Page 67 of Brokered Betrayals
“I’ll feed the baby while you build the workbench,” Sawyer said.
Royce swiped his tongue over Sawyer’s neck in the possessive lick that drove him wild. “Next nap, your ass is mine.”
“I’m going to hold you to it.”
Two and a half months later…
“In my thirty years on the bench, I’ve never seen an outpouring of love like this one,” Judge Hampton said, gesturing to the crowd gathered in the courtroom. “It’s extremely touching to be a part of this journey with you.”
Royce and Sawyer turned and smiled at their family, friends, and colleagues smooshed together like sardines in the small room. They were loved by the most incredible people, but seeing the outpouring in full display on the most important day of their lives was next-level special.
“It is my absolute honor to confirm that the adoption of Darla Grace Locke is final. Royce Locke and Sawyer Locke are her legal parents from this moment on, with all the associated rights and responsibilities. I wish your family a lifetime of health and happiness, gentlemen.” The clerk handed her a piece ofpaper, which she signed with a flourish. “I’ve signed the decree and ordered a new birth certificate to be issued for Darla Grace Locke showing both her fathers as her parents.” Judge Hampton set the pen down and crossed her hands on the bench. “And that concludes the hearing.”
Cheering and clapping broke out in the room, but the judge didn’t bang the gavel and call the court to order. She smiled indulgently as Royce and Sawyer teared up.
“Thank you so much, Your Honor,” Ivy said once the courtroom quieted. “Would you be willing to pose for a few pictures with Darla and her fathers?”
“It would be my honor.” Judge Hampton pushed back from the bench and stepped down. She shook their hands and congratulated them before fussing over Darla. “We can pull your immediate family out of that army to be included in the photos.”
Royce waved over the parents and siblings, who immediately enveloped Darla and her dads in hugs. He crooked his finger at Kelsey and Ella. “We need our best girls in here.”
“I’ll take the photos,” Andrew said.
“Baby,” Ella said, clapping her hands.
Darla giggled and grinned at Kels and Ella when they stepped up next to them. Andrew took a few moments to get everyone positioned before shooting several photos in rapid succession. Judge Hampton wished them well again before heading into her chambers. The mob of family and friends shuffled out of the courtroom and into the rotunda, but Royce held Sawyer back for a private moment.
“Happy birthday,” Royce said.
Sawyer kissed the top of Darla’s head. “Best present ever.”
“Do you feel different?” Royce asked.
“I have peace of mind now that the law will recognize me as her legal parent, but I’ve been her daddy since her first breath. That hasn’t changed.”
Royce kissed him. “And it never will.”
Sawyer cupped his neck and held him in place. “I have loved every version of you, from the angry, brokenhearted soul I first met to this beautiful, healed man who shares a life, a love, and a child with me. Every time I think I couldn’t possibly love you more, you prove me wrong. But today is the pinnacle. It doesn’t get better than this, baby.”
Royce’s mouth curved into his trademark smirk. “Challenge accepted.”
The End!