William's Love - 28. Chapter 28

It’s Time

“What are we doing here Liam?” Lee asked as he leaned into the side of Liam for comfort.

"Well kiddo, after the attack, I'm kind of scared. I feel like I have no control over me, I'm worried every minute of every day that someone else is going to finish the job those guys started. I need to regain my confidence. If I had have done this when Dad wanted me to months ago, there's every chance that attack would have turned out differently. Will had me do a self-defence class which helped some, but once they had the upper hand, I no longer had control. Will has already signed you up for a self-defense class for the next four weeks on a Thursday night, so I'll be taking you to those." Liam said and put his arm around Lee's shoulder, "It would kill us if anybody hurt you the way they did to me. We love you kiddo, being gay isn't always easy, and we just want you prepared. Not that we think anything will ever happen, but it can't hurt to know how to handle yourself."

“Oh okay,” Lee said timidly.

"I'm not trying to scare you, Lee," Liam said looking into his eyes, "But right now I hate how vulnerable I feel. What happened to me isn't the norm, you know that. It was the work of one crazy person with a strong personality taking advantage of weaker personalities. If you know how to take care of yourself, people are less likely to give you any crap. Look around, most of these kids are smaller builds like yourself. I guarantee every one of them could kick my ass, probably even Will’s. But if you saw them on the street you’d have no idea that they were capable. Now I don’t want to do this by myself, I thought it would be something we could learn together, I bet it would be fun.”

“I’ll guarantee it will be fun,” a deep voice came upon us, “how are you folks doing? Are you here to sign up for classes,”

"What do you say, Lee, shall we do this?" Liam asked jostling into the side of him trying to encourage him.

“You promise you’ll do this with me?” Lee asked, “What about Will, is he going to do it too?”

“Well Babe, you want to do it with us?” Liam asked.

“I have my hands full with boxing you are already complaining about my size now, besides aren’t you supposed to be doing this together?” I asked them.

“Please Will,” Liam said pushing out his bottom lip.

“Please Will,” Lee followed suit.

“Yeah, Please Will,” The instructor did the same.

“Fine, you better sign Paddy up too. Might as well make it a family effort.” I said.

“If you guys are signing up as a family, we have a family package to make it easier for parents to afford.” The instructor said.

"Why don't you guys go and watch the class and I'll take care of the rest," I said to them, Liam smiled, and he took Lee to the seating around the mat’s so they could watch the class in progress.

"Okay, just come to the desk, and we'll get you some paperwork. Did I hear you say you box?”

"Yeah! I only do it for the training. I got outed at school and was getting bullied; I was also a lot smaller then. It was a way to regain my confidence feel like I had a bit more control." I said.

“You got that big from boxing?” He asked raising his eyebrow at me.

I chuckled, “Dude, I’m starting to get paranoid about my size now. Don’t you start in on me too. No, it isn't just from boxing. Liam does weights, and we have a small gym at home, I go out just to spend time with him, and this is the result. I’ve slowed down some trying to get a bit smaller.”

“Sorry I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” he said.

"You didn't, but the family has been on my back about it." I laughed. "So we are all under eighteen, Lee and Paddy are foster kids, but to us, they're our brothers. Liam and I will be paying for all four of us." I said pulling out my wallet.

“No that’s fine," He handed me a bunch of papers, "You'll have to have your parents sign the paperwork, same for Lee and Paddy, their guardians will need to sign. It's just for insurance purposes. You know we can probably get some kind of assistance from the government for tuition for them. It won't be much, but it will help.”

"Um… no thanks, they are family. We can afford it ourselves, and I'd rather leave the funds for a kid who can't." I said to him.

“If you’re sure,” He said I nodded my head, "Here is a list of where you can get your gear from, these two top places will give you a discount if you give them our card." He said pointing to the information sheet, "Bring these back signed on Wednesday night and we'll see you then. Oh the young fella with the broken arm will need doctors clearance to start classes."

"Thanks very much, appreciate it," I said folding the paperwork in my hand.

<>-<>-<>

Mr. Wright was explaining the fascinating world of DNA to the class – I'm not being sarcastic. Anyway, I could hear my name being called.

“WILL!”

“WILL!”

It was getting closer and louder, accompanied by the sound of feet slapping on the floor. Oliver suddenly comes bursting through the door.

“Will… Uncle Bill… Kat… Labor… Baby…” Oliver said as he bent over with his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath.

“Oliver is everything okay?” Uncle Ian asked him.

Ollie looked up at Uncle Ian slowly and shook his head, "I'm going to be a…" This was when he collapsed into the nearest chair. The poor girl sitting in it quickly vacated for him. Ollie put his head in his hands, and his realization hit him hard, "Ohmygodi’mgoingtobeadad!”

Uncle Ian chuckled, “Yes you are son,” he waved me over from my seat, “give me your keys Ollie,” Oliver handed them over without thinking. I quickly text Liam as to what was going on. “Will is going to take you to the hospital, okay?” Poor Ollie stood up and started walking out the door like a zombie.

I caught up with him and pulled his arm quickly and started running toward my truck. Liam met us at the truck; I gave him Ollie's keys to follow me and leave his truck at the hospital for him. I could feel Oliver get more and more agitated as we got closer to the hospital. His leg was bouncing a mile a minute on the ball of his foot and chewing his thumb down to his knuckle. I put my hand on his leg to stop it from bouncing it was distracting me from driving. He looked at me with his worried face. Poor soul.

"Ollie, Dude, you need to take a breath, okay. Kat is going to need you to be calm; no doubt she is scared and more freaked out than you. Kat had a relatively easy pregnancy. I honestly think it was worse for us than her," I tried to joke, but now apparently isn't the time, "everything is going to be fine, she needs you so settle down as best you can okay.”

Ollie looked at me with tears in his eyes and nodded, I reached over and squeezed his shoulder letting him know I was there. I pulled into the emergency entrance the truck had barely come to a stop and Ollie was out and gone through the doors. I had to chuckle. This must be so scary for them; he's doing a shit load better than I would be I think. I moved up to the five minute drop off/pick up parking spot to wait for Liam who had just gone up to give Ollie's truck keys to Papi.

Liam finally jumped in the truck, “Papi said he’s happy we’re going back to school,”

"Beats hanging around the waiting room, it could be hours yet," I said.

“He’ll ring if anything happens before school lets out. I’m excited about the baby coming.” Liam said bouncing in his seat as he belted up. I laughed at him and leaned over kissing him.

"I love you, Baby," I told him

He smiled, “Love you too, now mush, let’s get back to school.”

“M’Kay,” I chuckled.

<>-<>-<>

After school, Paddy and Beau hopped into the truck with us. We then picked up Lee and went straight to the hospital. The coaches reached the hospital the same time as us along with Uncle Ian, and we all rode the elevator up together. Liam bounced out of the elevator and straight over to Papi and Dad to see where Kat was at. I saw his shoulders dropped as I dawdled over.

"She isn't even fully dilated yet, poop; I want the baby to come." Liam sulked.

“Has he been like this all day?” Papi asked.

"Yep pretty much!" I chortled, and Papi clucked his tongue.

I looked at the waiting room, and Kat's parents were in the corner having a disagreement with Seb, Beau was by his side rubbing his back.

“You can’t be serious, what kind of life could have with him?” Kat’s mother spat. Now I was never very fond of this woman, but now I wouldn’t mind smacking some sense into her.

Coach went to walk over there to defend Beau, as well as Dad. Liam and I spotted Sasha on her way over there, so we grabbed one each and stopped them.

"Don't… Let Sasha handle it; she's a firecracker." Liam said.

Sasha bounced over to where the foursome stood with all the PEP of a cheerleader and pushed Seb and Beau out of the way gently and stepped into the faces of Kat’s parents. Who took a step backward away from her.

“Hi!” she said loud enough for anyone close by to hear, while she aggressively shook their hands. Whether they wanted to or not. “I don’t know if you remember me, I’m Ollie’s sister Sasha.”

“Sasha,” Her father called to her in a warning tone.

"Just a minute Daddy," she called back innocently putting her finger up to say in a moment.

"If you can't be here for your child, who is giving birth to your first grandchild, I suggest you leave. You have already broken her heart once; we won't stand by and watch it again. As for Seb and Beau how about you spend time getting to know them as a couple before you judge anything. They are so much in love and good for each other." Sasha said.

"You're a child; you don't know what you're talking about." Kat's father admonished her.

She chuckled, "Well I maybe a child, but I still know better than you about your children. The ones you turned your back on. They are kind and considerate to others; they aren't malicious or mean-spirited, both are really wonderful people. I don't know where they learned their behavior because so far I haven't seen any of those qualities come from either of you. Now as I said if you can't be happy for either of them, maybe you should go."

Sasha sauntered off and sat down next to Paddy, who put his arm around her and kissed her temple.

"Babe, let's go down and see if they'll take my cast off, it's supposed to come off tomorrow anyway, and it's itchy, and I want it off," Liam said dragging me away as Dad smiled.

<>-<>-<>

It had taken about three hours before we finished getting his cast off, with waiting, an x-ray and then they finally took it off. We were sitting in the waiting room with the rest of the family and Kat and Ollie's parents. I was sitting with Liam, and I was snuggled up with him, and Lee was asleep with his head on Liam's lap. Seb was sitting next to me, Beau asleep with his head on Seb’s lap as he ran his fingers gently through his hair. Family and friends are carrying on conversations around us in low rumbling tones. The younger kids are playing or texting on their phones.

I kissed Liam’s neck and whispered, “I love you,” in his ear and snuggled deeper into his side. He pulled me tighter with the arm around me and rested his head on top of mine. I'm not sure how long we were asleep, but Ollie came through the doors holding his new beautiful baby. Liam gently roused Lee and me, "Baby is here guys." He muttered.

Everyone gathered around cooing at the new addition. Oliver had a grin that took up half his face, and tears in his eyes.

“Please welcome, our new son, Noah William-John Petrovelli.” He said proudly.

He let us all get an eyeful of the baby while he held him for about five minutes to make sure we all got a look. “I have to go back in, Grandparents are allowed now, and the rest when they move her out of the birthing suite. Sorry." Ollie's Mom took the baby and walked through the doors, and his Father stayed behind.

“We’ll watch the kids, you go,” Liam said to Ollies Dad.

"Thanks, kiddo," he said slapping a hand on Liam's shoulder.

“Hey Ollie,” I grabbed him before he went back in.

“Yeah?” He said excitedly.

“Congratulations Bud,” I smiled.

“Thanks, I hope you don’t mind us naming Noah after you two and your Dad’s,” He grinned.

"We're honored, thank you so much, Ollie," I said my eyes stinging from overwhelming feelings and Ollie disappeared back through the doors.

Liam pulled me into a hug, “Wow, how ‘bout that Babe, a boy and just like us he’ll know where his name came from.” I hugged Liam tightly.

We sat back down to wait until we could see Katherine. About five minutes later Ollie popped his head back through the doors.

“Aunty Kit, are you coming? Bring the two old guys with ya!” And then he was gone again.

I leaned close to Liam, and I thought I was quiet when I said, “I wonder which two old farts he was talking about. There’s plenty to choose from.” Liam snickered.

OUCH!! We were both rubbing the back of our heads.

"Thanks, Coach," Papi said.

“My pleasure Bill, I’ve been dying to do that for three years,” Coach Campbell laughed while he poked his tongue out at us.

<>-<>-<>

We've finished our junior year – Finally. It's been a roller-coaster ride from the beginning till end. It's only three days until the wedding, everything has been organized and is ready to go. Kat, Ollie, and Noah have settled into a routine nicely, but they are still exhausted, thankfully there's no school. He’s such a happy baby, which is good for us.

I've cut my boxing training down to one day a week and train or exercise at home. The four of us have been doing Jiu Jitsu on Wednesdays, Liam watches he's not allowed yet. But he's been going to rehab twice a week, he tells me it's going well, but I'm not sure. When he comes home from rehab, he always seems a little down. I wish I knew how to help him, but I've no idea how to help. What do you do when someone feels their dream is washing away in front of them. I'm hoping it's just impatience on his part and everything will be okay. I’m going to bring it up this week when we see the psychologist. Oh yeah! After everything that’s happened this year we are now going to see a psychologist, I may have had a little meltdown. Not big but enough to upset Liam and make him worry.

I rolled over to look at the love of my life; he's so beautiful. When he's sleeping, he looks angelic and relaxed. I can't help but watch him sleep. His long eyelashes resting against his cheek, his mouth in a permanent up turn as if he finds something slightly amusing. I took my finger and ran it down from his forehead to the tip of his nose as he does to me. His mouth curved into a big smile, while his eyes remained closed.

"Good morning, sweet boy," I said to him.

“Mmm… lay with me, Babe." Liam pulled me on top of him as he rolled onto his back, "that's much better," he moaned as he grinds his hips into mine.

“If you want some of that we better be quick we have the psychologist this morning,” I sighed.

“Do we have to?” Liam said morosely.

“Yes Baby, we do, unfortunately. It’s been a rollercoaster for ten months straight. Even she doesn’t know how we’ve made it through this far without one or both of us breaking down.” I said sadly, I didn’t have a breakdown; just a momentary pity party. Ten minutes tops, I swear.

"Yeah!" Liam murmured, "I never want to find you in that state again, it broke my heart. Seeing you on the floor of your workshop curled up like that Babe. You're carrying around this guilt that doesn't belong to you. That's what she said, and I also believe that. Eventually it will sink into your thick noggin, that you aren’t the cause of anything that has happened to us.” Liam gave a half chuckle, “Do you think it would help you if we had individual sessions?”

I shook my head no, “If we had individual sessions, I would spend the entire time talking about you and how I can help you. And vice versa, if we do it together we’re forced to focus on ourselves too. Then at least we know what the other is feeling and going through, we can work through it all together. If she suggests individual sessions, I promise I'll go with it."

"That's my sweet boy; I love you so much." Liam pulled my lips to him, giving me a scorching hot kiss while he grabbed the lube from nightstand. He put some on his fingers behind my back and then reached down for the crease of my butt. He tormented the outside of my tender hole, teasing and gently pushing a finger inside. Liam kisses became intimate, erotic pressure. His tongue is seeking mine and exploring my mouth. He increased to two fingers and hit my prostate causing me to cry out into his mouth with pleasure; I rested my forehead against his shoulder. Liam brushed against my prostate slowly and gently; then he would change to quick and forceful. My breaths becoming quicker into a pant. I couldn't help but rock my cock against him, back and forth, God I need to cum.

“Baby, I need to cum,” I panted at Liam, he rolled me over so I was underneath him and put a generous amount of lube on his cock and stroked it so I could see.

"Lift up Babe," I lifted my hips and Liam put a pillow under me, then took my legs and lifted them up and out to chest. He moved between my legs and very slowly and gently entered me. When he had filled me completely, he pulled my legs around him and blanketed my body with his so he could kiss me. Liam's gentle movements were about love and not just a quickie in the morning. He rocked into me slowly, in and out with a steadied pace. My orgasm slowly building until it hit a peak and exploded like a volcano. Liam followed quickly behind groaning loudly in pleasure; calling out my name as I could feel him fill me up with his love.

We kissed as we calm down, then he pulled me from the bed and took me to the shower. Liam washed me, every move calculated as his touch more of a caress, kissing me wherever he cleaned exploring my body. I did the same with him, we dried each other’s hair and wrapped towels around our waist. Once in the room, we dressed each other with more kissing. What a nice way to start the morning, I feel loved, cared for and wanted.

“We are running late now, but thank you for loving me this morning.” I cupped the side of his face with one hand and kissed him quickly.

“All my selfish pleasure Babe, I love you,” Liam grinned, gently knocking our foreheads together quickly. He took me by the hand and led me into the day.

<>-<>-<>

Kat, Ollie and baby Noah, had gone to see Kat’s parents. Their relationship was on the mend but far from okay. Seb had taken Beau on a picnic date so Liam and I were free to do our domestic chores without worrying if we’d wake the baby. Liam got out the ride on mower, and I put on the crooner's station through the stereo loudly and got on with it. I put a load of laundry on, vacuumed the downstairs, put another load on and vacuumed the upstairs, put on our sheets, remade our bed and then towels and dusted. I made the bed then changed the shower head to a removable head with a hose. Once I was done, and it was in place it was time to test it.

I was putting conditioner in my hair, Liam came into the bathroom and collapse in laughter.

“It’s not nice to laugh at your boyfriend when he’s naked ya know," I said with a straight face.

“Oh my God, Babe, you look ridiculous. Where is my phone?” Liam left the room and returned ten seconds later and took a photo.

“Hey, no fair, instead of making fun of me and making more of a mess in the bathroom with your grassy clothes you could help me dry the dogs and then get in here. And just so you know this saved me about 20 mins washing the dogs in the shower.” I said to him while he grabbed a towel and I let C.C. out of the shower. Of course, the first thing she did was shake water everywhere, Liam wasn't quite quick enough to get the towel on top of her. Once the dogs were towel dried Liam undressed and hopped in with me, the dogs laid on the towels air drying from their shower with me. I shampooed his hair while he soaped himself up. Once we hopped out of the shower, there was a loud bang on the bedroom door.

A deep voice yelled through the door, “Hurry up in there, you’ve got guests.”

Liam mouthed to me, “Who’s that?”

I shrugged my shoulders; the wedding is three days away maybe someone has come early and wanted to see us. Geez, I hope not. All this time and Liam still has no idea, for the surprise to be ruined now would devastating for me. We quickly dried and put towels around our waist and left the bathroom. There on our bed sitting with his legs crossed smiling like the cat that got the canary was Benny. The dogs jumped up on the bed and pushed Benny on his back while they sniffed their new friend.

“Off, off,” he giggled, “They wet,” then laughing, “They wet.”

“Cash, C.C. – “Off!” I commanded and they jumped down and went to their bed.

“Benny,” Liam called to him in shock, “What are you doing here?”

“He came for a visit, of course,” The deep voice said from the side. It was Tracy, my cousin Alex’s fiancé. “Okay Munchkin, you’ve seen them now let’s wait downstairs while they get dressed. Come on, chop, chop.” Benny rolled his eyes and jumped off of the bed like it was a trampoline, giggling the entire time as he jumped over to Tracy, the dogs intrigue by their newest friend and followed him out the door.

"Don't dilly-dally now ladies, Callen has a something for you, and it's time sensitive. I suggest you wear something fancy like a suit.” Tracy said as he shut the door, exiting the room.

<>-<>-<>

"What the fuck Callen? I didn't ever want to come back here again." I snarled at Callen.

“Just… Shut up and watch Dickhead!” He retorted.

We're sitting out front of my Mother's house, waiting apparently. Within a minute of Callen giving me an affectionate, yet derogatory new English nickname an car parked in the driveway up to the garage doors. Ten seconds later a marked state trooper car parked kerbside to her front doors. All Officers exited the vehicles and made their way to the front door. A man I've never seen before opened the door. Must be my Mom’s husband. One of the detectives handed him some paperwork, and they made their way into the house.

Numerous other vans, cars and SUV's parked around us. All from the county in one form or another. Even Theo turned up with another gentleman in an expensive suit and went inside. People were coming and going from the house, their hands full of computers, gadgets, and files. The man who answered the door was still standing outside the house, the color drained from his face and looking confused and distressed. The two original uniformed troopers came back out of the house with my mother in handcuffs. What the hell is going on. She couldn't see us; we were in a rental with dark windows, so I felt safe. The officers put her in the back of their squad car and drove off.

Theo exited the house with the same gentleman he entered with, and sent a thumbs up sign, seemingly toward Callen.

“Alrighty, boys, phase two," Callen said firing up the rental and off we drove like he stole it.

I held on very tight to the fuck me dead handle above my head. Poor Liam was in the back being thrown this way and that for the first few corners.

“You wanna slow down Callen, geez, are you trying to get us killed?” I screeched.

"We only have twenty-five minutes left to get where we need, so hang on and shut up. When we get there, get out of the car immediately and follow me, I'll be running. Keep up. I’ve called in a lot of favors for this, and I'll be damned if your flabby little asses are going to ruin it." Callen said laughing.

“What is happening?” I asked.

"You'll see!" Callen said in a sing-song voice as he pulled in front of the courthouse. "Okay boys let's go," Callen grabbed his briefcase, and we were off. As we reached the top of the stairs, we slowed to a fast walk and joined by Dad, Papi, Lee, and Tracy holding Benny.”

I looked at Dad, and he shrugged his shoulders, then Papi, he did the same. We entered the courtroom and Callen showed us all where to sit and told us to wait.

“I wish I knew what the hell was going on Liam?” I whispered in his ear.

"It must be good for Callen to be this excited," Liam said and squeezed my thigh gently.

"I hope it isn't to do with my Mother because I don't want to see her," and I don't want to see her, I'm done. Not last Friday but the one before she turned up at the boxing gym in a van with black out windows and the number plate removed. She thinks I'm stupid apparently. I called the cops after seeing her through the windscreen. Mother had two big burly guys with her; they were there to snatch me and take me to one of those convert camps – because that's how it works. I guess they didn't count on Patrick being with me. She was released, no charges pending, her parents are good friends with the Deputy Sherriff. So no I don't want to see her, I don't want to talk to her. I don't even want to know what happens to her now.

“Let’s just wait and see Babe,” Liam said.

The gavel banged, and a happy family walked out of the courtroom. Callen stood and went to the bench they had vacated.

“Blundell, Sunderland and Van de Veice.” A man called out. Callen indicated for Dad, Papi, and Lee to join him.

I watched in pure excitement as the judge shuffled paperwork around and wrote things down, I grabbed Liam's hand and held on tight. I reckon I had the biggest grin on my face as I realized what was happening. Liam bumped my shoulder and mouthed "Love you," and smiled. Then we turned our focus turned back to the proceedings in front of us. I think that's what they call it. Too much was happening and I missed most of it but I heard Lee say, "Yes your Honour," and Callen gave him a gentle pat on the back. Lee smiled and looked up at him, while he held Papi’s hand.

"Congratulations to you and your family young Master Blundell-Sunderland." The judge said and banged his gavel. As my family made their way from the bench, Callen stayed. Theo rushed in from the back of the courtroom and handed a bunch of paperwork to Callen. Callen gave that paperwork to the gentleman who called the cases and he then took it to the judge.

“Your Honor, this next case is of utmost urgency. You have the signed papers in front of you as well as victim reports. The Fathers are petitioning for a speedy outcome, your Honor.”

The judge took about five minutes reading through the paperwork; he nodded his head occasionally. He looked at Callen, "Are the petitioners here in the courtroom?"

“Yes, your honor,” Callen said. “Excuse my back, your honor,” Callen turned to me and called me forward as well as Bill.

“Please approach the bench Counsellor, all of you,” the judge said sternly.

The judge covered the microphone and mostly spoke with Callen about of bunch legal mumbo jumbo I did not understand.

“Am I reading this right?” the judge asked, "you must have called in every favor and now owe a few to get this in front of me today Councillor.

“Yes, your honor, the need for the urgency is also in the statement from the Father, John Wallace Blundell," Callen said ignoring the judge's statement.

"And you Mr. Sunderland, you're happy for this to go through quickly?" the judge asked Papi.

“I couldn’t want anything more in my life at this point your honor,” Papi replied.

"What about you Master Blundell, you do realize once you're married you are no longer considered a minor? If you wait the three days, it will cease to matter who your parents are legally speaking. Not to mention you are eighteen in mere months," The judge said to me.

“It matters to me your honor, it always has,” I choked out.

“What if this is declined?” He said.

"I really hope you don't, but he'll always be my Papi to me, your honor, I have two fathers with or without paperwork," I replied.

“Okay gentlemen step back…” we turned to go back to our bench, “Master Blundell,” I turned back to the judge's bench, he covered his microphone again. “Congratulations on your nuptials for the weekend.” The judge said and winked at me.

“Thank you, your honor," I grinned and swiftly walked back to the bench. The judge wrote and signed what was needed, and we waited.

"Mr. Sunderland, Master Blundell-Sunderland, Congratulations on extending your family today. It's not very often a case comes along like these two. I must say it’s days like today behind the bench that restore my faith in the good in people. Enjoy your new family gentlemen." The gavel banged, and that was it, I legally have a brother, and the most unexpected thing happened. Papi is legally my Dad and we have paperwork to prove it. I don't know how they did it, but it's done. We were shuffled out of the courtroom; I don't even remember walking out.

<>-<>-<>

We were all seated in a private room at the back of a Chinese restaurant for a celebratory dinner, the entire extended family. I was sitting between Papi and Liam. Lee was between Dad and Papi. Pitchers of beer and soda on the tables, the first course on plates in the middle for people to take what they wanted. There was a lull in the conversation as mouths were filled.

"Okay, not that I'm not grateful because there are no words to express how I feel today. I fear I'll fall apart if I let myself feel all of the emotions warring around my body and in my head at the moment. But how the eff… did you pull this off?” I asked.

“Will, language,” Mom said with a grin.

Liam cleared his throat, “I called Callen,” he said sheepishly.

"Then I called your Dad, who gave me all the information and evidence he had to do with dealings from your Mother. Then I called a private investigator; it only took two days for me to uncover a lot of information, most of it white collar crime. I called the FBI, because of the attempted kidnapping, but also the Sherriff's department here couldn't be trusted after they released her when she tried to snatch you. The FBI then called the IRS. Then your Dad put me in touch with Theo here.” Callen said.

"When I spoke with the FBI agent he agreed to drop any charges of crimes against you if she signed the papers to sever parental rights. Your Mother is looking at about 50 years in a federal prison for all her other crimes if she is convicted and serves them consecutively, or fifteen plus if they’re served concurrently. So I hope you don't mind we shaved a few off. Between my contacts and Callen’s company’s relationship with the courthouse staff, we managed to get you and Lee in front of the judge today, so the anniversary of your new family is the same." Theo chuckled.

"Thank you so much; I don't know what to say. Callen, you put yourself out there for me, us, today. Please let me know if I can ever repay you. There are no words, except Thank you from the bottom of my heart, thank you.” I stood and went to him, he stood up and hugged me, “I’m so sorry I was a brat to you,” I whispered in his ear.

Callen pulled back and gently tapped my face with his hand a couple of times, “Totally worth it Kiddo, just to see that smile on your face.” I then hugged Theo thanking him also. Liam shook their hands with thanks as he stood in place from his seat.

“UGH! I think I’m going to be in therapy forever,” I said with a chuckle.

"You'll get your thank you the right way when we get home," I whispered to Liam when I returned to my chair. He grinned and kissed my cheek. Oh boy, will he ever get the best thank you I can deliver.

The rest of dinner was lively and full of happiness and giddy excitement. Callen told me I still had to speak with the FBI because there was still a lot to deal with, that had to do with the family company my grandfather owned, and some things had my name on them. I panicked a little at that, but he has assured me I’m not in any trouble. He also said he would organize someone from his firm to come with me. By the time the coffees were being served, my exhaustion hit. Benny was asleep resting on my chest. I had my eyes closed and we were nestled into Liam’s side at the table. I was on cloud nine, and there I planned to stay for as long as possible.