Teagan was accustomed to the security procedures when entering a federal building since she went through a checkpoint every day at the Navy Marine Corps Air Acquisition office. She didn’t think anything of it when she plopped her purse into one of the big white bins laying it flat so its contents could easily be seen on the x-ray machine. She carefully scanned the children to be sure there were no large metal buckles or anything that might set off the alarms. The children were nervous enough, and Teagan had to admit, she was a bit apprehensive about going to court. She’d never been there before.
She glanced back to the end of their little line to see Logan emptying change, keys, and his cell phone into a small bowl and placing it on the moving black belt. For a split second, she wondered if he had to go through the same protocol entering his building.
Teagan kneeled down in front of Anora so they were almost eye to eye. “I’m going to walk through the archway first and show you how it’s done. You wait right here until I call you. Will you do that for me?”
When Anora nodded, Teagan stepped through the great arch. No bells or whistles went off. One down, three to go. She looked at the armed officer to her right. He gave her a nod.
“Come on through,” she told the little girl in an adorable light blue dress, white socks with a blue ruffle and blue-and-white sparkly gym shoes. Anora’s gaze slowly ran over the eight-foot tall detection device before she met Teagan’s.
“Just walk through, sweetie, you can do it,” she encouraged.
Anora scrunched her face in determination and took off like a bolt of lightning. One minute she was on the far side of the security arch, the next she was standing beside Teagan. Several people in line started to laugh.
Once again, Teagan kneeled down so she could be on the same level as Anora. “Sweetie, we need you to walk through slowly.”
Anora looked at the large metal device and her eyes grew huge. “I have to go back?” Her chin started to quiver. “No. I don’t want to do it again.”
A heavyset woman with graying hair walked over with her wand in her hand. “Hey there, pretty girl. My name is Ms. Darlene. If you don’t want to walk back through there, you don’t have to.” She showed Anora the handheld device. “I can coat you in magic instead. This is my magic wand. I can tell if anyone has money in their pocket, or any kind of metal on them, or even inside them, and exactly where it’s located. Want to see how it works?”
Anora nodded. The woman rose slowly as though her knees hurt. She walked over to the uniformed man watching the x-ray device.
“This is Sam and I’ll bet he has money in one of his front pockets. What do you think?” The officer was so good with Anora that Teagan just wanted to hug her.
Darlene ran the wand up one leg and when it reached his pocket area, it started to beep. She got all happy in an exaggerated way that a preschool teacher would. “I found it. I found it.”
Sam reached into his pocket and produced several coins.
Teagan was pleased to see Brann and Logan pass through the arch without an issue. They moved in next to her out of the main path.
Ms. Darlene walked over to another man. “This is Darren and he has a metal knee. Watch this.” Darlene then ran the device from his ankle upward. Around the knee, it started to beep once again. She got a huge smile on her face. “See. I found the metal and it’s on the inside of his body.”
Kneeling in front of Anora, the security agent asked, “May I run the wand over you? Let’s see if you have change in your pocket, or a metal knee. If it doesn’t beep, then it coats you in magic.”
“I want to be magic.” Anora stepped closer.
Darlene quickly ran the wand up and down, a few inches away from the child.
No beeping.
Darlene’s gaze met Teagan. “You have a beautiful little girl here.” She faced Anora. “To keep your magic, you have to sit quietly on the bench and do exactly what the judge says. Can you do that?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Anora smiled at her. “We have to sit quietly and keep our hands folded during mass so I’m good at not fidgeting.”
“I’ll bet you are,” Darlene said as she stood slowly.
“Thank you so much, Ms. Darlene.” Teagan held her hand out to shake. “You’re really good with little kids.”
The female officer gave her a quick smile. “Not my first rodeo with little ones. She’s adorable.”
Teagan put her arm around Anora’s shoulders. “We think so.”
“Our courtroom is this way.” Logan gestured toward the hall to the right.
They were met at the door by Mr. Keller. “We need to enter and sit quietly until our case is called. I’ll do all the talking, but like I said, Judge Salter can be a bit quirky. He may ask you direct questions. If he does, answer the question as succinctly as possible. Don’t give him any extra details. Use as few words as possible. He’s running on time, so we shouldn’t have to wait long. Are you ready?”
Teagan realized how damp her hands were. She hadn’t been this nervous in years. She wiped them off on the front of her slacks as though she were smoothing out wrinkles.
“Let’s get this done and over with.” Logan grabbed Brann’s hand and headed for the double doors.
Teagan took a deep breath and let it out slowly as she reached for Anora’s hand and followed them in.
Logan had selected an empty row about one third of the way down. They automatically placed the children between them, as though they had been doing it for years.
Fortunately, they only had to sit through one case, but it was ugly. Grandma had passed away and given her house to her favorite granddaughter. A grandson, from a different set of parents, got her car. Her own children got nothing, and they were the ones challenging the will.
With time to kill, Teagan took in the room. Surprisingly, it looked just like courtrooms on TV. Everything was dark wood, the exact same color, from the paneling on the walls, to the solid railing separating the area where people sat from the attorneys and the judge. The tall desk centered at the very front was flanked by the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia. About ten feet away were two tables facing the judge.
Teagan wondered if Ms. Cook, or whoever the state social services sent, would sit at one table and Mr. Keller at the other. A lectern stood centered in between, directly in front of the judge.
In the current case, attorneys for the parents were on the right, and those representing the children sat at the table on the left. They took turns standing in the middle talking to the judge.
“I’ve heard enough.” Judge Salter interrupted the parents’ attorney. “Take your seat.” He leaned toward the shorter desk where a woman in her fifties typed away on a computer. They had a brief conversation before he sat upright in his large executive chair. “I’ve made my decision. It’s obvious to me that Mrs. Walters clearly stated her wishes in her last will and testament. You have not presented the court with any solid reason to alter her wishes.” He then named the parents and mandated that they pay all court costs, in addition to attorney fees of the grandchildren. “Be sure to pay the clerk of courts before you leave the building.” The grandchildren hugged each other as the parents mumbled, occasionally accusing each other more loudly.
For the first time, Judge Salter scanned the benches in the back of the room. He smiled when he looked their way.
The bailiff announced the next case. Their’s.
“Move up to the front row, behind me,” Mr. Keller ordered just above a whisper. They stood as a group and once they hit the aisle, Teagan and Anora reached for each other’s hand as they followed Mr. Keller to the front. He let himself through the gate and sat down at the table on the left, extracting his laptop from his briefcase.
Anora stopped five feet from the wooden wall separating the benches from the attorney’s area. “I can’t take communion, yet. I haven’t had my catholic-chism classes. We don’t get those until second grade.”
Teagan was stunned and confused for several seconds. All she could do was stare at Anora. Then she had to bite back a laugh. She kneeled.
“Sweetie, this isn’t church, so there’s no communion for anyone.” Teagan hoped that satisfied the curious child.
Anora pointed at the judge. “But he’s wearing a robe and that’s an altar, even though it doesn’t have candles.”
Teagan had to roll her lips between her teeth to hold in the laugh. She looked away and caught the judge chuckling. That just made it worse. Returning her gaze to Anora, she tried to explain once again. “You’ll see in just a minute. He’s not a priest. He’s a judge. And right now, sweetie, he’s waiting for us to take our seats. Let’s go sit down, now.” She stood and took Anora’s hand, leading her far enough down the front bench so there was plenty of room for Brann and Logan.
Ms. Cook and an older woman in a navy-blue pantsuit marched up the aisle and through the gate, sitting down at the table on the right.
After the legal preliminaries, the judge announced, “I’ve read the emergency petition for personal guardianship of Anora Davis and Brann Davis. I have a copy of their mother’s last will and testament which has named Ms. Teagan Williams and Lieutenant Colonel Logan Jackson to have physical custody of the children.” He looked over at the other table. “Ms. Cook, why does the state social services have a problem with this arrangement?”
Ms. Cook stood and walked to the lectern, her back straight, her shoulders squared.
“The Commonwealth of Virginia believes that it is in the best interest of all children, in the long-term, that they be placed in an established two-parent home. Neither Ms. Williams nor Mr. Jackson is married. There are only two blood relatives who could be considered possibilities. Mrs. Davis’s parents have been offered the care of their grandchildren, but they have indicated that in their advanced years they would not be able to give the children the necessary physical support long-term. Mrs. Davis has a sister who is currently in rehabilitation for addictions and thus is considered unsuitable.”
“Lieutenant Colonel Jackson, I would first like to thank you for your service.” The judge glanced down at the papers on his desk. “Are you still active duty?”
Mr. Keller turned around and motioned for Logan to stand.
Logan came to attention, his back straight, shoulders squared, arms to his side, fingers slightly curled under. He looked directly into the eyes of the judge.
Damn. He was imposing. All man. Testosterone charged. Virile. Fucking hot.
“Yes, sir.” Logan’s voice was deep and crisp.
“Where are you stationed, Colonel Jackson?”
Oh, damn. This could really hurt their chances.
“Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, sir.” Logan slid her an apologetic glance.
“Ms. Williams, are you still employed at the Navy Marine Corps Air Acquisition office?”
Teagan stood on shaky legs. She could see where this was going. “Yes, sir.”
“Ms. Williams, isn’t that office located down near the Pentagon?”
“Yes, sir.” She couldn’t lie to a judge.
“I also see that your mother is in a local nursing home specializing in memory care.” The judge held her gaze.
How the hell did he know that? And how did her mother’s condition affect his decision? Was that legal? Inwardly, she laughed at herself. He was a judge. He would know.
“Yes, sir.” It was the only answer she could give him. It was as though the children had slipped from her grasp another inch. She wanted to collapse on the bench and cry. But she couldn’t. She had to fight for custody.
The judge studied each of them, including the children. He then picked up the papers in front of him and seemed to spend a great deal of time reading.
Mr. Keller motioned for them to go ahead and sit back down. When she did, Anora crawled into her lap, curled up in a tight little ball. Teagan wondered how much the little girl understood about what was happening.
Logan glanced her way, concerned, an apology in his eyes.
Judge Salter looked up and gazed at the four of them. “Lieutenant Colonel Jackson, are you planning to retire anytime soon?”
Logan stood. “No, sir, I am not. I was selected for Colonel six months ago and will be able to pin it on within the next few months. I have agreed to stay in the Marine Corps another three years.”
Teagan felt her heart drop into her stomach which immediately protested. She was going to be sick. Why the fuck hadn’t he told her about his promotion? She felt the children slip away from her a bit more.
“Congratulations on your promotion. Is there any chance you’ll be transferred to Virginia? Or better yet, at the Pentagon?” It seemed as though the judge was trying very hard to find a solution.
Logan shook his head side to side in short jerky motions. “No, sir, I have a very unique and special military occupation. I’m slated for a position on the Marine Raiders Regiment staff at Camp Lejeune.”
The judge nodded. “I understand.” He picked up the papers on his desk once again.
The silence in the courtroom was deafening.
“Okay, let’s get the assignment part of the will settled first.” The judge looked at his clerk and nodded. “I hereby appoint Lieutenant Colonel Logan Jackson as the guardian for all beneficiaries as set forth in the will of Marsha Davis. His per the same last will and testament, I do hereby appoint Lieutenant Colonel Logan Jackson as the trustee. Colonel Jackson, has Mr. Keller explained to you the meaning and responsibilities of trustee and guardian as set forth in a last will and testament?”
Logan stood. “Mr. Keller has explained to me the duties and responsibilities I will have as both trustee and guardian. I am willing and able to take on those duties.”
“Very well. Ms. Williams. You are not appointed by court but I want to be sure you understand your responsibilities as executor of the will. In one year, I want you in this court so we can probate the entire will. By that time you will have liquidated all assets, paid all outstanding bills, or explain to the court why you haven’t. You understand your obligations as executor?”
This part Teagan could handle. She stood straight and tall. “I understand, and will see you in one year on this matter.”
“Good. Now let’s move on to the matter of custody of Anora Davis and Brann Davis.” Judge Salter laid the documents down and looked directly at her. “Ms. Williams, how badly do you want these children?”
She didn’t care what Mr. Keller had said. She was going to lay it out for the judge. Standing, she set Anora on the floor and moved between the two kids, putting an arm around each. “I was there when each of these beautiful children were born. I was one of the first to hold them, change their diapers, pace the floor with them as they got their first teeth. They’ve stayed many nights in my home after spending long days together. I’ve been with and around these children all of their lives. That has to count for something. I would do anything for these children.” She glanced first down at Brann and then at Anora. “I love them and would do anything to be able to keep them and raise them.”
The children threw their small arms around her waist and Logan moved in to run his hand up and down her back.
“Good.” The judge stated boldly. “Because you’re going to have to be the one to make the sacrifices. As per the wishes in the last will and testament of Marsha Davis, I hereby grant joint custody of Anora and Brann Davis to Teagan Williams and Logan Jackson.”
She couldn’t hold in her squeal. She tried to pick up both children but couldn’t. One look at Logan and she could see him grinning ear to ear. They won custody.
“Order in the court.” A loud voice bellowed, then repeated the command.
“I’m not finished.” The judge was very close to his microphone, so his voice filled the room. “Ms. Williams, a few minutes ago you told me you were willing to do anything to keep custody of the children. If you lied to me, then I will accept the petition of social services and place the children into the foster care system here in Fairfax County.”
Fuck. What the hell had she just gotten herself into? She then glanced down at the two children she loved more than anyone else in the world. No. She would do anything to keep them out of the system.
She squared her shoulders and held his gaze. “What do I have to do?”
He leaned forward, his forearms on his desk and stared at her. “In my opinion, the state of Virginia has it right. Children should grow up in a two-parent household. Truthfully, if I could, I would mandate that the two of you get married. Unfortunately, I can’t do that, legally. But I can mandate you, Ms. Williams, and Lieutenant Colonel Jackson, live no more than thirty minutes apart. You are to share custody equally. Colonel, I expect you to be an active father figure to both children. I understand that you live in North Carolina, so I will allow the children to move there. Ms. Williams, since Jacksonville is a military town, I’m sure there are government jobs. As for your mother, I’m sure there are good facilities for her near Camp Lejeune. Colonel Jackson, Ms. Williams, do you accept the terms as I explained them to you?”
"I do.” Teagan answered boldly. The two simple words rolled through her brain. I do. The same words one says during a wedding ceremony. Well, like a wedding where two people commit themselves to each other forever, she had just committed her life and love to the two children at her sides.
She glanced up at Logan whose smile showed off two rows of bright white teeth. Damn. He was so handsome when he smiled. He should smile more often, especially now that she’d be around to see it.
Reality just smacked her in the face. Her I do extended to Logan, at least for the next fourteen years. Having him in her life wouldn’t be bad at all.