Page 90 of Last Wish Wedding
“Be seated.” Her voice carried clear authority. She adjusted her reading glasses, reviewing the file before her with swift precision. “We’re here regarding petition FCVS-2025-1187, Prescott versus York-MacCormack, a custody matter concerning minor child Noah York-Prescott, age seven.”
She looked up at the two tables. “I’ve reviewed the extensive filings from both parties. Before we proceed, I want to acknowledge the restraining order currently in place against the Prescott family with regard to Mrs. MacCormack and her son.”
The judge’s eyes narrowed on Jason. “Mr. Prescott, I find it highly unusual to be hearing a custody petition from individuals who have been legally barred from coming within one thousand feet of the child in question due to an attempted removal from a school function. Would you care to explain this situation?”
Jason shifted uncomfortably, then leaned toward his attorney, who whispered something before standing.
“Your Honor, my clients wish to express their deep regret for the misunderstanding that led to the restraining order. Mrs. Jennifer Prescott simply ran into him at the museum and wanted to spend time with her nephew while he was in Portland. There was no intent to remove him permanently from his mother’s care.”
Judge Abernathy’s expression made it clear she wasn’t buying the explanation. “A ‘misunderstanding’ that required a teacher’s intervention and resulted in a restraining order? That’s quite a stretch, Counselor.”
The attorney pressed on. “Nevertheless, we maintain that Margaret Prescott, as Noah’s paternal grandmother, has legitimate grounds for seeking a custody arrangement that honors the Prescott family’s role in the child’s life.”
“And yet Mrs. Prescott isn’t present today,” the judge observed. “May I ask why?”
“My client is experiencing health issues that prevented her attendance, Your Honor. Mr. Prescott is authorized to represent her interests as Noah’s uncle.”
Judge Abernathy turned her attention to Harrison. “Counselor Harrison, what is your clients’ position on these custody claims?”
Harrison rose smoothly. “Your Honor, my clients, Kelsey and Preston MacCormack, assert that this petition is without merit and represents a pattern of harassment against a stable, loving family. Mrs. MacCormack has been Noah’s sole caregiver since his birth following his father’s tragic death. Mr. MacCormack has recently married Mrs. MacCormack and is in the process of legally adopting Noah, with the child’s enthusiastic consent.”
The judge nodded and made a note. “And the Prescotts’ involvement in Noah’s life prior to this custody petition?”
“Minimal at best, Your Honor,” Harrison replied. “They showed little interest in Noah for the first three years of his life. More recently, Margaret Prescott has maintained a visitation schedule consisting of one weekend every other month, which Mrs. MacCormack has always facilitated despite no legal obligation to do so.”
Kelsey watched Jason’s face as Harrison outlined their case. The man seemed almost gray now, his eyes darting occasionally to the courtroom door as if planning an escape. Jennifer stared fixedly at the table before her, and her fingers worried at a tissue.
Judge Abernathy reviewed several documents, the courtroom silent except for the rustle of papers. Finally, she removed her glasses and looked directly at the Prescott table.
“I’ve reviewed the financial disclosures required for this case,” she said, her tone measured but pointed. “Mr. Prescott, your recent financial difficulties are extensive. I can’t help but notice they coincide precisely with your sudden interest in custody of a child who stands to inherit a significant trust.”
Jason’s attorney began to object, but the judge held up her hand. “I’m not finished, Counselor.” She turned her attention to Kelsey and Mac. “Mrs. MacCormack, Mr. MacCormack, your home study indicates a stable, nurturing environment. Noah’s teacher reports he’s well-adjusted, academically engaged, and has shown remarkable resilience through these proceedings.”
Kelsey felt a surge of hope, her hand finding Mac’s under the table. His fingers tightened around hers, though his expression remained guarded.
Judge Abernathy replaced her glasses and consulted her notes once more. “After careful consideration of all evidence presented, I find the Prescott family has no standing for custody of Noah Prescott. Furthermore, I am extending the restraining order for a period of one year, at which time it will be reviewed.”
She gazed unflinchingly directly at Jason. “Mr. Prescott, let me be very clear: This court takes a very dim view of custody petitions motivated by financial interests rather than the child’s wellbeing. Nor does it tolerate the kind of behavior exhibited toward this child at his school field trip. I suggest you direct your energies toward resolving your own matters rather than pursuing custody of a child who is clearly well cared for in his current home.” With a sharp crack of her gavel, she concluded, “Petition denied. Court is adjourned.”
The sound reverberated through Kelsey’s body like a physical release. Tension drained from her shoulders so suddenly she felt lightheaded.
They’d won. Noah was safe.
“Congratulations,” Harrison said, shaking both their hands. “Abernathy couldn’t have been clearer. The Prescotts have no grounds to appeal.”
Some of the tension eased from Mac’s face. “Good. Let’s get out of here.”
Across the courtroom, Jason was already striding toward the exit, not even glancing in their direction. Jennifer lingered briefly, and her eyes met Kelsey’s with an unreadable expression before following her husband.
Outside in the corridor, Kelsey’s knees felt suddenly weak. She leaned against the wall, closing her eyes briefly as relief filled her.
“We did it,” she whispered, then looked up at Mac. “It’s over.”
“It’s over.” His hands found hers in that now-familiar gesture. Yet something in his expression remained distant, preoccupied.
Harrison excused himself to speak with the court clerk, leaving them alone in the busy hallway.
“Mac? What is it?” Kelsey searched his face. “Aren’t you happy?”
