Last Chance

40.

'Is everyone coming in? We are going to start.' said Josh. Josh and Ginnifer had invited some relatives. This became a beautiful moment in their lives and they had to share it with the dearest people in their lives. That's why Josh and Ginnifer's parents were there, siblings and, of course, Jennifer and Colin.

Jennifer and Colin had meant a lot to the girls over the past few months. The couple was always there for them and they had a good relationship with each other. Jennifer and Colin loved the kids and loved spending time with them.

Everyone took a seat in the hall. Josh, Ginnifer, Zoey, Sam, Oliver and Hugo were in the front row. In the second row were Ginnifer and Josh's parents, and in the next row were Jennifer, Colin and Niall. Sam glanced back quickly. As long as Colin didn't say anything stupid to Niall.

'Good afternoon everyone, as a juvenile judge I have important work and that is not always easy. I see things every day that you wouldn't wish on a family, but luckily we also have days like this where we can laugh. That means a lot to me.' The juvenile judge looked around the room.

"Today we are here to form a new family. Josh Dallas and Ginnifer Goodwin, do you want to adopt Sam and Zoey into your family?' The juvenile judge looked at the couple. Sam and Zoey looked tensely at Josh and Ginnifer.

Josh and Ginnifer glanced at each other briefly. "Yes, Your Honor." Josh replied first. 'Yes!' said Ginnifer. Sam and Zoey had smiles on their faces and Oliver and Hugo were already cheering. Everyone laughed at the two boys.

"Sam and Zoey, do you want Josh and Ginnifer as your parents?" asked the juvenile judge. 'Yes of course!' Sam replied. After Sam said that, everyone looked at Zoey. Zoey looked at Josh and Ginnifer. 'Yes, of course I do!' she replied. Immediately after she said that, everyone started cheering. Oliver sat next to Zoey and he hugged the girl.

"Okay, by virtue of my authority, I declare that you are now officially a family." The juvenile judge signed the official paper and then everyone started cheering and clapping. As of now, Zoey and Sam were officially called Dallas by their last name.

'Come on guys, let's go home. Then we're going to have a party there.' Josh suggested. Everyone agreed and they left for the Dallas home where a big party was being held. Of course it was only a small thing that was on paper now, but for Zoey and Sam it was something big. For them, today began a new start with their new family.

It was fun all afternoon and evening with Josh and Ginnifer. Josh had turned on the barbecue and along with Colin and Sean, he made sure everyone got enough food. People who hadn't been in the court room also stopped by at the party.

For example, Sean had brought his wife and children with him. Oliver and Hugo were thrilled because now there were children their age to play with. Everyone had food by now. Zoey took her plate to the grass and she sat down in the grass. A little further on were all the small children and Sam sat with Niall at the edge of the pool. She could sit with her sister, but she didn't want to ruin her moment with Niall, so she just sat on the grass.

"They're cute together aren't they?" Jennifer sat down next to Zoey with her food. Zoey looked at Niall and Sam and she nodded. "Those two will be fine. They are crazy about each other.' said Jennifer. 'I see.' Zoey nodded. She took a bite of her hamburger bun. "Should I call you Zoey Dallas from now on or should I stick with Zoey?" Grinning, Jennifer looked at the girl. Zoey smiled. "Just say Zoey. Dallas is for special occasions only.'

'Like what?' asked Jennifer. "Um..." Zoey thought. "You don't know anything do you?" Jennifer looked at the girl with a chuckle. 'No actually not.' Zoey shook her head. "How about your future wedding." Thought Jennifer. "Well then I'll just have to find a friend first." replied Zoey. 'You'll find it. All boys should be happy with a girl like you.' said Jennifer. "Dear Jen."

"What's sweet about Jen?" Colin walked up and sat down next to Zoey in the grass. "Shouldn't you help Josh?" asked Jennifer. 'Hello, don't I deserve a break? I've been flipping burgers for you all night and I can't even take a break.' Colin made a sad face. 'I think you can take a break, Col.' Zoey put her arm around Colin. "I'm glad someone understands me!" Colin chuckled. 'Always Col! You know that right!'

*

'Did you have a nice day?' Ginnifer looked questioningly at the children. It was the end of the evening and the four of them were clearing the garden. Oliver and Hugo were both already in bed. It had been a long day for them.

'It was a really great day. Thank you.' said Zoey. 'Yes indeed. I thought we were just going to sign but I didn't know it was going to be such a big party.' Sam replied. 'Haha we couldn't let this pass unnoticed. You are now part of our family. You are our family.' said Ginnifer. Sam walked over to Ginnifer and she gave Ginnifer a hug. "I'm glad we're family now." She whispered in Ginnifer's ear. "Me too, honey." Ginnifer smiled.

"Josh, can I talk to you alone for a minute?" Zoey asked shyly. 'Of course.' Josh nodded. Zoey and Josh walked to the kitchen. 'What is it? Aren't you happy?' Concerned, Josh looked at the girl. 'Yes. Of course I'm happy.' Zoey said quickly. 'What is it?' asked Josh.

'Thank you. For all. I always thought no one loved me but you are the first one to make me feel like someone does. I am so grateful to you and Ginny for everything. You are the best father I could wish for. I love you dad.' The last sentence was almost unintelligible, because Zoey whispered it. Josh heard it anyway and he almost melted away. "Thank you Zoey. With you and Sam around, my family is complete.' He hugged the girl to him and gave her a hug.