Title: Blessing in disguise
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: see part one

It was standing room only in the small courtroom in the Sparta courthouse. All of those not scheduled to work were there to support Lonnie. He was grateful for their presence it was helping his nerves a little bit. Not much, but a little. Althea was seated in the first row holding Melisa. Dee had been released from the hospital the day before and was seated next to Althea.

Lonnie fidgeted in his seat. The judge had left fifteen minutes before to review testimony and statements from people not in attendance. He took out his wallet and removed the dog eared picture of he Collen and Melisa. Lonnie lightly rubbed a finger over Collen's face. Lonnie had done everything he could do to keep Melisa with him; it was out of his hands now.

"How you holdin' up?"Gillespie asked as he approached Lonnie.

Lonnie glanced up from the photo and he saw the chief's gaze track to Colleen's image.

"My stomach's in knots, Chief."Lonnie admitted quietly as he looked over at Althea and Melisa. "I just want to know."

Commotion up front caught Lonnie's attention and he saw the judge and court officers coming back in. Everyone rose to their feet.

"Be seated."The judge instructed."I have reached a decision in the adoption appeal of Melisa Hughes."

Lonnie swallowed hard and glanced over at Melisa. He knew the road ahead would be tough but outside of being a husband to Colleen he'd never wanted anything more than to be Melisa's father.

"While the evidence against Mr. Jamison's appeal is compelling."The silver haired male judge continued. "I find that his service to this community as a police officer and being a native son of Sparta more than enough to grant the adoption. Congratulations, Mr. Jamison."

Lonnie sprang to his feet a wide smile on his face.

"Thank you, your honor."Lonnie stated in a choked voice. "Thank you."

The judge nodded.

Lonnie immediately went to Althea who gently handed Melisa over. His left arm still in a sling Lonnie held Melissa in a one armed hug. He rested his forehead against the little girl's head and closed his eyes feeling tears sting as he fought to blink them back.

/I did it, Colleen./Lonnie thought. /Kept my promise. She'll be my family, always./

As the courtroom cleared and smiles and congratulations were given to Lonnie he couldn't help but think of what he'd lost. He would always love Colleen and miss her. Now he had a part of her to raise and Lonnie was grateful for that. With Melisa as his family Colleen would always be with him.

end