Jaiden

Jaiden Chapter 133

Gregory Patrick

10/08/2021

Jaiden – Chapters 133

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Greg Patrick

"Peyton, this is your brother, the one who has the hot nurse wife, as our little brother likes to say." "Hello, Richard, how's it going?" "It's going well; thanks for asking. We've been swamped in our department, and I'm sure it's the same for you and Jaiden, so, how are y'all doing?" "We're doing well; thank you for asking as well." "I was just calling to ask what the heck happened with Pete?"

"Richard, I played shadchan and introduced him to Leon, and they fell head over heels in love with each other. They spent the night together Wednesday night at the house. Leon is a totally different person than when we first met him. Counseling is going well; his progress has been astounding, his happiness quotient has been through the roof." "I can say the same thing about Pete, Peyton. I have never seen a person change moods so quickly. I think he has floated everywhere he has been in the hospital this past week." "That's great, Richard."

"You haven't yet met Leon, have you?" "Not yet, Peyton." "What say we go out to dinner tonight so you and Sally can meet him?" "Sorry, bro, no can do; I have to take Sally to the doctor at 5:00 this afternoon." "Is everything OK?" "Yes and no. I screwed up, and she has to get checked because of me. I have been in a state of concern for the last week because Sally has been very ill after what I did. Even so, she has not missed work."

"Richard, what happened to make you feel so upset and Sally have to see a doctor because of what you may have done to hurt her?" "Peyton, I didn't say I hurt her; I said I screwed up." "Well, my sweet brother, let me and Jaiden know if there is something we can do to help you." "I will, but it will have to be with Sally's permission."

"Hey, hon, you look upset; is everything OK?" "I'm not sure, Jaiden. Richard has to take Sally to the doctor at 5:00 this afternoon. He said he screwed up, and she has been very sick because of him." "He said he screwed up, Peyton?" "He did." "And Sally has been very sick because of it?" "She has." "And he is taking her to the doctor at 5:00 this afternoon?" "He is." Peyton, you are a pediatrician, albeit specializing in oncology and oncological surgery, but, still, you should have put two and two together and come up with four." "I don't get it, Jaiden."

Peyton, 1. Richard screwed up. 2: Sally is sick because Richard screwed up. 3. Richard has to take Sally to the doctor at 5:00 this afternoon – because he screwed up. Think about it, Peyton!" Screwed up means he had sex with his wife. She has been sick because they had sex. And Richard has to take Sally to the doctor because they had sex and Sally has been ill since. What does that sound like to you, Peyton?" "No, it can't be!" They are married, sure it can be."

"Jaiden, are you saying Sally is pregnant?" "That's what you described to me, Peyton." "OMG, Jaiden, don't tell anybody. Richard said he would let us know if we could help, but it would have to be with Sally's permission. Sally's pregnant!" "Sure sounds like it to me, Peyton; don't say anything to anybody until Richard tells you it is OK to let the news out of the bag. We don't want Sally mad at Richard - or us." "Damn, why didn't I see that? Stop giggling, Jaiden."

The family was getting ready to go to dinner when the doorbell rang at 6:30 that evening. Jaiden answered the door, and Richard and Sally were standing there. Sally had tears in her eyes, tears that greatly concerned Jaiden and Peyton. So they went to the den where Sally and Richard sat on the couch. Since Sally was crying, Peyton asked her what was wrong.

"Peyton, your brother gave me a sexually transmitted problem." "Peyton turned blood red when he looked at Richard and said, "YOU WHAT!" "Peyton, I told you I screwed up. First, the doctor examined Sally from top to bottom, pun intended. Then he looked at me and said, "Richard, you really screwed up this time; your wife is pregnant!"

Peyton had the most incredulous look ever on his face. "I'm going to be an uncle again?" "You sure are, Peyton." "Does Mom and Dad know?" "Not yet. We thought we'd give you a chance to get Dad good with the news." Really! You're gonna let me do that?" "Yep, we surely are."

"High, Mom. Is Dad where he can speak to me on the phone?" "He is, Peyton. You sound upset; what is wrong?" "Mom, get Dad on the phone, and I'll tell you both. In fact, get Seth on the phone too if he is at the house."

"Peyton, this is Dad; Seth is on the phone with your mother and me, so tell us what has you so upset."

"Dad, Richard has screwed up so badly that he had to take Sally to the doctor today for her to get treatment for what he did to her. Dad, when Richard told me what he'd done to Sally, it took all I had not to wipe the floor with him. I don't know what he has been doing in his spare time, but he really has Sally in a precarious situation. "

"Peyton, this is Seth; if Richard has hurt my hot sister-in-law, I am going to make him regret it."

"Dad, he has caused Sally to have a sexually related problem, and it is going to take quite a while to get it cleared up." "Son, what the hell did Richard do to Sally?" "Dad, he really screwed up, and because of him, Sally has been vomiting and having a hard time at work."

"Peyton, if you don't tell me what Richard did to Sally, I am going to fly to Memphis and put my foot up your ass – and maybe Richard's as well. Now tell me what happened, and don't mince words!" "Mom, Dad, Seth, Richard got Sally pregnant!"

Peyton's and Richard's mom screamed so loud you could have heard her in downtown Memphis through the telephone receiver. "Peyton, are Richard and Sally sitting with you at the house?" "They are, Dad." "Put that damned phone of yours on speakerphone."

"Dad, the speaker is on." "Sally, Richard, I am so happy for you. I don't have the words to say how I feel right now, but if you could see your mom, she's doing a pentecostal jig in the living room, and we're Jewish." "Dad, that's funny. We wanted Peyton to tell you the news because he is so good at setting you on edge before delivering the punch line." "That he is, Richard; I shouldn't have taught him so well. Have you let Jenny know yet?" "No, sir. We have to figure a way to get her too." "Richard, let Peyton do it the same way, and then let me know how Jenny reacts." "We will, Dad. I'll call you tomorrow and let you know how the call went."

"Richard, Sally, I am so happy and proud for the two of you. Let your mom and me know if we can help in any way; if you don't, I ain't gonna be happy." "Don't worry, Dad, we'll keep you and mom in the loop on everything that happens. We love you!" "Richard, your mom and I love the two of you to Mars and back."

"Jenny, this is Peyton; do you have a minute to talk?" "I do, Peyton; what's wrong?" "Jenny, it's Richard and Sally. Richard has really screwed up. I don't know what he did, but every time she looks at him, she vomits. It was so bad this afternoon that he had to take her to the doctor. She came to the house this afternoon, and she was crying. It took all I had not to find Richard and wipe the floor with him. What he did has put Sally in a precarious situation, especially with her working at the hospital. What he did has caused Sally to have a sexually transmitted problem."

"Peyton, if Richard has done something and brought a disease home to Sally, so help me, I will fly to Memphis and rip his head off!" "Jenny, you or mom may well have to fly to Memphis as Sally goes through treatment for what Richard has caused. It will take a while to clear up what has happened, and it may require surgery at some point." "Peyton, I can't believe Richard has put Sally in such a situation." "We didn't want to believe it either until she came to the house tonight and was crying."

"Is Sally at the house now, Peyton?" "She is, Jenny." "Hand her the phone and let me speak to her for just a minute." "Sally, Jenny wants to talk to you."

In a teary voice, Sally took the phone and said, "High, Jenny; I'm sorry Peyton called and upset you tonight." "Sally, has Richard put you in a precarious position?" "He has, Jenny, and this afternoon, the doctor said it was going to take months to clear up what Richard has caused." "My word, Sally. I can't believe Richard has screwed up and put you in your position. Of course, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but just what has Richard done?" "Jenny, he got me pregnant!"

Jenny let out a blood-curdling scream just like her mom did. "Sally, tell Peyton I am going to kill him when I get my hands on him!" "Everybody was laughing at this point. Then, finally, Jenny said, "Sally, I'll be glad to fly to Memphis or Erie to help you when the time comes for you to slow down and take it easy. I know Mom has already offered, but she won't be nearly as comical as I'll be, and she won't nag Peyton anywhere near as well as I can – and will." "That's funny, Jenny. When the time gets here, and I need help, I'll definitely call you."

"I think you and I can have a lot of fun together." "Sally, you better believe we can, and we can go shopping together so you can pick out what you want for the baby. I'll get Dad's charge card, and we can shop to our heart's content, and it won't cost us a dime. Better yet, I'll get Peyton's charge card and get whatever you want."

"I'll look forward to that, Jenny. I better go so I can get home and get some rest. We love you." "Ron, the boys, and I love you too, Sally. Have a good night." A few minutes later, Richard's phone pinged with a new message. "Richard, CONGRATULATIONS! We love my younger brother. Jenny, Ron, and the boys."

Leon had been at a nightly AA/NA meeting, so he didn't know the news. When he walked in the door of the house, Peyton said, "Leon, have a seat in the dining room, Jaiden, and I need to have a talk with you." Peyton saying that caused Leon to have a near panic attack.

"Peyton, what's up?" "Leon, I don't know how to tell you this without causing you some worry, but a situation has arisen that you need to know about." "Peyton, you're scaring me; what has happened?" "Leon, you're going to be an uncle again!" What? How?"

"Richard and Sally are going to have a baby in about eight months." "Really?" "Really, Leon. That's not all. Mom and Dad are flying up this weekend to talk to you. Then the three of you are going to be in Court on Monday morning. They'll also have their lawyer here to talk with you as well."

Peyton was looking at Leon as he began to tremble uncontrollably. "Leon, calm down. This is going to be something magnificent for you. I can't tell you because I promised Mom and Dad I would let them tell you when they get here Friday night." "Peyton, do you promise me what they want to talk to me about is something good?" "Leon, I promise you that what Mom and Dad want to talk to you about is so good it will make all of us cry." "Now I am nervous, Peyton." "Don't be, Leon; there is no need to feel that way, I promise."

Friday night at 8:00 p.m., Peyton's phone rang, and it was his parents letting him know they had arrived at the airport. "Leon, come on, we need to go to the airport to pick up Mom and Dad." "Peyton, I am scared to death about why they want to talk to me." "Leon, I told you there is no need to feel that way. I know what they want to talk to you about, and to me, it is something so beautiful I don't know if I have the words to explain it. They'll talk to you when we get back to the house."

When Peyton's parents saw him and Leon at the airport, they grabbed and pulled Leon into a bear hug. Dad Riley looked at Leon and asked, "How is my newest boy doing tonight?" "Dad, your newest boy is scared to death about whatever it is you want to talk to him about." "Son, it's all good; please don't worry. We'll talk when we get to the house."

When everyone got home, Peyton, Jaiden, Leon, and Peyton's parents sat at the dining room table to talk to Leon; Jaiden and Peyton would be Leon's support.

"Leon, I have some legal papers in the large envelope, and rather than tell you what they say, I am going to let you look at them, read them, and then tell mom and me if you agree with what they propose." "Yes, sir."

Dad Riley pulled the legal papers from the manila envelope and handed them to Leon. As he began reading the document, he looked up at Peyton's parents as tears started flooding from his eyes. "Dad, are you and Mom serious about this?" "Leon, we have never been more serious."

"Son, as you grew up, you suffered because of something you couldn't and can't help. Being gay is something you are born with; it's not a choice you make. Phyllis and I want you to be a legal part of our family, to be our son and Peyton's, Richard's, Seth's, and Jenny's brother. The lawyer is supposed to be here from Erie Monday morning to go to Court with us if you agree with what we want to do for you." "You really want me to be your son?" "More than you know, Leon, more than you know!"

"WOW! Never in a million years would I have ever imagined this is what you wanted to talk to me about – never. Oh, wow."

The doorbell to the front door rang, and Jaiden pretended to look out the dining room window to see who it was. "Leon, it's for you."

"Leon answered the doorbell, and as he opened the door, he was shocked to see Dr. Till standing there with Pete. When he saw Pete, he collapsed with a guttural cry. Pete caught him, and he and Dr. Till helped Leon walk back to the dining room. Leon laid his head on Pete's shoulder and cried his heart out. When he calmed down, he introduced Pete to Peyton's parents as his boyfriend. Dr. Till talked calmly with Leon to help him repose himself. Then, incredulously, she looked over the adoption papers.

"Leon, do you realize how blessed you are that at your age, someone is asking you to be their legal son?" "Yes, mam, I do, but it's so surreal, so unexpected. Nobody has ever loved me this way – never." As they were talking, the doorbell at the garage doors rang, so Jaiden went to see who was at the garage. When he stepped outside the door, he was shocked to see his mother standing there.

"Mom, this is unreal; when did you get here?" "About 30 minutes ago. You didn't think I was going to stay home and not be a part of all this, did you?" "Mom, I didn't even know about it until tonight, or I would have told you." "Son, I know that. Jim, Phyllis, and I have been planning this for the last two months; that's why you see me standing here." "Well, don't just stand here; let's go inside."

"High, guys!" "Mom, when did you get here?" "I flew in about forty minutes ago to join the celebration." "You knew about all this?" "I did, and that's why I'm here."

Before Jaiden's mom could get to the dining room, the doorbell at the garage rang again. This time, Peyton went to the entry door to the garage. He was incredibly shocked to see Dale's and Charley's parents standing there when he stepped outside. He escorted them to the dining room and then walked into the den and told Charley and Dale they needed to come to the dining room.

When Dale and Charley got to the dining room, their mouths hit the floor when they saw their parents. "Mom, Dad, why are y'all here?" Charley asked his parents the same question. "We're here to join in on the celebration for Leon. We want him to know and understand that he has joined an extended family that will support him no matter what. Son, we learned our lesson a few years back. We aren't going to make the same mistake again. Besides, we don't want that lioness chewing our asses again; it took us a long time to grow them back." Jaiden's mom threw her head back and started laughing and clapping her hands at Dad Anderson's statement. While she was laughing at what Dale's dad said, she was well aware that he was serious about what he had said.

The parents had made reservations at the Hilton on the River, so they went to their respective rooms. They would meet their sons and grandchildren at the synagogue on Saturday morning for services.

On Saturday morning, the families arrived together at the temple. After the service, the babies and their dads piled into the van. Then, the grandparents and Pete and Leon got into the Lincoln Navigators and headed to B. B. Kings for lunch. When they got to the restaurant, they were seated quickly since the waitresses knew and loved interacting with the children.

"Good afternoon, Drs. Jaiden and Peyton. Dale, Charley. How are y'all today?" "We are doing well, Stephanie; we hope you are too." "I am; thanks for asking. Will the children be having their usual today? Peyton said yes, but please place some foil over the green mixture so we can give the children a drop of Beano on their first bite of the mixture." "Yes, sir, we fully understand."

The waitresses got everybody's order and turned the orders in to the kitchen. When the waitresses delivered the food, the grandmothers helped the dads put a drop of Beano on the first bite of broccoli salad each child took. Next, Charley's dad, Chuck Leonard, asked if the children were eating raw broccoli. Peyton's dad replied before anyone else said a word, "Yes, Chuck, the children are eating broccoli. So, if you take my advice, don't ride home with the children until you see how the broccoli will affect them."

The waitress said, "Sir, Dr. Riley is right. We gave the children some broccoli salad one day when we didn't know of the need for Beano. Those sweet babies almost cleared out the restaurant. Also, I've heard that Dr. Riley got trapped in the van with the children after their dad gave them broccoli salad on purpose."

Chuck Leonard asked, "Jim, did that really happen to you?" "Yes, it did, Chuck, and I almost puked all over Peyton. I had to threaten him to get him to unlock the windows so I could get some air." "Jim, that is hilarious." "No hell it wasn't funny, Chuck; those babies stunk! When we got home with them, they had to stay in the yard until the Beano stopped their gas problems." "It's still hilarious to me, Jim." "Chuck, I promise you, if you had been in that van that day, it wouldn't have been funny."

When everyone arrived home, a strange vehicle parked such that no one could get into the garage. Jaiden was a bit peeved, and Peyton wasn't happy. So they got the children out of the van and left it parked in the driveway. When they went inside the house, they were pleasantly surprised to find Jenny sitting on the couch in the den. "Jenny, we didn't know you were coming to Memphis; when did you get here?" "I got here about an hour ago."

"Did you get something for lunch?" "I did; I stopped at Tony's and got some Lasagna and a salad. It was delicious." "Good; I wish you could have joined us." "I tried, Jaiden; I just didn't get here in time."

"Jenny, can you come in the kitchen for a minute?" "Leon is about to walk in the door. Do your thing when he walks in."

As Leon walked through the kitchen door, Jenny said, "Hold it right there, Mister. I don't know who you are, and you just walked into this house? Put your hands on the wall." Jenny pretended to frisk Leon. She first slowly ran her hands down his leg as she said, "Ooh, nice legs!"

Next, she ran her hands across his thighs and said, "strong thigh muscles." Jenny then let her hands fall and said, "Dr. Peyton, look at this: he has the cutest butt." Afterward, she put her arms around Leon's waist, laid her head on his back, and said, "Geez, he smells good too!"

Leon broke away from Jenny, turned around, and said, "Lady, who are you?" "Leon, I am Jenny, your new older sister. Welcome to the family!"

"Jenny? From Oregon?" "That would be me."

"I just talked to you last night on the telephone. I can't believe you flew down so quickly." "It wasn't quickly, Leon; it was a five-hour flight. I wasn't going to miss all the excitement of getting to welcome my new brother to the family."

"Pete, it's nice to meet you as well; I've heard a lot about you." "Thank you, Jenny; it's nice to finally meet you too. Peyton talks about how special you are all the time." "Really?" "Really, you can tell he loves you very much; he daydreams when he talks about you."

"Peyton, that's really sweet. I know we are close, but I didn't know you felt that way about me." "Jenny, I always have, and I always will. You have been an incredible support for me all my life." "Little brother, I have always felt that way about you. All your life, you have made me unbelievably proud of you."

"When all of your and Jaiden's accomplishments played in the news, and the members of the community would talk about you, I had a lot of pride when I'd say, "he's a neat person, isn't he? He's my baby brother. I am proud of you, Peyton, so very proud."

"Thanks, Jenny; I love you too."

Dad Riley suddenly said, "Guys, why don't we go for a walk on the Riverwalk and get the babies some ice cream." When he said that, all the children started yelling, "ice cream, Daddy, ice cream!"

When they arrived at the Riverwalk, the paddle boat was ready to embark on its journey upriver. When the children were in their prams, Mark Anthony and David Alexander pointed as the paddlewheel began turning and said, "boat, Daddy, boat." "It's a big, pretty boat, isn't it, boys?" "Yes, sir."

"Peyton, when did the boys start saying, "yes, sir?" "Mom, Granny, and Ginny have been teaching them things like that; never a week goes by that the boys – and Alaina Noelle - don't surprise us with a new word or phrase.

Everybody walked to the north-end overlook and sat in the little cove where the ducks were swimming. Dad Riley had brought along some feed for the ducks and let the children throw it in the water. The babies cackled much as they watched the ducks scurrying for the food. When the food was finally gone, the families walked back to their vehicles and headed home.

The adults watched as the children gathered at the den's doors to go outside and play. As soon as the doors were opened, the babies blitzed the backyard as they began playing hard. Then, just as the dads had hoped they would, the children tired quickly and asked to go inside to take their afternoon nap. Baby business having been taken care of, the babies got in their beds and promptly went to sleep.

Dale had started a couple of pots of coffee when they got home, so the adults sat in the cool den, had some coffee, and got to know Leon and Pete. Jenny was sitting next to Leon as she took his hand in hers and said, "Leon, I'm glad I finally got to meet you. Peyton and Jaiden have told me what a wonderful person you are, and that isn't hard for me to see. I am proud of you and your adjustments; it will be fantastic to have you as a new brother and get to know you."

"Leon patted Jenny's hand and smiled as tears began to well up in his eyes. Jenny lightly and lovingly brushed away a tear and laid her head on Leon's shoulder. Leon was thinking how surreal it was for him to feel so loved, accepted, and appreciated. Pete was sitting in a chair by the doors as he watched Leon and smiled at the love he was receiving from his new family.

As the evening was wearing down, the parents headed to their hotel rooms to rest and prepare for Court the following day. Jenny stayed at her brother's house. She had her own room across from Leon's, and Seth stayed in the other bedroom.

Pete started to go to his place for the night, but Leon asked him to stay; so, he did. There wouldn't be any frisky activities for the night. Still, Pete did cuddle up to Leon's back, his left arm under Leon's head, as he kissed the back of Leon's neck and his shoulders and whispered sweet things into his ears.

The following morning when Pete and Leon awoke, Pete looked at Leon and asked, "Man, do you smell that?" "It smells like Heaven in here. Bacon, sausage, bread, eggs, and corn. Why am I smelling corn?" "Pete, did you grow up in the south?" "No. I grew up in the Midwest; why?" "I knew you didn't grow up in the south, or you would know the smell of grits and butter."

"Grits? What are grits?" "Grits are corn that has been dried and then coarsely ground. Then most people cook the ground corn in salty water; some people use part milk or cream. Personally, I like the way Peyton's mom and Dale prepare them with cream." "Hmm, I'm going to try them: I hope I like them so I don't offend someone if I don't." "Pete, you'll like them, I guarantee!" "Leon, you sounded just like the man who founded and used to do the television commercials for H&M Menswear – which reminds me, I need to go by their store and get a new suit."

Suddenly, Pete heard a bell ring and asked Leon what it was for. Leon told Pete it was how Peyton's mom called everyone at the farm inside to eat breakfast when she finished getting it ready.

After breakfast, everybody helped get the dining room and the breakfast room cleaned and the dishes placed into the dishwasher. Ginny and Granny had already cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom. Those tasks completed, everyone got ready to go to Court.

The family finally arrived at the courthouse. They know a surprise awaits Leon in the courtroom, but he doesn't – and they headed to the courtroom with great anticipation!

As they were entering the courtroom, the Bailiff said that if the children became too upset or excited and started making noise, they would have to be taken out of the courtroom.

Still, he told Dad and Mom Riley, and the children's dads, that somehow he didn't believe that would be necessary for the morning's hearing.

The courtroom was pitch black inside since the lights were off and there were no windows to let in sunlight. Nevertheless, everyone entered the courtroom and followed the railing leading to the front. When they reached their seats and sat down, the bailiff turned on the courtroom lights. Leon looked around and saw the entire group from the treatment center sitting with Dr. Till.

When he saw the people who had worked hard to help him improve his life, he let out the most guttural cry anyone had ever heard. Dr. Till did what she does best and had Leon calmed in twenty minutes.

When Leon calmed down, the bailiff let the Judge know, and he entered the courtroom. "Ladies and gentlemen, I am Judge Norman Anderson of the Superior Court of Shelby County. I am dispensing with usual court formalities and will conduct this hearing in a relaxed, informal manner.

"Mr. Leon Pettigrew, will you please approach the bench."

"Mr. Pettigrew, I have been practicing law for more than thirty years. For ten of those years, I have been a judge. So naturally, therefore, I can say with unparalleled certainty that the case you have recently been involved in has been the most fascinating in the history of the Tennessee judiciary. You were arrested for felony assault and disorderly conduct. Yet, you appeared in Court, admitted your guilt, apologized to the victims of your offense, and accepted without argument the sentence the Court handed down to you."

"Six months later, the Court was advised of the tremendous progress you had made in your alcohol and drug treatment. The victims of your offense appeared in Court on your behalf and made a most unusual request, which the Court granted. Afterward, those same individuals took you to lunch."

"Not two months later, the court learned that the victims of your offense had given you a home and were participating with you in your counseling process and even purchased an automobile for you to go to and from counseling; all of this was strange enough."

"A month later, the victims in your case informed the Court that arrangements had been made for you to attend college and graduate school at no cost to you. Young man, their actions regarding your education were unprecedented."

"Afterward, the court dismissed all charges against you and ordered that all information related to said offense and sentence be wiped from your official record."

"Now, two individuals, Dr. James, and Mrs. Phyllis Riley stand before the Court requesting to adopt you, make you their legal son, the brother of one of your victims, Dr. Peyton Riley-Reynolds, and the brother-in-law of Dr. Jaiden Riley-Reynolds. Dr. Peyton's sister and the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Riley, Mrs. Jennifer Rothstein, has flown here from Oregon. They are standing with and committing to help you in every conceivable way possible."

"If that wasn't strange enough, I have two other petitions that have been filed with the Court on your behalf: Dr. Peggy Reynolds of Virginia has petitioned the Court to be declared your legal aunt. In addition, Mr. Dale and Mr. Charley Leonard-Anderson have further petitioned the Court to be declared your legal brothers in conjunction with Drs. Riley-Reynolds. The Court is scared to inquire how much more strange your previous case can become."

"Mr. Pettigrew, the court would like for you to explain how all of this has come about."

"Your Honor, I wish I could explain what has happened since I first appeared before the Court. The only rational thing I can think of is that Hashem, God, has blessed me beyond measure, far more than I could ever deserve. Secondly, Drs. Riley-Reynolds, and their family members, have treated me like their son and brother and have taught me how to forgive myself and love others because it is right and Godly. Your Honor that is all I can think of that has brought me back to this Court; beyond that, I am still asking myself why."

"You have been in the Riley-Reynolds and Leonard-Anderson home for what, six months now, and you have been around and with ten children since they were twelve months old during that time. They are now sixteen months old. How has your relationship with those babies worked out?

Jaiden stood and said, "Your Honor, if I may indulge the Court's patience for a moment, I would like for the Court to see the answer to the Court's question." "Dr. Jaiden, please proceed."

"Mrs. Martha Stuart, and Mrs. Geraldine McDonald, would you please remove the children from their prams and help them come to the area where I am standing?"

Ginny and Granny did as Jaiden asked. When the children were taken into the area where Jaiden was standing, they immediately ran to Leon, grabbed his hands, and yelled, "PLAY." Leon got on the floor, and the children started climbing all over him and laughing as hard as they could. A smile crossed the Judge's face as he intently watched the children show Leon their love for him."

After a few minutes, Jaiden ushered his and Dale's and Charley's children back to their prams with one exception: Alaina Noelle climbed into Leon's lap and went to sleep.

Peyton looked at the Judge and said, "Your Honor, need we say more?" "Dr. Peyton, I think not."

"Dr. Jim and Mrs. Phyllis Riley, is it your desire to adopt Leon Pettigrew as your son?" Both replied, "With all our heart and love, it is your honor."

The Judge became very quiet as he began perusing several packets of orders on his desk. Finally, he signed the first order, handed it to the Clerk of Court, and instructed her to send an exemplified copy to the Tennessee Bureau of Vital Records and file an appropriate, signed copy in her office.

Secondly, the Judge signed three packets of orders, handed them to the Clerk with instructions to stamp all three copies as filed effective the current date and time. He further instructed the Clerk to hold on to two copies until instructed to disburse them to the appropriate individuals. Finally, he did the same with two other sets of records before addressing everyone in the courtroom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Court has signed all pertinent orders relative to the matter before the Court. Accordingly, the Court orders that the adoption of Leon Pettigrew by Dr. James and Mrs. Phyllis Riley is finalized."

It is the Court's further order that the Clerk of Court forward to the Vital Records Division of the State of Tennessee an order requiring them to change the parentage of Mr. Leon Pettigrew on his birth certificate to read Dr. James and Mrs. Phyllis Riley and to change the adoptee's name to Leon Riley effective immediately.

The further order of the Court is that Dr. Peggy Reynolds is officially the aunt of Mr. Leon Riley, and Mr. Dale and Mr. Charley Leonard-Anderson are legal brothers of Mr. Leon Riley. So, therefore, Dr. Jaiden Riley-Reynolds, your brother-in-law, Leon Riley, is now your cousin; Heaven help you trying to explain that to your friends!"

The Judge declared, "It is so ordered!" and then banged his gavel.

"Ladies and gentlemen, now that the proceedings are off the record, I would like to announce that a celebratory catered luncheon is to be held at Tony's Italian Restaurant. Everyone present in the courtroom is invited to attend.

Then the Judge looked at the children and asked, "Hey guys, would you like to go to Tony's and get some skety?" The children's happy response was deafening in the courtroom."