The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 435

Mia's POV

We file in.

The courtroom is smaller than I expected.

Not like the courtrooms on TV. No jury box. No gallery full of people. Just a judge's bench—high, imposing—and a table for us. Chairs. An American flag in the corner. A state flag beside it.

Windows on one wall. Tall. The glass is old. Slightly wavy. The light coming through has a golden quality.

We take our seats. Madison and me at the table. Kyle beside me. The others fill the chairs behind us.

Gas lies down beside Madison's chair. Her head on her paws. Her eyes moving. Watching.

A door behind the bench opens.

Judge Patterson enters.

He's older. Maybe sixty. Glasses. Gray hair receding but neatly trimmed. His robe is black. Freshly pressed. The fabric makes a soft rustling sound as he moves.

He sits. Arranges papers on his desk. Picks up a pen. Sets it down. Picks up another pen.

Then he looks up.

His eyes find Madison first. He smiles. It's warm. Real.

"You must be Madison."

She nods. Doesn't speak.

"I'm Judge Patterson. You can call me Judge if that's easier."

Another nod.

"Are you nervous?"

She nods again.

"That's okay. This is a big day. Big days make people nervous." He opens his folder. Scans the first page. "Let's see. Madison Anne Whitmore. Five years old. Currently in the care of..." He looks up. "Ms. Williams?"

"That's me," I say.

"Thank you for being here. And you've brought quite a support system." His eyes move across the room. "Family?"

"Yes, Your Honor."

"Good. That's good." He makes a note. "Now, before we begin officially, I need to verify some information. Ms. Williams, you are Mia Catherine Williams, age twenty-nine, residing at..." He reads off my address.

"Yes, Your Honor."

"Occupation?"

"Architect. I own my own firm."

"Leblanc-Williams Architecture?"

"Yes."

He makes another note. "And you have two biological children?"

"Yes. Alexander and Ethan. They're five."

"Twins?"

"Yes."

"Are they here today?"

Alexander's hand shoots up like he's in school. "We're here!"

Judge Patterson's mouth twitches. "I can see that. Which one are you?"

"Alexander! And that's Ethan!" He points. "He's my brother but he's more serious than me. I'm the fun one."

"I see."

"And this is Gas!" Alexander continues, pointing at the dog. "She's Madison's dog but really she's everyone's dog because we all love her. And today is Madison's special day because she's becoming our sister OFFICIALLY! With papers! Legal papers!"

"Alexander," I say quietly. "Let the judge talk."

"Oh. Sorry." He sits back. Then immediately leans forward again. "But can I ask a question?"

Judge Patterson is definitely trying not to smile now. "What's your question?"

"Do you have spinach in your teeth?"

The courtroom goes silent.

Then Kyle coughs. Scarlett makes a sound that might be a laugh. Sophie doesn't even try to hide it.

Judge Patterson runs his tongue over his teeth. "I don't believe so."

"Good. Because Daddy said you might be worried about that and I wanted to tell you that you don't have to worry because your teeth look very clean."

"Thank you, Alexander. That's very thoughtful."

"There is," I say firmly. "I can provide financial records, employment verification, home inspections passed—"

He holds up a hand. "I've reviewed all of that, Ms. Williams. Your application is thorough. I'm more interested in the emotional stability."

"Madison has her own room. Her own space. She's enrolled in school. She has friends. She's in therapy—child therapy with Dr. Caroline Ellis—to process her mother's absence and the transition. She has routine, structure, love."

"And Mr. Branson's presence doesn't disrupt that?"

"No. The boys—Alexander and Ethan—they're happy their father is back. Madison has welcomed him as well. She calls him Dad."

Judge Patterson looks at Madison. "Is that true, Madison? Do you call Mr. Branson 'Dad'?"

Madison nods.

"Can you tell me why?"

Her voice comes out small. "Because he acts like a dad."

"What does a dad act like?"

She thinks. "He helps with homework. He plays with us. He..." She stops. "He tucks us in. And he doesn't leave."

The last part hits like a fist.

Judge Patterson is quiet for a moment. Then: "Your mother left?"

"She's in jail."

"I know. I'm sorry about that. Do you miss her?"

Madison's fingers find the fabric of her dress. Start pleating it. "Sometimes."

"That's okay. It's okay to miss people even when they hurt you."

"I know."

"But you feel safe with Ms. Williams?"

"Yes."

"And you want her to be your mama? Officially?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

Madison looks at me. Her eyes are wet. "Because she already is."