Page 89 of After the Rain

His scholarly presentation of theological support for inclusive families neutralized the religious arguments that had been used against Wade. Faith became our ally rather than our enemy.

Parents of my former students spoke on my behalf—teary-eyed and fiercely protective.

One mother described how her daughter came out of her shell that year because I always made space for quiet kids. Another parent shared how their son had started saying “Mr. Mitchell says kindness matters” at home like it was gospel.

They talked about the notes I sent home, the extra care I gave to kids having a hard day, the way I made every child feel seen.

It wasn’t the kind of testimony that came with big words or dramatic moments—but it was honest. And it mattered.

The Fletcher family's attempts to present opposing testimony fell flat as their witnesses revealed their own prejudices rather than legitimate concerns about Cooper's welfare. Mrs. Garrett's testimony particularly backfired when she admitted under cross-examination that she'd never observed actual harm to Cooper, only her assumptions about "inappropriate influences."

"So you have no direct evidence that Cooper has been harmed by his father's relationship?" Santos asked.

"Well, no, but children don't always show?—"

"You've testified that you believe the relationship is harmful, but you have no evidence of actual harm to Cooper specifically?"

"I suppose not, but?—"

"Thank you. No further questions."

Brook's testimony about the organized campaign against me exposed the systematic nature of the attack on our family. She presented emails, meeting notes, and recorded phone calls that revealed the discrimination as coordinated persecution rather than organic community concern.

"The harassment of Mr. Mitchell was planned and executed by a small group of individuals led by Richard Fletcher," Brook explained. "They recruited like-minded parents, organized complaint letters, and coordinated their attack to maximize damage to both Mr. Mitchell's career and Mr. Harrison's custody prospects."

By the time closing arguments began, the Fletcher family's moral authority had been thoroughly undermined by evidence of their own manipulation and control tactics.

Attorney Santos's closing argument wove together all our evidence into a powerful narrative about love, authenticity, and family.

"Your Honor, the evidence is clear. Cooper Harrison is a happy, healthy, thriving child who loves his father and the man who has become part of their family. The petitioners want you to separate this child from people he loves based on prejudice disguised as concern. Don't let them succeed."

She walked to where Wade and I sat, placing her hand on our clasped fingers.

"Love doesn't threaten children—it protects them. Authenticity doesn't harm families—it strengthens them. Cooper Harrison deserves to live with people who love him unconditionally, not people who would use him as a weapon in their war against acceptance."

The Fletcher family's closing argument sounded increasingly desperate as their attorney struggled to explain why separating a happy child from loving parents served his best interests. Without evidence of actual harm, their case had been reduced to asking the court to enforce their personal prejudices.

Judge Morrison's deliberation felt endless. Wade and I sat with our supporters, the packed courtroom holding its breath for the decision that would determine not just our family's future, but the community's stance on inclusion and acceptance.

When Judge Morrison finally returned, her expression was carefully composed, but I thought I detected something that might have been satisfaction in her eyes.

"In the matter of Harrison versus Fletcher, regarding custody of the minor Cooper Harrison," she began, her voice carrying clearly through the silent courtroom. "This court finds that the child's best interests are served by maintaining full custody with his father, Wade Harrison."

The courtroom erupted in celebration, but Judge Morrison wasn't finished.

"Furthermore, the court finds no evidence that Mr. Harrison's relationship with Mr. Mitchell negatively impacts Cooper's development. To the contrary, the evidence suggests that this relationship has provided additional stability and support for the child."

She looked directly at the Fletcher family's table.

"The court is troubled by the apparent use of this child as a weapon in what appears to be a campaign of personal prejudice rather than genuine concern for his welfare. Custody disputes should focus on children's needs, not adults' biases."

Cooper ran to Wade and me, throwing his arms around both of us as we cried with relief and joy. Our family was officially protected, our love legally recognized, our right to exist authentically upheld by the justice system.

"We won?" Cooper asked, looking between Wade and me with wide eyes.

"We won, buddy," Wade said, his voice thick with tears. "We get to stay together."

"All three of us?"

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