Link's POV
I woke up with a spring in my step and feeling very confident for the first time in awhile. I knew we would win this case. I was sure of it. I was so excited to see my kids again. I was up before Rhett's alarm went off and by the time he was up, I was ready and rearing to go. We didn't have to be there until 9:30, because they had yet again rescheduled our appointment to fit Christy's timetable, but we needed time to get ready. I left a note on the countertop for him to read after he was out of the shower. I was going to get us a coffee and a muffin each for breakfast. I looked at the time: 9:00. We had 30 minutes to eat this and go. Good job we just live 5 minutes away. I got back and saw Rhett sitting on the couch.
"Hi Rhett! Here's your muffin. It's blueberry, still your favourite I guess?"
"Always. Thanks brother."
"No worries. Now let's get going. You can eat in the car."
"Kay."
At the court:
"Just through here please."
The woman gave us a smile and we sat down facing the judge, waiting anxiously for our opponents. It's been difficult without them. I missed them so much. We just need to fight for this with everything we have and we can definitely win my kids back. Christy sat down with her best friend Kirsten and the children were at home. As the judge started, I began to get nervous. I couldn't believe my ears with the things he was saying. It was my turn to talk.
"These children are the best things that ever happened to me. I remember when they were born, their first words, I remember and cherish it all deep within my heart. They mean the absolute world to me. To have them taken away over some silly rumour about me having an affair with my best friend, which by the way DIDN'T happen, really hurts. I've missed them so much. And I know not to throw insults at Christy like she has just done to me-"
"I only speak the TRUTH Charles!"
"It's Mr Neal's turn to talk thank you, Miss White."
"Thank you judge. As I was saying, I know not to throw insults at Christy like she just did to me, but honestly, there is so much out there about her that you don't know. She has been a relatively unfit mother. She accused me of cheating when she went out on a date with some younger guy! She had sex with him whilst the kids and I were in the house. I will give these children all they need if you would please just give me a chance."
"Okay. Miss White, you will not be allowed to see the children for 4 years. Mr Neal, I'm glad to grant you full custody of Lillian Grace Neal, Charles Lincoln Neal IV and Lando James Neal."
"Thank you sir."
"Let's collect the kids!"
"Sounds good!"
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"DAD!"
The kids shouted out in perfect unison.
"Look how much you all have grown! I missed you all so much."
I started tearing up as I held my kids for the first time in 4 years.
"Guess who's waiting in the car?"
"Uncle Rhett?"
"Yeah! How'd you know kiddo?"
"Lucky guess I think."
"It's actually crazy how much you've all grown up!"
"Shall we set off then Dad?"
"We sure can Lils!"
"I missed you so much!"
"I'm here now. Me and Rhett are going to give you the best life ever!"
On the way out of Christy's house Lily held me back a minute.
"So what's the score between you and Rhett?"
"Oh well, we're sorta like a thing now. But please don't tell the boys."
"Oh Dad, that's so cute! I really missed having you around. I used to cry myself to sleep every night because the pain was too much for me. A couple of times I thought about killing myself. I've also cut myself to see if Mom would notice."
"Oh Lils, come here darlin'"
"I love you." She sobbed.
"I love you too."
We got back in the car soon after and drove back to our house.
Rhett, me and the kids all exchanged hugs before heading inside.
"Just how I remember it!"
"Hasn't changed a bit has it son?"
Rhett said to Lando
"Where's Locke and Shepard?"
Rhett stared at the floor for a minute and walked into the living room, motioning for Lando to follow. He sat on Rhett's lap and looked worried. Rhett spoke to Lando softly, the other two listening carefully from the other sofa, knowing what was about to be said, whilst Link sat beside Rhett and Lando, holding onto Rhett's hand tightly.
"Locke and Shep are up in heaven now, Lando."
"Oh no!"
Lando's face turned red and he started to cry with Rhett. The rest of us soon following on as we mourned the loss of Rhett's dear kids.
"I knew about Jessie, but I had no idea that they died too. I'm sorry Rhett. I shouldn't have asked."
"It's okay kiddo."
Lando clung onto me and Rhett and cried softly. He eventually fell asleep and we tucked him up in his bed. We also took pleasure in showing Lily and Lincoln their rooms which had all been decorated since they had last been here.
"So Rhett, where are you living now?"
"I'm living here with you guys!"
"Yaaaaay! I always wanted this to happen! I love both of you and Rhett will always be like family to me."
"Well, don't tell your brother this but, me and Rhett are together now. We will tell your brother when he's settled in and over Locke and Shepard."
"Oh that's great! Congratulations you guys!"
"One big happy family at last!"
We finally did it! We have what we always wished for: Happiness.
Word count- 1000
