Page 196 of The Home Game

“You did it,” she said against his chest.

“We did it,” he corrected. “It seemed crazy at the time but pretending Matty and I were engaged … well, you were right about that.”

She grinned, pulling away to look him in the eye. “I am kinda brilliant, aren’t I?”

“You are.” He hugged her again before he grew serious. “I know how hard this whole situation has been and that you’ve been really worried about what might happen but you’ve been so brave and such a great sibling. Especially to Eli. I’m very proud of you. And your mom and dad would be too.”

She ducked her head, eyes a little shiny. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. Absolutely.”

“Thanks, Uncle Antoni. I love you and I’m glad it worked out for you and Matty,” she whispered before she turned away and got swept up in a big hug from Antoni’s dad.

Heart so full it could burst, Antoni whispered, “I love you too,” reminding himself to tell her that more often.

But there was still one important person he needed to talk to.

He turned to Eli with a smile, saying, “This is some good news, huh?”

Eli beamed. “The best! Thank you!” They flung their arms around Antoni.

“Hey, you don’t have to thank me,” Antoni said, rubbing their back. “This is exactly what I signed up for when I put my signature on the guardianship papers your parents gave me.”

“I’m really glad you said yes,” Eli said, arms still tight around Antoni’s waist.

He squeezed Eli tighter. “Me too, kiddo. Me too.”

After that, his parents stepped forward to congratulate him and for a while, there was nothing but chaos in the courtroom as everyone hugged and kissed and celebrated.

By the time Antoni thought to look for Bill and Robin, they were gone.

He felt nothing but relief.

Judge Hogan had taken off his robes and was milling around in khakis and a button-down shirt, laughing and talking to the kids, looking far less imposing than he had earlier.

Antoni took a few moments to thank Judy, the social worker, and his lawyer, April, but when Antoni finally came face-to-face with the judge and shook his hand, he had one question he wanted to ask.

“Uh, Your Honor, could I ask you something?”

“Certainly. Though the formal part of the day is over. You can call me Connor now.”

“Uh, Connor,” Antoni said. “I know you can’t tell me anything officially but is it possible that the Swansons will appeal the ruling to a higher court than this?”

“Theoretically, it’s possible,” he said with a frown. “That being said, they don’t have a lick of evidence to support it. A lawyer might be willing to take on the case if offered enough money, but even if they did, I can’t imagine the superior courts accepting the appeal.”

“You think so?” Antoni asked, feeling hopeful.

“Well, I can’t guarantee it,” Connor warned. “But it’s extremely unlikely. There’s absolutely no evidence of neglect or mistreatment on your part whatsoever. You can rest easy, Mr. Bianchi. These children are safe and happy with you and Mr. Carlson. That much is obvious to anyone with half a brain and I like to think our higher courts have at least that.”

Antoni sighed. “Thank you. That’s a big relief.”

“Sure. Glad I could help.” Connor clapped Antoni on the upper arm. “Now, let’s get the paperwork signed so you and your family can get out of here and celebrate.”

“I’d love that,” Antoni said with a smile. Though, whoops, he hadn’t actually planned a celebration.

After the paperwork was signed, Antoni turned and noticed Eli fidgeting. He bent down to look them in the eye. “Hey, what’s up? Do you need something?”

“I want to take a picture with the judge. Can we do that?”

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