carl did me a favor. When he told me I would have to show the judge that I'm the father Allie deserves, he said I would need to provide proof of employment and housing. Well, I ended up finding something right away and even better, once my employer, Eldred Drake…" Dylan's smile broadened as he noticed Bill and Nathan's recognition of the name. "Yes… that Eldred Drake. The shipping and manufacturing baron who controls much of the goods that flow into the North. When Mr. Drake heard about the unfair plight I was experiencing with my brother-in-law over the custody of my daughter, he suggested his son do some pro bono work and help me in this case."

"His son?" Bill said, his gaze moving to the sharp-dressed man that now stood with them.

"Judge Avery, I assume?" The man extended his hand in greeting to Bill. "I'm Seth Drake. I'll be representing Mr. Parks today."

Nathan's mind swirled. With Bill's research they had found out about Judge Cameron presiding over the case, but they had no idea that anyone, let alone Seth Drake, would be representing Dylan. Nathan had read plenty about Drake in various Mountie reports and newspaper articles. He was considered one of Alberta's, if not the whole of Canada's, rising legal stars. Drake was only a few years younger than Nathan, but already had a string of high-profile cases that he had won over the past few years, garnering him plenty of attention as he moved quickly through the court ranks.

But that wasn't the only thing Drake was known to be rising through the ranks of. Newspapers from the cities detailed him being a part of every high-society function. His father's money coupled with his dashing good looks and obvious charm, had every upper-class and aristocratic family from back east vying to pair their daughters with the man. Instead of a marriage based on love, Drake's would no doubt be one of money, power, and connections. A high-stakes business transaction and nothing more.

"You must be Nathan Grant…" Drake gave Nathan a firm handshake. "Congratulations on the Order of Merit award this winter. I was to attend the Mountie Ball but was called back to Edmonton unexpectedly for a case. From all I've heard, it is a very deserved honor."

"Thank you." Was all Nathan could think to say.

"Nathan… Bill… They're ready to begin." Charlotte said, peeking her head out the door of the courtroom. "Oh!" She started, for the first-time noticing Dylan and Drake. She took a few steps forward to be by Nathan's side. "Hello, Dylan."

"Charlotte." Dylan nodded in greeting. "I would like to introduce you to my lawyer who will be representing me today, Mr.…"

"Seth Drake, ma'am. But please call me, Seth. Mr. Drake makes me sound like my father." Drake cut off Dylan to reach forward and capture Charlotte's left hand, dipping to place a gentleman-like kiss to the back of her knuckles. "It's wonderful to finally meet you." His ice-blue eyes moved to where his thumb idly turned her wedding band around her finger. "I'd say Sergeant Grant is a very lucky man."

Charlotte quickly retracted her hand from the man's grasp, and Nathan had to suppress his smile at seeing his wife subconsciously wipe the back of her hand across her skirt. Symbolically ridding it of this stranger's forwardness. He felt a swelling pride at the inner courage and assuredness she was displaying that he was privy to. Drake's usual cadence of woo and seduction may work on every other beautiful woman he met, but Nathan had a feeling his wife saw right through this man's charming exterior.

"Like I said… They are ready for us. Shall we all go inside?"

Charlotte took Nathan's hand beside her and squeezed it tightly. Nathan wasn't sure if it was for his reassurance or her own. Maybe both. Either way, Charlotte led him into the courtroom, followed by Bill, then Dylan and Seth Drake.

As they made their way down the aisle to the tables at the front of the room, Nathan's heart swelled a bit. Every available seat on the left side of the room- their side- was filled with friends and family who made the trek with them on the morning train from Hope Valley.

The only people missing seemed to be their friends from Brookfield and Elizabeth. Gabe and Lillian called the day before and said they wished they could be in Union City to show their support, but with everything happening with the orphanage, they just didn't feel they could be pulled away for the day. Elizabeth had left Hope Valley right after her confrontation with Nathan and Charlotte at the jail last month. She had abruptly packed and took Little Jack to visit her parents in Hamilton for what she told Rosemary was a much-needed summer vacation.

Those present for today's proceedings were Nathan's parents and the Coulters who stood beside Allie, with the Canfields nearby. Everyone else filled in the benches behind. Henry, Carson and Faith, Fiona and Mike, Molly and the Yosts. Clara, Jesse, and Gustove. Even many of Allie's friends and classmates along with their parents had made the journey to Union City to show their support for the Grant family.

While Dylan may have Seth Drake on his side today… The Grants had everyone else.

Nathan prayed that it would be enough.

Hours had passed as evidence was presented by both sides and various interviews were held on the stand. Dylan, Nathan, and even Charlotte was pulled in front of the court and asked a series of questions. When the judge was finished with the adults, he asked to interview Allie in his chambers away from both sides and their, what he termed, "influences". Since Lee was still considered her acting guardian, he was sent along with Allie to the room so she wouldn't have to be alone.

They were gone for only a few minutes. Upon returning, Allie appeared numb, and Nathan's anger grew at Dylan for dragging the girl through this turmoil. It wasn't fair to put her in the middle of this and it certainly wasn't fair to pull her away from everything she knew.

As soon as Allie found her seat between Maise and Archie on the bench behind them, Charlotte turned in her chair and held out a hand to the girl, which Allie took in an instant.

"Are you okay?" She whispered.

"Yeah," Allie nodded her head. "I just didn't get to say much- all he asked about my adoption ceremony and why no one was there to witness it besides Judge Avery and Mrs. Bouchard- well I guess she was still Mrs. Thornton then… Do you think that… because of what I did, and not inviting anyone else that I…"

"No! No of course not, Allie. None of this is your fault. Nothing about your dad adopting you could ever be wrong. Do you understand?"

Allie simply nodded her head as Maise put her arm around her granddaughter and pulled her close. Charlotte turned back to the front of the room in time to hear the judge say they would have a short recess as he looked over all the evidence presented today before making his final decision.

Nathan and Charlotte stayed in the courtroom, while many others left to get some fresh air and stretch their legs. Neither of them wanted to be gone when Cameron returned and gave his judgment.

"Do you think Allie may be right?" Nathan's voice was barely above a whisper as he stared directly in front of them. His face was pale and stoic.

"What are you talking about?"

"That because it was only Elizabeth at the adoption ceremony, we don't have any outside witness to confirm the legality of it." Nathan ran an unsteady hand through his wavy hair. "I should have known better. I should have insisted we stop the ceremony and find someone else to be there. Anyone- even just someone passing by on the street. Heck, I'd have even gone and invited Bouchard and his teacup if I would have known it would stop us from going through this."

"Bouchard… and his teacup?" Charlotte teased as she tucked a piece of Nathan's hair behind his ear. It had grown out a bit over the summer and he was in need of a trim, but with everything going on it didn't seem pertinent. "You really would have been desperate."

"You know what I mean."

"I do." Charlotte took Nathan's hand and started tracing its lines and patterns she knew so well. Hoping the action would distract them both. "But Nathan, you can't blame this on yourself, Allie, or even Bill. We both know from going through all those law books and reports this past week that unlike let's say a wedding, Allie's adoption didn't need extra witnesses to sign for it to be legal. You and Bill were the only people required to complete the paperwork. Even if Elizabeth was here today, and she could say that she witnessed the ceremony, it wouldn't change anything. The ceremony was supposed to be a special moment of celebrating you becoming Allie's father, but it didn't have any weight on the legality of her adoption. Everything was finalized and legal by the time that took place."

"Or so we thought." Nathan said, a tremor of defeat sounding in his voice.

"Hey," Charlotte tilted Nathan's chin so she could look into his eyes. "Why don't we make a promise to one another? That when this whole nightmare is behind us, and Allie is home where she belongs, we redo that adoption ceremony? We invite everyone and anyone to witness the love and pride we have for our daughter. And you can have that moment of feeling like you became her father, legally at least, because we both know being a dad is so much more than what is determined on a piece of paper. I want that for you. I want to make it special and meaningful, not uncomfortable and tense like the first one was with Elizabeth. It should be a joyous occasion. A celebration." Charlotte rubbed a reassuring hand along his shoulder. "What do you think, Sarge? Because I don't know about you, but that sounds like a party to me."

"Yeah," Nathan chuckled lightly. "I think I'd like that, Charlie." He kissed her sweetly. "I'd like that a lot."

A clerk circulated through the crowd informing them that the recess would soon be over and to return to their seats. As the last people filed in, Judge Cameron appeared from his chambers and took his position at the front bench, prompting everyone else to also sit.

"After reviewing the evidence presented by both sides today," the judge began. "And the extensive interviews and questions covered. I have come to my decision in the custody case of Allison Maise Parks."

"Excuse me, your honor."

Nathan and Charlotte pivoted in their chairs to see Allie stand up abruptly with an appearance of pure determination. Nathan had seen the exact same look on the girl's face when she broke into Bill's office during his inquiry with the Mounties a few years ago.

"Little girl…" Judge Cameron spoke up, an irritated look on his face from being interrupted.

"With all due respect your honor, I'm not a little girl anymore and I don't think it's fair that you get to decide on who my parents are. Especially when you never even asked me who I wanted to live with. I may still be considered a child according to the law, but I promise you sir, I have experienced enough in my life to understand and determine for myself who is fit to raise me."

"Now listen here…"

"No, sir." Allie shook her head and took a few composed steps forward until she came to stop between the two front tables directly before the judge. "You need to hear what I have to say."

"Allie, what are you doing?" Nathan asked in a hushed tone.

His daughter just gave him a solemn look, before turning her attention back towards the magistrate and continuing. "Judge Cameron, you are preparing to make a decision on who a father is based solely on its definition in some law book. But a few words cannot define a man, any better than it can try to define a father. A father is someone who wouldn't think twice about dropping everything to care for his deceased sister's abandoned daughter. A father is someone who reads bedtime stories, teaches their child to fish and ride horses, and sets up a camping site in the backyard for all the neighborhood kids to enjoy. A father is someone who takes their child to church on Sundays and helps with schoolwork during the week, while also finding time for fun whenever possible. Whether that be baseball games, a trip to the library, or simply to get an ice cream in town. That father is the most selfless and heroic man you will ever meet. For so long, he was all I had…"

"See here…"

"I'm not finished." Allie set her jaw firmly, her fists clenched at her sides. "There is more you should know, as your verdict today also determines if I am deserving of a mother in my life. You well know from your review of the evidence, I tragically lost my mom, Colleen, when I was four years old. And even though her brother stepped in and did the best he could being both a mom and dad to me, I think I always knew I was missing something more. Someone more. For the both of us. Someone who loves us so completely. Who cares for us and wants to see us happy. Someone who was able to make us a family."

"Allison, this has nothing to do with Mrs. Grant."

"I would disagree, your honor. The day of her wedding, she not only made vows to become a wife, but she also made her own personal vows to me as her daughter. She is incredibly funny and kind. Loving, humble, and the strongest woman I will ever know." Allie looked over at Charlotte and Nathan, who were clutching each other's hands under the table. Their eyes, like most people in the room, were filled with tears.

"Are you finished?" Judge Cameron's voice was terse.

Allie shook her head and pointed at her parents beside her. "Those two, Nathan and Charlotte Grant, have taught me everything I know about life- and love. They have fought with every means at their disposal to create a home for us with a loving community that is more a family to me than most people can claim they have. And that is what I want. What I need. Acceptance. Love. The right to grow up to be a woman, with the role models to show me how. Now, your honor, I ask you. Who in this room are my true parents?"

Allie did not wait for the judge to answer, she simply gave a curt nod and spun on her boot heel to return to her grandparents' side. But before taking a seat, she spoke one final time. "And your honor, I wish for you to address me properly as Allison Maise Grant. I share the last name of my father and I have for over three years now."

Judge Cameron seemed stunned for a moment before he was able to hide behind his stoic façade again. He looked at his papers to collect his thoughts and then loudly cleared his throat. "As I was saying, I have come to my decision in the custody case of Allison Maise…" He paused once more, remembering the demand Allie had just made. Clearly uncomfortable, Cameron again cleared his throat. "Mr. and Mrs. Grant, it is plain to see you both have done a fine job of raising Allison to this point in her life. Albeit, in my eyes, she is far too strong-willed and opinionated for her own good. By all accounts you have acceptable accommodations for Allison as well as the ability to support her with your respectable jobs in public service. I'm unsure if there are two more noble professions than that of a teacher and a Mountie. Let alone the teacher from our highest-ranking school in the district and a recipient of this year's Order of Merit award. And judging by this room it is clear to see what you all mean to the community of Hope Valley."

Nathan caught Dylan shifting uncomfortably in his seat across the aisle. Drake noticed too and leaned over to say a few words to his client, seemingly easing Parks' concerns.

"Mr. Grant, I want to personally commend you for taking your niece in all those years ago. Being a guardian to a little girl is not something I believe many young men your age would have done. That being said…"

Nathan's heart dropped with those three simple words.

"Mr. Parks is petitioning the court to invoke his parental rights as he now believes he can provide a stable home life for his daughter. While we have the initial probate records and court petition that Judge Avery drew up surrounding Mr. Grant's adoption of Allison, signed copies were never filed with the county to be recorded and finalized. Even if these papers were properly recorded, the adoption's legality could further be challenged without the proper termination of Mr. Park's biological rights as a parent."

A sense of discourse seemed to rise from the gallery and those assembled, causing Judge Cameron to bang his gavel to draw order and silence so he could continue.

"If the adoption would have been formally completed, the adoptive parents are awarded all legal parental rights, and birth parents cannot reclaim the rights to their child once the adoption is finalized. It is my finding that without Mr. Grant's complete record of his adoption of Allison, in the eyes of Canadian law, Mr. Parks' parental rights remain intact, and he can terminate the guardianship established with Mr. Grant at any time to reclaim the custody of his child. Since Mr. Parks has already filed that claim, and I have determined he is able to provide and care for Allison, this court delivers full, and immediate, custody of Allison Maise to Mr. Dylan Parks."

*Yeah… don't know about you, but I teared up putting this one together… and I knew what was coming now for over a year. Still, writing Allie's speech was a tough one to get through. I haven't cried (sobbed) that much since I wrote Chapter 58- Sacrificial Love.

That being said… I dropped a little hint in this posting about what my last chapter of the finale will include. Hope that little foreshadowing of what's to come eases the hard bits in this one… Sorry.