Page 195 of The Home Game

Robin made a sound of protest and the judge gave her a stern look, arching an eyebrow until she quieted.

“Based on the above information, I am officially rejecting Mr. and Mrs. Swanson’s petition for custody.”

They both gasped and the judge’s mouth tightened. “Access to your grandchildren will be at the discretion of their wishes and those of their legal guardians. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson, although I cannot legally mandate this, if you wish to have a role in your grandchildren’s life, I recommend you take some time to educate yourself on gender identity and expression. If you are unwilling to do so, and feel that your beliefs supersede Eli’s health and wellness, you will also likely find yourself without a relationship with their siblings.”

Bill and Robin both protested and Judge Hogan frowned, saying, “Sir, ma’am, if you cannot control yourself, I will be forced to remove you from my court!”

With obvious reluctance, they fell silent. As Antoni watched them out of the corner of his eye, a muscle twitched in Bill’s jaw, and he couldn’t help but feel a surge of righteous vindication.

It was about time someone told the Swansons to get their shit together.

The fact that the judge presiding over the trial had been the person to do so made the words that much sweeter.

“Now that we have that business out of the way, let’s get to the fun part.” He grinned, his stern expression melting away as he looked at Antoni and Matty. “Mr. Bianchi do you wish to have custody of Alexis, Eli, River, and Reese Swanson?”

Antoni gripped Matty’s hand more tightly, tears already beginning to wet his cheeks.

“Yes. I do, Your Honor,” he said.

“Alexis, Eli, River, and Reese, do you wish to be raised by Mr. Bianchi and Mr. Carlson?”

One by one, they said yes, and Matty waved Reese’s hand in acknowledgment when it was his turn. Everyone chuckled and, smiling, Antoni leaned his head on Matty’s shoulder, overwhelmed by the love he had for him.

For all of them.

“Then, by the power granted to me by the Province of Ontario, you are hereby granted custody, Mr. Bianchi. Although I cannot officially grant Mr. Carlson custody until he submits the paperwork, he is now free to do so and I am confident that will be processed quickly.”

Judge Hogan’s smile was warm. “Though, legal or not, it’s quite clear to me that you six have already created a strong and loving family. Now, do the children wish to change their last names?”

Antoni shook his head. “No, your honor. They wish to keep Swanson as a tie to their biological parents. Matty and I fully support that.”

Judge Hogan nodded, still smiling. “Then, congratulations. This hearing is concluded.”

He banged his gavel and Antoni released a huge sigh of relief, feeling tension leave Matty’s body where it was pressed against his, the stress melting away for both of them as the news sank in.

Antoni had spent the past nine months terrified of losing the kids. Now, he felt like a thousand-pound weight had been taken off his back. The relief that filled him knowing it was all over was dizzying.

He turned his head, kissing Matty briefly and whispering an, “I love you,” before he hugged River.

“Did you hear that, River?” he asked her, unable to stop smiling. “This is the best news ever!”

“Yay!” she said, clapping her hands. “We stay with you?”

“Yes, sweetie,” he said. “You’ll stay with us.”

Matty kissed the top of her head and Antoni reached out to pat Reese and kiss his cheek.

Reese shrieked with excitement and Matty chuckled.

Reese certainly had no idea what everyone was so happy about but he’d clearly picked up on the good mood. He was smiley and happy as he wiggled with excitement and nearly smacked Matty in the nose with his forehead.

“Easy there,” Matty said with a laugh, settling a hand on his back. “No breaking noses until you’re in the NHL, buddy.”

Antoni snorted and Alexis laughed, peering around Matty to grin at him.

“Hey, c’mon,” Antoni said, nudging Matty’s thigh. “Let’s get up. I need to hug the other two kids as well.”

After they’d all filed out of the narrow bench, he hugged Alexis tightly and for the first time in a long time, she hugged him back and didn’t let go.

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