Josie P.O.V

I told Matthew about what the children told me about Marion. He was beyond furious but I was able to calm him down. I told him we could tell the court about it to our own advantage.

The date for the trial came. We all got ready and Jollie was going to babysit. Matthew was very nervous. Our lawyer told us we didnt have to worry because the fact that she walked out on the children and didn't know anything about them was an advantage to us.

Marion and her boyfriend were already at the court. When she saw us,she held an evil glint in her eyes. We avoided her and went in. The trial was a heated one but not a bad one. I was confident the judge would grant us custody. We were given another court date for the ruling.

The next weeks were focused on our little family. We had a doctor's appointment. The baby was healthy. Quisha had also added a few more words to her vocabulary which was delightful to listen to.

Matthew P.O.V

The day to find out whether I will keep my children was finally here.

Nervous was an understatement. I couldn't sleep,eat or drink. I just wanted to look at my babies.

Jollie came over to babysit as I helped a pregnant Josie to the car. We reached court earlier than our counterparts which was a relief.

Marion and her boyfriend came later and as usual,she wanted to cause chaos. The judge's arrival was announced just before she made it to our side. The judge was given some more evidence from both sides. We were given an hour break and came back for the ruling.

Guess what?

I was granted full custody of my children without any visitation rights for Marion. She was not to come near the children after serving her time of 8 years in prison for child abuse and neglect. Everyone was happy but Josie and me were the happiest. We just wanted to go home and celebrate with children.

Josie decided that we should prank them that's Toya especially since she's the one who could really comprehend.

"Mommy,daddy",the children screamed as we went through the door. We hugged them without saying a word and went upstairs.

They followed us ,Jollie also confused but our action showed her that we lost the battle.

We grabbed suitcases and started packing some clothes. All the while Toya asking questions not getting a reply.

We dragged the suitcases downstairs and sat down calling the children to us.

"Mommy,Daddy what's wrong?" Toya asked fear surfacing on her face.

"We are so sorry babies,but we failed you. You will be staying with mummy?" we both said faking distraught.

Commotion and crying broke out. "Mommy Daddy please I promise I will eat all my veggies. I will clean my room. I promise I will be a good girl. I will give your feet rubs.",Toya sobbed.

"Leo,mommy and daddy are saying we are going to start with bad mommy.",she told her brother.

Who had not yet understood what was going on. When his sister explained he cried harder,"No,I no want to go to bad mommy".

We couldnt hold it any longer. "Its a praaannkk",we told them.

"You promise?",Toya asked still not believing us.

"Yes princess, you are stuck with us forever. No one is going to take you away from us. ",I told her.

"I can't believe I ruined my makeup for nothing",Jollie said unamused. We laughed at her.

We had dinner as a family and slept in the same bed all of us.

As I watched everyone sleep, I knew I couldn't ask for anything more.

Lynda P.O.V

I was awakened by my ringtone. Who would call me at 6:00am on a weekend.

"Whaattt?",I answered not bothering to hide my annoyance.

"Sorry for waking you. I need your help",Matthew said from the other end sounding nervous.

I immediately shot up from under the covers."I am all ears. Tell me what made you call me at 6:00am on a weekend.",I said.

"You see... Uhh how I have been with Josie for sometime now and we are expecting a child",he started.

"Go on ,what you want to do?",I asked.

"I want to take our relationship to the next level. I want to ask her to be my wife but I don't know how to do so. Please help me" he continued.

I knew this would happen soon. I was so excited. I immediately got up and started planning for the evening. I planned it to be a hiking trip to a hill where they would find a candle lit dinner for two. The other children will appear after the dinner and then Matthew would propose. I just couldn't wait. I called everyone close to matthew and Josie and informed them and told them what time the should be available.

I sent the details to Matthew alongside the T-shirts they would wear. I got my brood ready and we proceeded to the other side of the hill but close enough to where Matthew and Josie will have their dinner.

Everyone arrived. Then I texted Matthew that they could go up. We chatted,ate,took pictures as we waited for the due time.

Then I got a text from Matthew that it was time. I dressed the three children and we stealthily crept to the other end. Matthew and Josie were looking at the view from up here.

He whispered something to her to which she nodded and took a step back. They lined up all wearing red t-shirts having,JOSIE,WILL YOU,MARRY,US? wording.

Matthew's had ' then Toya's had '',Leo 's had 'and Quisha's had

Matthew knelt down and held out a ring box before clearing his throat to gain Josie's attention.

When she turned,she just couldn't stop the tears. She said yes. Matthew with a grin put the ring on her finger. We congratulated and enjoyed with them for the rest of the evening.

Atleast my best friend had found his match.