The Unwanted Wife and Her Secret Twins (Mia and Kyle) novel Chapter 436

Mia's POV

Judge Patterson calls the social worker next.

Her name is Linda Morrison. She's been assigned to Madison's case since Victoria's arrest.

She stands. Walks to the front. Swears to tell the truth.

"Ms. Morrison," Judge Patterson begins. "You've been overseeing Madison's placement with Ms. Williams. Can you describe your observations?"

Linda pulls out a file. "I've conducted five home visits over the past six months. Each time, Madison appeared happy, healthy, and well-cared-for. The home is clean, organized, and safe. Madison has her own bedroom, which she decorated with Ms. Williams's help. She has school supplies, clothing, toys. All her medical needs are being met—she's current on vaccinations, has regular dental checkups, and is seeing a therapist weekly."

"What about her relationship with the family?"

"Excellent. Madison has bonded with Alexander and Ethan. ."

"And Madison's adjustment?"

"Better than expected. Initially she had nightmares. Some separation anxiety. Difficulty eating. All normal for a child who'd been removed from a parent, even an abusive one. But those symptoms have decreased significantly. Her therapist reports progress. She's sleeping through the night now. Her appetite is healthy. She's made friends at school."

"Does Madison understand what adoption means?"

"Yes. We've had multiple conversations about it."

"And she wants this?"

"Very much."

Judge Patterson makes notes. "Thank you, Ms. Morrison. You may sit."

Linda returns to her seat.

The judge looks at his papers again. Flips through pages.

"I want to address something," he says finally. "Ms. Williams, I see you've been working full-time throughout this placement period."

"Yes, Your Honor."

"Who cares for the children when you're at work?"

"Myself. I have flexible hours. I work from home three days a week. The other two days, my mother stays with the children. She's retired and lives nearby."

"Mrs...?"

"Sarah Williams," my mother speaks up from behind us. "I'm Mia's mother."

"Mrs. Williams, can you stand please?"

My mother stands.

"You're comfortable caring for three young children?"

"Very comfortable. I raised Mia. And I'm in excellent health. I take them to the park, help with homework, make them dinner. It's a joy, not a burden."

"And you support this adoption?"

"Completely. Madison is already my granddaughter. This just makes it official."

Judge Patterson nods. "You may sit. Thank you."

My mother sits. Hugo's hand finds hers.

Behind us, Morton shifts. I can hear the chair creak.

Judge Patterson makes another note. A long one. His pen moves across the page with scratching sounds.

The clock ticks.

Madison's hand finds mine under the table. She's trembling.

Finally, Judge Patterson sets down his pen. Looks up.

"I'm going to ask Madison some questions now. Madison, is that okay?"

She nods.

"I need you to answer out loud, sweetheart. The court reporter needs to hear you."

"Okay." Her voice is barely a whisper.

"Do you like living with Ms. Williams?"

"Yes."

"What do you like about it?"

"She's nice. And she makes good pancakes. And she doesn't yell. And—" Madison stops. "And she tucks me in every night. And she says she loves me."

"Does she say it a lot?"

"Every day."

"Do you believe her?"

"Yes."

He writes it down. "Madison Anne Williams it is."

Judge Patterson spends the next ten minutes reviewing paperwork. Legal language. Termination of parental rights. Transfer of custody. Financial obligations.

Victoria's rights were terminated three months ago. She didn't contest it. Couldn't contest it from prison.

The paperwork is all in order.

Finally, Judge Patterson looks up.

"Is there anyone here who objects to this adoption?"

Silence.

"Anyone who believes this adoption is not in Madison's best interest?"

More silence.

"Very well." He picks up his gavel. "After reviewing all evidence, testimony, and reports, I find that this adoption is in the best interest of the child. Madison Anne Whitmore shall henceforth be known as Madison Anne Williams, legal daughter of Mia Catherine Williams, with all rights and privileges thereof."

He brings the gavel down.

The sound cracks through the courtroom.

"Congratulations. You have a daughter."

The sound that comes out of Madison is somewhere between a sob and a laugh.

She launches herself at me. Her arms around my neck. Her face buried in my shoulder.

"Mama," she says into my dress. "Mama mama mama."

I hold her. My hand in her hair. My other arm around her back.

"I've got you, baby. I've got you."

Behind us, Alexander is cheering. Actually cheering. Like his team just won.

"MADISON IS OFFICIAL! SHE'S OFFICIAL! WE HAVE PAPERS!"

Ethan's voice: "We always had papers. They were just different papers. Now we have different different papers."

"You know what I mean!"

Gas barks. Once. Short. Like she's agreeing.