Chapter 50: The Final Decision

Sitting in the pristine courtroom, Maryanne tries to remain calm. For the last year she has been dreaming of this day. For the chance to fight for Riley and gain custody.
It is different now. Maryanne glances to her side and looks at Max who sits tensely, talking with his lawyer. She wonders if what she is going to do will be the best for Riley.
The judge leans forward from his seat, “From what I have understood, this has been quite a year for the both of you, as I am sure it has been for Riley. I had my reoccurring doubts about how you two would manage the time spent together in one house, but I can see it has worked very well for you. I understand that you each want sole custody, and I am willing to grant it to one of you, but I would like to hear your testimonies on why you deem yourself fit for sole guardianship.”
Maryanne nods and organizes the paperwork she has in front of her. Taking a sip of her water and then taking a deep breath in, Maryanne clears her throat. “Thank you, your honor. To be honest, I never thought I would be in this position. I didn’t have much time with Riley before I was granted custody of her. This past year has been a whirlwind, but one in which I was able to actually get to know who Riley is and help her grow. To be honest, I believe it helped us to grow closer as well.”
“I want to say that I believe I can give Riley everything she wants, even needs. That I can afford to send her to the best schools or buy her nice clothes. Even give her a good home life, but I have accepted the hard truth that I can’t. I know that I am poor. I have been stuck at the same job for over five years. I am not really going anywhere and my salary doesn’t really give me the comfortability to afford a lot. Your honor, I actually believe that Max Ryder is the best fit in taking care of Riley. He has the means to pay for anything she needs. If she is sick or hurt, he can pay the medical bills and he has the resources in helping her with anything that she needs.”
“Maryanne,” Max shakes his head, his brow stitched up with confusion as he leans against the desk, almost to the point of standing. His hand grips the corner of the material as he makes eye contact with her.
The judge sighs, scratching his temple. “Well, I guess I did not see this coming. Mister Ryder, do you have anything to say?”
Max remains silent for a moment, just watching Maryanne. It isn’t until his lawyer pulls against his arm, bringing him back to reality. “Maryanne might not believe that she is a good fit, but I know hands down that she is a much better guardian than I could ever be. She is selfless and caring. When Riley was kidnapped by her aunt a few weeks ago, she dropped everything and ran to the house. She helped hunt down the woman and took her down on her own. I would say that is the epitome of a mother. She will do anything in her power to protect Riley, at all costs. I am rarely home. I have my corporation in the city that requires most of my attention at the moment. I have to rely on my staff at the house to watch over Riley for me. It will be easier when she is in school, but even now, she should have the parental figure there for her, raising her. Maryanne is that person. She is the best option for adoption.”
Maryanne releases a pained sigh, “Max, what are you doing?” She clenches her teeth and almost glowers at him.
Max grimaces as he says, “You deserve so much more than just giving in.”
She argues, “Riley deserves what is best.”
“Yes, and that is you.”
“No, Max. I can’t take care of her like you can.”
Max taps on the table, shaking his head, “That’s the point. You can do so much better. If it were up to me, I would want to share custody with you forever, but it’s not up to me. I know it’s not something you want, so the second best option is for you to gain sole custody.”
“What are you talking about? There’s not way to share custody that benefits Riley unless we are still living in the same house.” Maryanne’s brow crumples.
Max breathes out, his expression wavering, “And in a perfect world, we would be. Maryanne, I still love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you, but I understand that Riley getting kidnapped was a lot to handle. I know that you can’t handle the relationship right now, so please, for Riley’s sake, adopt her.”
Maryanne hides her emotions the best that she can. The memories of the fear and uncertainty from trying to find Riley runs through her mind, “Max, I was distraught, that’s why I said those things and pushed you away. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with you. I just couldn’t handle being overwhelmed in that moment.”
Max hesitates, his eyes widening, “So what you’re saying, is that you want to still go out with me?”
“Max, we’re in court,” Maryanne hisses glancing up at the judge and around at the crowd of people sitting behind them.
“Yeah, and? I am sure the judge wants to know if we’re willing to adopt Riley together or not,” Max laughs and shrugs.
The judge chuckles and waves his hand sitting back in his chair, “Don’t mind me, this is the most interesting part of my day.”
Max raises his hand and shrugs, “See? Maryanne, answer me, please.”
She pauses, before shaking her head, “What is your question again?”
Max stands from his chair, a large grin beginning to form on his lips. “Are you willing to be with me and adopt Riley together?”
“Max, you know that means. . .”
“Yes, I do. I would be honored to spend the rest of my life with you. If you allow me to. I know I’m not perfect, but I just want to make sure you’re the happiest woman in the world, as is Riley. Will you allow me to do that?”
“Yes,” Maryanne releases the word as her heart warms at the intensity of Max’s gaze. Her entire body heats up from both embarrassment and passion.
The judge begins to laugh and nods, digging around in the paperwork on his desk, “Great, I will grant you both custody of Riley and allow you two to go through with the adoption in the following months. Congratulations you two.”
Maryanne smiles, tears in her eyes, “Thank you, your honor.”
“Thank you, sir,” Max nods.
As Maryanne turns to peer back at Riley who is giggling in Geneva’s lap, she almost doesn’t see Max who saunters over to her, almost runs, and whisks her up in his arms before planting a passion-filled kiss on her lips. The entire court begins an uproar of clapping.
Maryanne, dizzy on her emotions, almost misses Max’s whisper in the deafening noise.
“I love you, Maryanne.”