The Nature of Things

Chapter 33

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Brian sat in his car two blocks from his mother's house reminicing about his childhood one last time. Life with Jack Kinney had been tough, but it had made Brian the man he was today. He thought about all the nights he had managed to escape to Michael's and how warm life in the Novotny home had been.

Debbie had been the mother he'd always wanted and he loved being there, even if he didn't feel like he really belonged. Debbie was the first person he ever told that he was gay. Michael always believed they'd confessed to one another and Brian didn't want to hurt his feelings so he went along with it.

He thought about all the family dinners he'd been included in and how Debbie always seemed to know when he needed saving. She'd been his guardian angel all those years and he'd never really thanked her properly.

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Jennifer sat in Molly's room trying to focus on the talk show that was on tv while her daughter slept. She'd spent the last two nights with her at the hospital and was starting to feel like she'd never bathed in her life. Justin had come by a few times trying to get her to go home, but she refused.

She closed her eyes and thought about a nice long hot bath and was almost asleep when Brian let himself in the room. She continued to feign sleep while he tiptoed across the room and sat quietly next to Molly.

Taking her hand he kissed the back of it softly and let his tears flow unchecked. Jennifer felt like she should let him know that she wasn't asleep, but wanted to give him a few more minutes to himself. He continued to sit with Molly for a few more minutes and until Jen began to stir in her chair.

By the time she woke up, he had dried his eyes and was back to the Brian she'd known for years. She hadn't seen him look so sad or scared since the time she asked him to leave Justin alone. Justin had told her about his childhood, or what little of it he'd told Justin and she couldn't believe that anyone could hurt a child like that.

It had explained a lot about Brian and the way he lived his life. Jennifer knew that his success was a way to escape the life he'd lived. She also knew that he'd learned that Gus was his chance to change a legacy.

"Brian, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Jen. I just thought I'd stop by and see how Molly's doing. Has the doctor been in?"

"Yes, her regular OB/GYN came in earlier. She said that things are going pretty good and Molly seems to be adjusting to the medication. The contractions have stopped for now, and the baby doesn't seem to be in any distress."

"That's good. Did she go over the side effects with you?"

"She did. They're worried about the medication affecting the baby's heart and lungs because it's so early, but they are optimistic that everything will be normal if they can keep her from delievering for another month or two. They're going to do an ultrasound tomorrow around eleven and Molly would like for you and Justin to be here."

"I'll have Cynthia rearrange my schedule. How is Justin handling this?"

"He's hanging in there."

"Good. Will you tell her I stopped by?"

"I will."

"Thanks."

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Court reconvened three days after Molly's hospitalization. The judge had agreed to proceed without her being present due to the circumstances.

Brian and Justin sat in the front row, eyes on Casey at all times. Casey's lawyers called witnesses that tried to help Casey's case, but none of them turned out to be very credible. After all witnesses were called the closing statements were made and the judge adjourned to consider all evidence in the case.

The lawyer that Brian had hired promised to call Brian the second they were called back into court and Brian and Justin went around the corner to have lunch. They had just finished their sandwiches when the call came.

Hurrying back to the court, both men held tight to the belief that justice would prevail and the judge would not give Casey rights to this child. They had just slid into their seats when the judge came back in.

"Mr. Adams, I have a few words for you. This child that you are here trying to gain custody of is not yet born and is the result of a rape that you have been convicted of committing. I can't understand how you think that you are a better parent for this child. I understand your hesitancy at seeing the child adopted by a homosexual couple, but that is not enough to give you rights to a child you broke the law in conceiving."

"Ms. Taylor has shown great courage and honor in carrying this child to term. She has also shown great love in assuring that her child will be placed in a loving family. It is my understanding that Ms. Taylor's brother and his partner, who is also your brother, will be adopting the child should it survive after the trauma you caused here a few days ago. Ms. Taylor will have full involvement with her child after the adoption and the child will always know it's mother."

"You, Mr. Adams, shall have no rights to this child. I hereby terminate your parental rights on the basis that you are an unfit and undesirable parent. You are to have no contact with Ms. Taylor, her child or the adoptive family. Should you come before me for violating this order, Mr. Adams, I promise you that I will not be fair. I see no justifiable reason why Mr. Kinney and Mr. Taylor should not adopt this child. At this time Mr. Adams is released to the custody of the Sheriff and returned to jail."

"Mr. Taylor and Mr. Kinney, I wish you and Ms. Taylor the best of luck in raising this child and should you need a signature on those adoption papers, don't hesitate to call. Court is adjourned."

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