Brian and Justin walked into the courthouse with Gus. They had been told the case was going to be heard in the judge’s chambers instead of the courtroom, so they were surprised when they were told there was a change of venue when they arrived. Jen had come with them, while Cara and Craig planned to meet them with everyone else in Cara’s father’s chambers later for the wedding Justin arranged. Jen planned to watch Gus while Justin and Brian signed everything and was just as confused as they were when they were directed to a larger conference room. 

Mel didn’t let Lindsay’s parents being in the room throw her off the way they had hoped. Brian ignored them, making them angry that he didn’t seem worried that they were there. Justin rolled his eyes before asking his mother to keep Gus out of the room. Mel really wondered what they thought they could do since nothing they could say about Brian or Justin would be worse than everything Mel could produce on Lindsay’s life before, during, and after the birth of Gus. She assumed Judge Jackson was indulging them to avoid any problems later, but in the end, they had no rights where Gus was concerned. Mel held her composure when the judge looked more annoyed than happy when he walked in and sat at the head of the table. 

“I agreed to hear both of you, in fairness to everyone.” The judge said to Lindsay’s parents. “The Peterson’s called yesterday to say Lindsay Peterson wasn’t made aware of today’s hearing.” Judge Jackson said, looking to Mel, Brian, and Justin.

“Actually it’s Lindsay Williams, not Peterson. But we’ll use Peterson to lessen any confusion since there is a rumor that there is trouble between the newlyweds. Mr Kinney and Mr Taylor did everything required by law to inform her. And I also sent notices to the last known address I had for her, which was her current husband Randolph Williams. I didn’t go any further since it wasn’t required of me.” Mel tells him.

“My clients weren’t contacted.” The Peterson’s lawyer, Cary, informed Judge Jackson.

“There is no requirement to inform Lindsay Peterson’s parents, seeing as she is an adult and therefore doesn’t answer to her parents. Also, during the time in which Lindsay Peterson was in a relationship with me, she, for the most part, was estranged from her parents. That didn’t change as far as I’m aware before Gus was born. Information we have obtained also implies Lindsay Peterson left because the Peterson’s tried to suggest Gus be given to their other daughter to be raised. And they even went so far as offering to pay off Lindsay Peterson if she agreed to this as if Gus was a commodity to be bartered. Which isn’t the reason we’re here is it?” Mel asked him, while Nancy looked like she wanted to kill Mel.

“They admit they were concerned about the child’s welfare, and at the time Lindsay Peterson’s… actions didn’t make them believe she was ready for the responsibility of an innocent child. They felt their other daughter was better prepared to offer Gus a stable home. In the end, it was Mr Kinney’s actions that caused their daughter to run off in the first place. Due to him not wanting the responsibility of the child he and Lindsay Peterson created together.” Cary told them.

“Is that true?” Judge Jackson asked Mel.

“Mr Kinney refused when asked to father Lindsay Peterson’s child. He had no plans to become a father but wasn’t given the choice when Lindsay Peterson couldn’t take no for an answer and paid an escort to get for her what she could not get from Mr Kinney. Mr Kinney willingly admits he wasn’t sure he was ready for fatherhood when he found out what had been done against his will, but was ready to take the responsibility to do the best for Gus’s welfare. When Mr Kinney learned that there was indeed a child, he spent thousands of dollars and several years searching for his child, and is very thankful his son’s fate was in the hands of Mr Taylor, who raised Gus as if he was his father.” Mel answered.

“Which should tell you what kind of people he consorts with,” Nancy said, ignoring Cary. Mel kept from rolling her eyes at Nancy’s ability to ignore everything questioning her daughter’s behavior.

“We aren’t here to determine Mr Kinney’s right to Gus. Since Gus is his biological child, I have no problem defending him. Mr Kinney had no idea the man Lindsay Peterson HIRED, wanted anything more than most men did from Mr Kinney. Before you try to bring up Mr Kinney’s past; he was a single man living his life the way he wanted to, which harmed no one but himself with his actions. His past has nothing to do with being a father since he wasn’t one at the time. He wasn’t happy when he found out what she’d done against his wishes. Lindsay Peterson ran when her plans fell apart; when Mr Kinney didn’t allow her to use the child to get what she wanted from him. Mr Kinney spent years searching for the child, not wanting his child to suffer for Lindsay Peterson’s actions. Today he’s here because once again he wants the best for Gus and feels Mr Taylor’s devotion to Gus equals his and is doing what he feels is best for his child. Something Lindsay Peterson’s actions lack. Lindsay Peterson’s actions since Gus’ birth prove that she doesn’t deserve to have Gus as her child. Lindsay Peterson left Gus on his first birthday with someone who was basically a stranger. The interactions Lindsay Peterson had with Mr Taylor barely lasted long enough to drop her son at his door. She would leave Gus with Mr Taylor, sometimes for days at a time without calling to inform him of her whereabouts. Mr Taylor was left emotionally and financially responsible for Gus, which he did without complaint. And this case is about Mr Taylor. Not Brian Kinney, who is the natural father, but MR TAYLOR, who raised Gus, loving him when he could have just abandoned him as Lindsay Peterson had. Instead, he loved Gus, and he even named the child when Lindsay Peterson couldn’t be bothered.” Mel answered.

“Before I say anything, do you know how to contact your daughter?” Judge Jackson asked.

“My clients don’t know her exact location at this time,” Cary admitted.

“But you wasted my time and theirs with this. For what reason, when apparently none of you know where Lindsay Peterson is?” Judge Jackson asked.

“What about our rights to know our grandson?” Nancy asked.

“In this case, you don’t have any rights, unless Mr Kinney decides to give them to you. Unless you can produce your daughter, who at any time could have called here and gotten the information if she wanted to protest the adoption. And I’ll add that her actions only tell me that her concerns only laid in her wants, not her child’s. Which was proven when she didn’t contact her child once in the four years following her disappearance from his life. Your interference accomplished nothing but my irritation that I wasted our time to accomplish nothing. I allowed this because I also wanted to clear something else up from the phone call last night. My rulings are based on law and what is in the best interest of the child. Unlike others in my profession, I don’t take it lightly when it’s implied that I am personally responsible for your daughter’s loss of a son. Including calling to find out the information that is available and has been available since the adoption petition was made.” Judge Jackson told her, signaling to the bailiff at the door to escort them out.

“My clients are asking for more time, so they can make sure Lindsay Peterson’s rights aren’t being violated,” Cary said, knowing it was weak.

“If her parents could produce her than I’d certainly give her a chance to object to the adoption. Something she’s had over three months to do, not just today.” Judge Jackson told Cary.

“I just want to ask one question. Why would it matter?” Mel asked.

“That’s none of your concern,” Nancy told her.

“Just as the adoption that is being approved is none of yours. If, as Gus’s grandparents, you want to be a part of Gus’s life, that’s now up to Mr Taylor and Mr Kinney. Because they are his fathers and his only parents.” Judge Jackson told them.

Nancy, Ron, and Cary got up to leave the room. As the door opened, Jen walked in with John, Peter, and Gus, nodding at them as they walked in.

“Who’s that?” Gus asked Peter, who shrugged, not knowing.

“We’re your grandparents.” Nancy looked between Peter and Gus, not sure as the boys looked confused.

“Nana, who are they?” Gus asked as Cary decided to get them out as the judge looked at him like he was an idiot to take on the Petersons.

“I’m sorry to waste all our time. But for all our sakes, I didn’t want the Petersons to be able to say they weren’t heard. As for the adoption, I have no reason to deny Mr Taylor his role as Gus’ father. A role that he’s performed all of Gus’s life. Congratulations are in order for you both for another reason I hear too.” He told Brian and Justin.

After signing everything and letting Mel handle the rest, Brian and Justin went to meet Judge Jason Anderson, who was thrilled to meet the Justin and Brian his daughter and son-in-law spoke very highly about. When he first heard about the situation with Justin and Craig, he’d been less than thrilled at Cara’s choice in Craig. But she managed, with the help of Jen, to get Craig to see the error in his ways. 

“I’m honored that you offered me the chance to complete your lives and family by uniting you two in marriage,” Jason told them. 

It was a simple ceremony, which Brian appreciated and Justin wanted. They let the family plan a party for after, with all their friends. Brian kissed Justin lightly, smirking at Craig who managed to smile, as it was getting easier as they all got to know each other. The boys snickered, while Molly told them to ‘shut it’, acting like their sister. 

The next morning, Michael went to work as usual, when Marley read an article looking confused.

“Remember that handsome best friend of yours?” She asked him.

“Brian?” Michael asked, hoping Brian had come to him finally.

“You didn’t tell me he was well one of ‘those kind’.” She whispered, gesturing with her wrist.

“Why would you think that? I mean lately, I’ve been too busy worried about my wife to worry about my best friend anyway.” Michael lied, taking the paper Marley handed him. Ready to puke at the picture of Brian and Justin kissing that was in front of him.

“Well it says right there, Mr Brian Kinney and Mr Justin Taylor were happily joined in matrimony yesterday… Mike, are you okay?” Marley asked as Michael looked as if someone had shot him. “So I guess he never told you he was…” Marley flicked her wrist weakly again. “Are you okay? Did you get that bug going around?” She asked, thinking he should look relieved that his friend never tried to turn him. “Look at this way, at least he never wanted you, the other guy’s a looker though. Why do all the good looking ones have to be gay? Yeah, even if you were interested, no way you could have competed with that.” Marley said jokingly.

The scream from Mike almost gave Marley a heart attack, and the ripping up of the paper was a bit much. But the stomping on the torn up paper had her thinking Mike really needed to be careful since upper management had been cracking down on discrimination of any kind lately. Marley figured she’d mention Mike’s reaction to the others during the break since she couldn’t resist gossiping about it. Who knew Mike was a homophobe? Michael listened, and as usual, joined in with the others in the comments they made about Gay Marriage. Only to be called into Andrew’s office after, and told that his views on the gay community weren’t welcome as a Big Q employee.