Six months later the sun shone brightly through the large court room windows.
Marcus sat proudly at the wooden table alongside his family law attorney today.
Lily sat quietly in the front row holding her favorite plush teddy bear closely.
Victoria sat across the courtroom with her high priced defense lawyers looking bitter.
The state investigation had revealed all of Victoria's illegal payoffs to the shelter.
She faced severe criminal charges for child concealment and falsifying legal adoption papers.
Her father's company had lost massive contracts due to the public scandal created.
The judge slammed his heavy wooden gavel down firmly against the sound block.
Judge: Marcus is hereby granted full legal custody of both young children today.
Victoria: This is completely unfair to my standing in this city judge!
Judge: Silence! You belong in a legal cell for what you committed!
Marcus: Justice has finally been served for my sister's memory today.
Lily smiled brightly from the gallery as she heard the judge's final words.
Marcus walked over and lifted his little niece high up into his arms.
They walked out of the legal building into the warm bright morning air.
Marcus had built a lovely room for Lily and James in his suburban home.
They had family dinners every night and played happily in the green yard.
True love had conquered deceit and restored peace to a broken family heart.
Marcus looked up at the sky with deep gratitude for his children's love.
They were finally safe home where they belonged for the rest of days.