Date: Tue, 21 Sep 2010 19:49:51 -0700 (PDT) From: Joe Collins <joecollins7420@yahoo.com> Subject: Searching for true love Chapter 13 This is the story of one man's search for true love. However, there will be some sex but the real focal point will be on the relationships developed along the way. If you are not of legal age, this is unlawful in your area, or man sex bothers you, then I would suggest you leave now. Drop me line, I would love to hear from you. joecollins7420@yahoo.com Chapter 13 Nick and party went to see the lawyer to start the adoption procedure as he said he would. He took Jake`s death certificate and will. Mrs. Wilson had Rickie's birth certificate, the letter from Jake, and the report of a private investigator saying that no living relative of Rickie's mother could be found. This report had been notarized and filed with the proper authorities, including children services. Mrs. Wilson even had documentation from them. The lawyer told Nick that he wanted to make a couple of phone calls and that everyone could wait in one of the large conference rooms. He had his secretary bring in some soft drinks, coffee and tea for those who wanted something to drink. The lawyer called the county judge and children services and was able to get a meeting that afternoon at 3:00. "I would suggest that since it is a quarter till 12 that we all meet at the Chinese Buffet and have lunch. I think my secretary and I will join you if we may" "Please do. I will call my folks and a few friends. We can have them meet us there." said Nick Nick could see that Rickie was getting all tense and he started to cry. Nick just put his arm around this shoulders and smiled at him and .calmly said, "Rickie, I know how you feel. I am scared spitless myself. Love you son, and that is all that matters!" "But Dad, what if the judge says no?" "First of all I don't play what `if games'. It something should go wrong, we can deal with it after it happens. I want to see your big cute smile, OK. Think good thoughts and all the fun we are going to have." "I'll try" "That all I ask! You know James I went through this when we went before the judge. Only thing, I was the one playing the `what if game' and everything turned out ok. May I hold your hand? That should give us the courage to go on." "Nick, can I hold your other hand?" asked Grandma Wilson with tears in her eyes. "I would be delighted. James, why don't you take Rickie's other hand!" The four of them walked out of the building singing a happy song. After lunch, we had more than an hour to kill. So we went to the apartment complex. Sue brought Harry with her and were waiting at Sam and Alicia's. The rest of us all went into Aunt Nancy's apartment and had a cup of coffee. At a quarter till three, we all left for the Judge's office. His secretary ushered us into the courtroom and we were are sitting in the front row. The Bailiff called the court in session and the Judge entered, black robe and all. It appeared like any other court in the land. The only thing missing were the lawyers, the jury and the accused. "Mr. Phillips and Rickie would you please stand here before me." Nick and Rickie stood and started to the front. Richie reached over and took Nick's hand and whispered, "I am scared, Dad!" "I am also. Shall we be scare together?" Nick whispered back. Richie just shook his head yes and Nick smiled at him. "No, need to whisper. I heard everything and there is no need to be scared. I have conferred with Children's Services and I have looked over all the paper work submitted by your lawyer. Mrs. Wilson, I read the material that you gave to me which I found very interesting and complete. I appreciated you concerns. Thank You." "I would like to talk with Rickie in my chambers. Please follow me!" Rickie grabbed Nick arms and it was clear that he wasn't going to let go. Nick just put his other arm around him and hugged him close. "I think my questions have already been answered by both Rickie and Nick. Both of you can relax now. I am going to approve the adoption of Rickie by Nick and I so order. Rickie, the state will issue you a new birth certificate. Your birth date and place will remain the same. You can choose any name you want and that will become your new name. Do you have one in mind or do you need a minute.?" "I would like my name to be Rick Gene Wilson Phillips. Mom and Dad gave me the name Rick and I want to keep it. Gene will be for my mother. Wilson will be for Jake and Grandma Wilson and of course Phillips is my new Dad's name." Mrs. Wilson fainted and Sue caught her before she fell. "Do you need a paramedic?" "I don't think so you honor, she is starting to come around." "I will give you a minute or two before I continue." "Sorry, you honor. I was just over come by emotions and let them get the best of me." "No, apologizes necessary. I think we all felt the same way. I like the name that you have selected and from this time forward you will be know as Rick Gene Wilson Phillips. Come here you man, I need a hug and want to be the first to congratulate you. Is the new father passing out cigars?" Rickie ran towards the judge and grabbed him around the neck and gave him a great big kiss. "No, cigars! But I am going to have one big barbeque tomorrow and you are invited. Thank you! Your Honor. You have made two people the happiest ones in the whole wide world." "No Nick, You are not the happiest people in the world. You forget there are a room full of people that are just as happy as you two are." Said Mrs. Wilson through her tears. " I know that I don't look happy but I am full of joy and happiness. "This is all over except for the two of us signing about a 1,000 sheets of paper!" laughed the Judge.