PHILIP
We were all on edge the next morning. Despite having the best sleep of my life snuggled up in Ryan’s arms, I felt agitated. I tried my best not to let it show. Ryan had been pacing all morning as we waited for Abby to finish getting dressed.
When she finally came downstairs, she looked so cute in her dress that Ryan bought her to wear to court. Her face looked anguished and worried. “Hey, Abby bean, it will be all right. I don’t think a judge would make a sweet little girl go to a group home when she has people who love her.” There was a knock at the door and I looked at Ryan in confusion.
Opening the door, I was shocked at who was standing on the other side. “Courtney? What are you guys doing here?” Courtney, Brice, and Derek were standing there smiling broadly.
“We came for you all.” Courtney smiled. I hugged them all feeling a little lighter knowing that there were people who supported us.
“We ready to blow this popsicle stand or what?” Brice clapped me on the shoulder. Ryan hugged his sister and we all piled into the cars.
When we reached the courthouse, I noticed Sissy standing outside the courtroom door waiting with Daniel. Ryan walked over and thanked her for coming and we went in and proceeded to wait for the next hour. Abby was fidgeting so Courtney sat her down on a bench and started playing one of those hand clap games to get her mind off of it. It seemed to do the trick because they were giggling together when the courtroom doors opened. I breathed a heavy sigh as I grabbed both Abby and Ryan’s hands as we filed into the court room.
After we were situated, the bailiff made his speech and we all stood as the judge made her way to the bench. Daniel walked to one of the tables in the front and motioned for me and Ryan to follow suit.
“I understand you’re appealing the decision that removed Abby Reynolds from your care, Mr. Marks.”
“Yes, your honor. Abby was to be placed in a group home if I didn’t do something.”
“Your honor?” Daniel cut in. “I have performed numerous home visits at the home where Abby is currently residing. And since she’s been there she is the happiest I have seen her since being placed in the system.”
“And what about the allegations from the university?”
“They’re completely baseless. I have a written statement from the board of directors,” I said formally and grabbed the statement from my file. The bailiff walked over and took the paper, then handed it to the judge. She looked it over nodding.
“We don’t usually allow single men to foster little girls. The only reason I’m even entertaining this idea is because the alternative could do more harm than good. I would like to speak to the girl in my chambers. Mr. Evans, you can come with her as well. I’m going to call a recess until which time I can have a chat with Abby Reynolds.” She hit her gavel and Daniel led Abby to the side door where the judge had just disappeared. We smiled encouragingly at her as she left the courtroom looking absolutely terrified. We all filed out of the courtroom to wait in the hallway. Ryan was pacing again as he continuously ran his hands through his hair.
“Stop that, your messing up your hair,” Courtney scolded and started fussing over Ryan; he batted her hands away and she stumbled over her feet. Brice caught her grinning from ear to ear.
“You deserved that one, babe. Leave the man alone. He’s worried about his kid.” Brice couldn’t have been more right. Abby was ours. I just hoped that the judge could see it too.