Chapter 8

After Amber's departure, Vivian and Mac settled back into their conversation. The majority of it remained rather superficial. They talked about Vivian's work and a recent offer to make her a partner. Vivian avoided any conversation regarding romantic entanglements. That was a discussion for another time.

"Based on everything I've heard, Mac, you've settled into the quaint academic life quite well," Vivian remarked, her long red hair catching the light.

Mac chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It suits me, I suppose. The quietude helps... with things." His voice trailed off, and for a moment, the weight of his wife's absence hung heavily between them.

"Speaking of which," Vivian began, her tone shifting. "What about Amber?" She eyed him curiously, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Are you planning to take up her offer?"

Mac raised an eyebrow, a touch of amusement in his soft-spoken reply. "She's a student, Vivian. Of course not. Besides, she wasn't serious. She does stuff like that all the time."

"Really?" Vivian leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "That seemed pretty bold for someone just messing around."

Vivian did not elaborate. Amber was dead serious about Mac. She wanted him.

He offered a dismissive shrug. "It's just part of her charm, I guess."

Before Vivian could probe further, laughter and the sound of familiar voices approached their table. A group of Vivian's friends were back from their table, signaling that it was time for Vivian to join them.

"Guess that's my cue," she said, standing up. Her eyes held a hint of reluctance as she added, "I'll be in town for a while. I didn't really say why before, but... just some personal matters to attend to."

"Understood," Mac replied, rising to his feet with a courteous nod.

Vivian gathered her things, casting one last glance at Mac. "Take care of yourself, okay?" Her voice was soft, almost vulnerable, a stark contrast to her usual tenacity.

"Always do," he said with a gentle smile.

As she walked away, Mac watched her. Vivian Sutton. Stunning, smart, funny, and driven. There was a time when she made him smile. There was also a time when the mere thought of her caused him pain. But now, he was smiling. It was good to see her.

With that, Mac thought it was time to leave. He closed out his tab and found a taxi home.

***

A couple of days passed, each filled with the routine of lectures and literature discussions, before Mac found himself standing at the door to his house, staring in mild surprise at Vivian. She stood on his front porch, her posture poised but her hands betraying a slight tremble.

"Vivian? What brings you here?" Mac asked, genuine curiosity lacing his tone.

"I needed to talk," she said simply, her green eyes meeting his with an intensity that reminded him of their past.

"Come in," he gestured, stepping aside to allow her entry.

As Vivian crossed the threshold into the home, she said, "I am sorry to just drop in on you, Mac. I was trying to do it so I didn't come into contact with your girls."

Mac raised an eyebrow. "Why would you do that?"

Vivian smiled, and there seemed a hint of sadness in her expression. "I know the way I left…it hurt you. I just didn't want to create more turmoil in your life."

Mac returned her smile. "That was a long time ago. I am not mad at you, Vivian. I wasn't then, and I am not now. You had to follow your dream, and it's okay that I couldn't be a part of it."

Vivian was not a crier. She was too strong and independent for that. But damn that man and his freaking understanding.

"Anyway," she turned to keep from shedding a tear. "After you told me about the state's intervention, I looked into it. You are quite the controversy."

"And what did you find?" Mac interrupted, unable to keep the edge from his voice.

"Half the department thinks you are some kind of saint," she said, "the other half is convinced you are some kind of perv."

Mac snorted. "So much for the in-between."

Vivian shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "It's never that simple with you, is it, Mac?" She took a seat on the couch, folding her hands in her lap as she composed herself. "But I know you, and I know there's more to this story than meets the eye."

Mac settled into a chair across from her, his expression softening. "The girls," he began, his voice tinged with a mix of love and concern, "Maggie and Stokely... they deserve better than what life has dealt them."

Vivian nodded in understanding. "I saw the reports, Mac. Their past... it's not an easy one to shake off." She reached out to touch his hand gently. "They're lucky to have you in their corner."

A moment of silence passed between them, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. Vivian's gaze softened as she looked at Mac, a familiar burning in her chest.

"The point that I'm making is I am here to help," Vivian stated matter-of-factly. "I am going to help you fight for your right to keep the girls in your care while they are put up for adoption."

Adoption. Mac had never thought about that. He watched Vivian. "What about your job? Vivian, don't you have to get back to work?"

Vivian shrugged. "Don't worry about that. There are changes coming on that front. We can talk about it later."

***

Mac sat next to Vivian in the dimly lit office of John Thompson, Mac's longtime friend and attorney, his fingers interlocked tightly on the polished mahogany table that stood between them. The air was thick with tension, and the overhead light cast shadows on their faces, giving the room a somber tone befitting the gravity of their meeting.

"Vivian," Mr. Thompson began, his voice steady and reassuring, "I appreciate your desire to be on the litigation team, but we both know this is going to be an uphill battle."

Vivian leaned forward, her gaze unwavering as she met Mr. Thompson's eyes. "I understand the challenges ahead, John. But this is something I believe in." Her usually confident voice held a hint of vulnerability, a rare glimpse into the depth of her emotions.

Mac observed Vivian, a mix of admiration and gratitude swirling within him. She had always been fiercely determined, and seeing her channel that energy into supporting him and the girls touched his heart in ways he couldn't quite articulate.

Mr. Thompson sighed, his expression softening at the sight of Vivian's unwavering resolve. "Well, you've always been a force to be reckoned with, Vivian. I won't stand in your way." He then turned his attention to Mac. "And Mac, you understand the magnitude of what we're up against, correct?"

Mac nodded solemnly, his gaze steady. "I do. But these girls... they deserve a chance at a happy, stable life. I will do whatever it takes to ensure they have that chance."

Vivian tried not to stare at Mac. She didn't want him to notice her admiration shining through. John Thompson seemed to share that admiration.

John smirked a bit. "We'll fight this together, every step of the way."

As they left Mr. Thompson's office, the weight of the impending legal battle hung heavy in the air. Mac felt a mix of nervousness and determination churning within him, but a glance at Vivian's resolute expression gave him a sense of reassurance.

They found a coffee shop to discuss more of their strategy. After getting settled in, Vivian turned to Mac, her gaze soft yet determined. "We'll get through this, Mac. I promise you that."

Mac nodded gratefully, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over him. "Thank you, Vivian. Your help means the world. I just…I can't help but feel nervous. Am I doing enough?"

"Mac," she said, grabbing his hand and squeezing it, "you've created an environment filled with literature, art, and understanding. It's more than just a house; it's a nurturing home. I've read the reports. I've seen the interviews. You're exactly what they need."

Mac felt a mixture of warmth and anxiety at her words. He couldn't help but notice the way her red hair seemed to ignite with passion as she spoke, a reminder of the fire she'd always carried within her. "Thank you, Vivian," he said quietly. "I just hope the judge sees it that way too."

They spent the next hour finalizing their plan, discussing how to articulate the growing bond between Mac and the girls, the positive changes since they'd been under his care, and the potential harm that another upheaval could cause.

Day turned to evening, and the sky transitioned with hues of orange and pink. Vivian and Mac said their goodbyes but made plans for Vivian to meet the girls. They separated. Mac made his way home, where Maggie and Stokely were waiting, their anxious expressions mirroring the sunset outside.

"Girls," Mac started, his voice gentle, "we need to talk about something important." He led them to the living room, sinking down onto the couch.

The horror on the girls' faces spoke volumes.

"The state... they're trying to make a case that you'd be better off elsewhere," Mac explained, his heart aching at the shock that flashed across their faces. "But we're not going to let that happen. We're fighting for you to stay here, with me."

"Are we going to have to move again?" Stokely asked, her voice small, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

"Over my dead body, Stokely," Mac said. "But it's going to be difficult. On that note, I have someone that you need to meet."

"Can we really win?" Maggie's blue eyes searched his, looking for reassurance amidst the uncertainty. "And who do we need to meet?"

"Absolutely," Mac said, mustering a confident smile. "We're a team, right? And we stick together no matter what. As for who you need to meet, well, did I ever tell you I was married before Lydia?"

The girls exchanged glances and then looked at him with wide eyes.

"Her name is Vivian Sutton. She and I were married young, early in college, and only for a few years," Mac continued, his gaze distant as memories flooded back. "Vivian was, and still is, a force of nature." With a soft smile, he added, "You're going to meet her tomorrow. She's a lawyer, a damn good one, and she's here to help us fight this battle."

Maggie and Stokely exchanged surprised looks, the weight of the situation sinking in deeper. Mac watched them with a mixture of concern and hope, knowing that meeting Vivian might be a turning point in their fight to stay together.

The next day, as the sun cast long shadows across the front yard, Vivian arrived at Mac's house. Dressed in a sharp suit that exuded confidence, she carried herself with an air of determination that was hard to miss.

As Mac introduced the girls to Vivian, there was a moment of hesitance before Stokely spoke up. "Are you really going to help us stay with Mac?" Her tone a mix of hope and skepticism, her eyes searching Vivian's face for any sign of reassurance.

Vivian knelt down to Stokely's eye level, her expression soft yet resolute. "Yes, I am. I know this must be scary and uncertain for you both, but I promise you that I will do everything in my power to keep you here with Mac where you belong." Her words held a sincerity that resonated with the girls, a glimmer of trust beginning to take root within them.

Maggie stepped forward, her gaze unwavering as she studied Vivian. "Why are you doing this for us?" she asked, her voice tinged with both curiosity and wariness.

Vivian straightened up, meeting Maggie's gaze with a steady look. "Because everyone deserves a chance to have a loving home and a family that cares for them. And I see how much Mac cares for you both. It's as simple as that."

Vivian glanced at each of them. "Now, let's go inside and get comfortable. The hearing is next week. We have a lot of work to do, both for Mac and your in-camera interviews."

Maggie and Stokely looked at each other. "Interviews?"

***

The arched hallways of the courthouse echoed with the clacking of shoes and the murmur of hushed conversations. In a secluded corner, Mac stood flanked by Vivian and Mr. Thompson, their faces etched with concern and determination. The towering ceilings and stern-faced statues seemed to magnify the gravity of the moment. Mac's hands felt clammy as he straightened his tie, an attempt at composure that betrayed his nerves.

"Remember, it's about the girls' future," Mr. Thompson whispered, reviewing the papers in his briefcase one final time. "Stay focused on that."

Vivian nodded, her red hair like a bright flame against the drab surroundings. Her presence was both a comfort and a jolt—her fiery spirit steadying and unsettling Mac all at once. They exchanged a glance, sharing a silent promise to fight with everything they had.

"Case number 2024dv4701," a bailiff called out, his voice cutting through the tension.

Mac's heart hammered against his chest as they made their way toward the courtroom doors. He could feel the weight of the girls' lives with every step.

As the courtroom door swung open, sunlight filtered through high windows, casting long shadows across the wooden pews. They took their seats, the bench hard and unyielding beneath them. With the gallery slowly filling, the room hummed with the quiet buzz of anticipation.

"All rise," called the bailiff, as a back door to the courtroom opened and a nondescript man with medium brown hair and black robes entered. "The Honorable Deven Jones is presiding."

"Please be seated," the judge said.

He looked around the room.

"In the Matter of Minors MK and SK," the judge called out. "Can I have appearances by counsel, please?"

A sharply dressed state lawyer, who seemed too polished for a foster care matter, stood. "James Mackie, appearing on behalf of the state, Your Honor."

"John Thompson with co-counsel Vivian Sutton appearing on behalf of Mr. Elliot."

"We are here for a hearing on the official temporary placement of the two minors in question with Mr. Elliot and to follow through with the state's request to place the minors on the state's adoption list."

"Mr. Thompson, your client is requesting this placement. It's your witness."

Mr. Thompson stood up. "Actually, Your Honor, co-counsel will do the questioning."

The judge looked at Vivian. "It's your witness, Ms. Sutton."

"Thank you, Your Honor."

Mac was led to the witness stand, and Vivian started asking him questions. "Mr. Elliot, please state your name for the record."

"Dr. Mackenzie Elliot," he said, his voice steadier than he felt.

"And what do you do, Mr. Elliot?"

"I am a professor of English literature at Athens University. I also run the PhD program for most English and literature programs at the university."

"Please tell us about your relationship with MK and SK. Please refrain from stating their names to keep them out of the public record."

Mac nodded his head. "I am both Maggie and Stokely, I mean MK and SK, friend and guardian. The court should know that these young ladies are some of the bravest and most selfless individuals that I've had the privilege to know."

He paused, locking eyes with the judge, willing her to understand the depth of his commitment. "Since coming into my care, they've transformed. They've grown academically, socially... They laugh more. Dream more."

Mac barely had to be prompted by Vivian's questions. He spoke of late-night study sessions at the kitchen table, of Maggie's newfound interest in literature, and Stokely's art pieces that now adorned the walls of their home. Each word painted a picture of a life filled with encouragement and stability.

"Every day with them is a new chapter, one we write together," Mac continued, a literary reference he hoped would resonate. "I provide not just a house, but a home—a place where they're safe to explore who they are and who they might become."

In the gallery, Vivian watched, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She knew Mac's penchant for understatement, his tendency to cloak his fiercest passions in gentle words. But today, his love for the girls shone through, raw and undeniable.

"Thank you, Dr. Elliot," the judge said, nodding appreciatively as Mac concluded his testimony.

"Cross-examination of the State."

"Yes, thank you, Your Honor."

The state lawyer, James Mackie, observed Mac with a piercing gaze. His perfectly groomed appearance masked an underlying arrogance that seemed to seep through his polished facade. As he rose to begin his cross-examination, the air in the courtroom subtly shifted, tension crackling like electricity.

"Dr. Elliot," Mackie began smoothly, his words laced with a hint of condescension, "you've painted a rather idyllic picture of your relationship with these girls. But can you truly claim to understand their needs and provide for them adequately? After all, as a single man of advanced age, the court must question your ability to cater to the emotional and physical needs of teenage girls."

Mac felt a surge of indignation rising within him at the insinuation. His knuckles whitened as he gripped the edges of the witness stand, his voice unwavering. "With all due respect, Mr. Mackie, my marital status and age do not define my capacity, and I would hardly state that thirty-one is advanced."

"Thirty-one?" Mackie scoffed, a smirk playing on his lips. "If you consider that young, Dr. Elliot, then answer me some questions concerning your own life. You were married, but no more."

Mac fought to hold his temper at the mention of his status.

"What happens when you start dating again? A single guy, who's handsome and on the prowl. What happens to the girls when you start bringing women home?"

Mac took a deep breath. "Mr. Mackie, my wife died about a year ago. Part of my concern for these girls is because of my grief."

He hated to admit it, but it was true.

"The girls helped me as much as I helped them. As for dating, as far as I know single parents date all the time while protecting their children. MK and SK are not mine. But they will be protected. You have my word."

"But Dr. Elliot, you must understand the concerns of the state. Without any blood relation or legal ties, how can we be certain that you won't take advantage of the girls? What safeguards are in place to prevent any misconduct or abuse?"

The insinuations cut deep, questioning the very foundation of the family he had worked so hard to build. Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself and met Mackie's gaze with unwavering determination.

"I may not share a blood connection with them, but the bond we have formed is stronger than any genetic tie," Mac declared, his voice firm and resolute. "These girls have faced hardships and challenges that no child should ever endure, and I have made it my mission to provide them with stability."

Mr. Mackie looked skeptical, but after a moment of looking at his notes, he said, "I have no further questions, Your Honor."

"Re-direct, Ms. Sutton."

"No, Your Honor. Nothing further."

"Mr. Elliot, you may step down."

Returning to his seat beside Vivian, Mac felt the weight of uncertainty bearing down upon them. Yet in the shared looks and silent vows that passed between them, there was also a thread of hope—hope that this story would have the happy ending they all so desperately sought.

The rest of the hearing was uneventful. Experts and psychiatrists testified about children and single men. Vivian and John did a good job highlighting the positives about single fathers and how successful they are at raising kids, especially daughters. The state's experts flipped that argument, testifying about Maggie, Stokely, and the "unnatural attachment" the girls have to Mac. It was a situation that could easily turn into abuse because the girls would literally do anything to gain Mac's approval.

Mac had to close his eyes to avoid losing his temper.

Before they knew it, they were in closing arguments.

Vivian stood before the court. Her gaze swept the room, imploring them to understand. "MK and SK have suffered enough upheaval. What they need—what all children in their situation need—is a foundation for success. A place to set down roots, to grow without fear. There is a man who is willing to do that for them. Who has asked for nothing in return and only wants to give the girls a chance at another path."

"You have heard about the girls' past. Let me tell you a bit about my own experience with my adopted parents."

Vivian spoke of her own past with clinical detachment, how her family came and saved her and how it all started with her father adopting her after he and her mother got together and she got Vivian back from the state. Vivian's passion bled through, coloring her words with urgency. "The bonds they've formed with Dr. Elliot are the kind I once yearned for. Bonds that can become their foundation for life. Dr. Elliot should be given this chance; it's what he wants, what the children want, and it will make it easier for the state. It's simply a no-brainer. Thank you, Your Honor."

As Vivian reclaimed her seat, the state's attorney stood, armed with a different narrative. "While Ms. Sutton and Dr. Elliot present compelling emotional arguments," he began, his tone suggesting reason against sentimentality, "we must consider the best practical environment for the children."

"Can a single man, a busy academic," he gestured toward Mac, "truly provide the round-the-clock care that MK and SK require?"

"Furthermore," he continued, his voice gaining momentum, "a group facility can offer structured support, socialization with other children, and specialized resources. These are not just advantages; for some children, they're necessities."

Mac's jaw tightened, his fists clenching beneath the table.

The stakes were laid bare; the court's decision now more than a ruling—it would be a declaration of what constituted a home, a family. And as the state's attorney concluded, leaving behind a wake of uncertainty, Mac felt the fight harden within him. For Maggie, for Stokely, he would move heaven and earth to keep them safe, loved, and above all, together.

After closing arguments, the court gave a recess for the judge to work on the decision.

John and Vivian sat together in the hall when Mr. Mackie approached them.

"Vivian," James Mackie said, getting close to Vivian, "what are you doing back in town? I heard you were offered the partner track at Simon, Brown, and Fuller."

"James," Vivian said coldly. "And you heard you lost your job at Hall, Evans, and Kirk. Something about you and a partner's wife?"

If James was concerned about what Vivian had said, he did not show it. "All a misunderstanding, I assure you. I left despite being the rainmaker over there. I had to come back. My dad is getting ready to retire and wants me to take over his practice."

James eyed Vivian in a not-very-polite way. "You look fantastic, Vivian; we should get a drink after—"

"Counsel," the judge's clerk said, poking her head out of the courtroom. "The judge has a decision."

Before they knew it, they were back in front of the judge.

"Mr. Elliot," the judge finally spoke, his voice clear and authoritative. The courtroom leaned in, a collective breath held. "Having reviewed all the evidence presented, it is the decision of this court..."

Mac's heart hammered against his ribs as he felt Vivian grab his hand under the table.

"...to grant Mr. Mackenzie Elliot full temporary custody of MK and SK."

A rush of air left Mac in a soundless gasp. Beside him, Vivian's hand squeezed his, their fingers intertwining in shared relief and joy, while tears brimmed in her green eyes. Around them, the tension shattered into a chorus of subdued cheers and sighs.

"Thank you," Mac whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

"However," the judge continued, "there will be stipulations. I have decided to place the girls on the adoption list, and if the case worker decides that there is a good placement for the girls, the court will allow it.

The judge eyed Mac. "Mr. Elliot. What I am doing is not something that is generally done. Do not make me regret it."

He smacked her gavel. "The court is in recess."