One Last Shot

23, Houston

Twenty-Three Houston

SHE SAID YES! She said yes for Dallas, all of us in one house, and to marry my sorry ass. That is obviously pending what happens in court today with Gavin. This asshat seriously filed for sole custody of the kids he hasn't even talked to since sometime in like January. That's almost six months ago that he has seen or talked to his own kids, could you even imagine?

Growing up my parents were really close to us three kids, I couldn't imagine them not being there at all. I guess that's all Braelynn and Brent know though, from what Addison tells me, he was never around to begin with. She assumes he was just out cheating on her, but the bills were getting paid, so she just didn't give a crap at that point.

Gavin has always been that guy, the guy that believes everyone owes him something, like his shit doesn't stink. Obviously not the case, he's always been an asshole. We've known one another since elementary if not before, he was always the kid bullying everyone else. Taking their game boys, toys, balls, even barbies from the girls. If he wanted it, he just took it, and we all just gave in because if he didn't get his way, he either cried or threw fists. He was a wimp, so the fists didn't hurt, at least until he sucker checked me twice.

Addison doesn't even remember how she ended up with him at first. Then once I blocked her out of my life completely, she just went with it. Prom night ended up pregnant, imagine first time ever having sex, it sucks, and you still end up pregnant. I know she wouldn't change it for anything because it brought her Brent. Hell, I wouldn't change it for anything I love that kid like he's my own, I don't care who his biological father is, he's my son, just like Braelynn is my daughter.

The kids don't even ask about Gavin, I honestly don't think they have since I've been around. I periodically even ask Addison if they do or not and every time the answer is no. They call me daddy, I haven't been around that long, like in their lives, and they've given me that privilege. Something I'll never fuck up.

At first Addison put up a little fight when it came to me accompanying her to the court house for this shit show. I told her I was going either way, because this now doesn't just affect her, it affects all of us. She understands that but just didn't want to have to deal with Gavin's jealousy issues with me around. I told her it'll just make use look more competent as parents then he ever will. There was no fighting that statement.

His maturity showed, it showed fast. He was late, they gave him a 15-minute leeway and he took up every second of it. Addison and I were already in the courtroom, or mediation room which is set up just like a conference room. He wasn't there. I kept her hand in mine to try and help calm her nerves. The lawyer was next to us talking to the Master when Gavin burst through the door, alone.

"What the hell is he doing here?" He pointed at me right away.

"Mr. Reid, I presume?" Our lawyer spoke.

"Yea, he's got nothing to do with my kids, what is he doing here?"

"Mr. Davis, it not only a character witness first hand. He is also engaged to be married to Mrs. Jones. Therefore, the outcome of this case most definitely has a lot to do with him as well." Addison cleared her throat. "Right, they've also petitioned the court for the adoption of both minor children, depending on the master's decision." I didn't make eye contact with Gavin, I didn't have to, to know that he was steaming pissed.

"That shit ain't happening."

"Mr. Reid, if you could hold off on the language that would be much appreciated in my room." The master spoke directly to Gavin, obviously already irritated with him. "Now if you will sit, we can proceed." Gavin sat down. "Mr. Reid, you've petitioned the court for full custody of both minor children Braelynn Rose Jones age three, and Brent Lee Jones age nine, is that correct?"