The first week of August came in unseasonably and refreshingly cool after the torrid humidity of July. Knowing that once classes began in September he would have to work as never before, Don relaxed with Kurt on the beach.
He raised up on one elbow, looking intently at Kurt.
"Kurt?"
"Hmmmm?"
"Remember what we talked about before we went to look over Weymouth? I want to do it."
Kurt's drowsiness vanished. "What?"
"Don't you remember?" Disappointment filled Don's voice.
"You've lost me."
"You know, about adopting me."
Kurt sat up and looked at Don. "Are you absolutely certain?"
Don nodded. "I know it's kind of silly, old as I am, but I want it, Kurt. This is home, but I never had any real family. I know I can't give you anything, but this way I'd know you were really my dad."
"You bring a lot into my life, Don, but I can understand how you must feel. We'll have to go to Elizabeth City and talk to Uncle Paul's lawyer. We'll go tomorrow morning and see if we can see him without an appointment."
Don hugged him. "Thanks. This is the best thing ever happened to me."
"It hasn't happened yet," Kurt cautioned, "but I hope it does. I love you, Don."
It took Kurt several minutes of intense conversation with the gray headed secretary before she would agree to announce him. She regarded Kurt with some surprise as she listened attentively then replaced the phone and ushered them into Atkinson's private office.
"Kurt, it's good to see you again."
"We almost didn't get past your secretary."
The attorney chuckled. "I've been semi-retired for the past couple of years. Matilda is sometimes a little more protective of me than she ought to be. Who is this young man with you?"
"Don Warner, Mr. Atkinson."
"A pleasure. What can I do for you, Kurt?"
"I'd like to begin adoption proceedings."
"What!"
Atkinson's surprised shout brought his secretary to the door. "Is anything wrong, Mr. Atkinson?"
"Not at all, Matilda."
When he and Don were seated, Kurt related their situation, pausing to clarify as Atkinson questioned. The attorney sat thoughtfully for a few moments staring at Don. Finally he asked, "Is this what you want, son?"
"More than anything, and I've thought about it a lot. Kurt means everything to me. I'd be proud to be his son."
"Are you willing to accept this much responsibility, Kurt?"
"I've also given this a good deal of thought since Don first mentioned it. I believe I'm aware of what it will mean and I think it will be right for both of us."
"I wouldn't normally undertake something like this. It will be difficult, if not impossible, simply because you're not married. The court rarely grants single parent adoptions of minors."
"I'm not a minor," Don said. "I'm eighteen,"
"I see. Then since you're both consenting adults social services won't enter into the considerations. However, because of your age I will have to get a court order for a copy of your record and your birth certificate."
"I have that," Don said quickly and handed the attorney the creased document.
"Kurt, I expect you would have stirred up all kinds of trouble had you tried this a year ago since you had a minor in your care. But, now," he paused to think, "I believe all we shall have to do is file a petition with the court. You should both be prepared to answer any questions the judge might ask. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to have one or two people who know you both well be present, but in general it should be a mere formality." He picked up a pen and made notes from the birth certificate Don handed him.
"Can we do it quick?" Don asked.
"It shouldn't take more than a few weeks. Is there any particular hurry?"
"I'm starting college in September and I'd like everything done so I won't have a hassle about getting my records changed there."
"I see. Maybe we can speed things along for you, then." He turned back to Kurt. "You are a resident of the state?"
"I've been living in the house for almost two years now and I have a North Carolina driver's license. Taxes have been paid, too."
"That's sufficient to establish your residency. No wonder you didn't get caught, your place is too far out of the way for anybody to find. What's your employment?"
"None."
"None? How do you expect to support and educate this boy?"
Kurt explained his small income and added, "Don's done well with the sale of his paintings through a gallery at the beach, so he has a degree of financial independence."
"Excellent. I believe that's all the information I need at the moment. I'll give you a call when I need to see you again."
After providing the phone number of the station, Kurt and Don left the office.
"I'm sorry, Kurt. I didn't mean to get you in any trouble."
"There's no problem now. I didn't know it was wrong for you to be with me, and frankly I don't give a damn. You needed some place to stay and I had that to offer. If anyone can make something out of that, I'd like to see them try."
"Who can we get as witnesses?"
"I think we'd better go by the station on the way home."
Erik was lounging in the doorway of the station when they pulled up. "What's up?"
"We need to talk to you and the chief."
"Sure. Come on."
"You two in trouble agin so soon?" The chief asked when they entered his office.
"What makes you think that?"
"It's the only time you ever show up here together and drag Erik in behind you."
"We may just be, this time. We need both of you in court as witnesses for us."
"Oh, my God!" Erik moaned. "You really are in trouble. What did you do?"
"He's going to adopt me." Don said quickly.
"That's wonderful. The thought had crossed my mind once or twice, close as you are."
"Of course we'll help," replied the chief. "Just let me know enough ahead of time to get away from here. You want this, Don?"
"More than anything."
"Then I'll do all I can to help ya."
The next two weeks dragged by for both of them as they waited to hear from the attorney. Each day one or both of them would drive to the village to check the post box, but it was a call from the chief that brought their first information.
"That lawyer called and wants to see both of you at ten-thirty tomorrow morning. From the way he sounded, I think I'd best go along, too."
Kurt felt a chill run down his back. "Did he ask for you, Chief?"
"No, but I'm a-goin' all the same if you'll let me."
Both Kurt and Don slept little, wondering what could have gone wrong. Worried, they arrived at the attorney's office early but were immediately greeted by Matilda and shown in. Kurt introduced the chief after which Atkinson looked directly at Don and then down to a thick folder on his desk.
"I have your record here, young man. Are you certain you wish Kurt and Chief Sloane to hear what I have to say to you?"
Don sat terrified for a few moments, remembering the past that had now come to haunt him. Slowly he answered. "Yes, sir. The chief means a lot to us. I know my past is pretty bad, but he should know it along with Kurt."
Atkinson's expression softened. "You passed my test, son. Had you objected, I would have advised Kurt not to go any further with this. Your record is reprehensible and how you escaped being declared incorrigible I shall never know. You seem to have broken every rule in the book and done your best to thwart those who tried to help you, not to mention your running away. Because of that there's an outstanding judgement for your return as a minor, but as you're now an adult it will be invalid."
He looked at Kurt. "Are you aware of this boy's background and just what you might be letting yourself in for?"
Kurt looked at him evenly. "I know only what Don has chosen to tell me, but I would expect nothing more of anyone than he has given me. He is hard working, honest to a fault, and totally truthful. I have no reason to doubt him in any way, which is more than I can say for most people I've known."
The attorney was incredulous. "You're asking me to believe that this is a reformed character?"
"I know that his past was miserable for him, but I can only say what I know to be true from my own experience."
The chief cleared his throat loudly. "If you will permit, Mr. Atkinson, I believe what Kurt has told you is true. I'm in his home often and Don spends a lot of time at the station with the crew and me. I know personally that he will avoid anything he thinks might reflect discredit on Kurt. If he has a problem he doesn't want to talk over with Kurt, he comes to the station and talks it over with me. Were the situation different, I would have no hesitation in doing what Kurt is trying to do."
"That's a very strong endorsement from a man of your experience, Chief Sloane. I'm aware that you deal constantly with men of all types. On that basis, may I ask you for an explanation of the dramatic change in this young man?"
"That's going to be difficult, sir. It's one of those things that's intangible and rests in the nature of the person. Kurt is such. Whenever one is around him, the best seems to come out. I suppose it's the trust he places in people, yet ..." he explained the change in Erik.
Atkinson nodded uncertainly. "Have you anything to add, Don?"
Don hung his head. "There was one time I might of hurt Kurt." He described his plan to rob Kurt the day he picked him up.
Kurt sprang to his feet. "But he didn't! That's the whole point. He gave me the knife and told me the truth. He worked hard that day and every day after. What he's gotten, he's more than earned."
The chief nodded in agreement.
"You knew about this, Chief Sloane?"
"Yes. Don told me about it sometime later."
"Were you so desperate, Don?" The lawyer asked.
"Did you ever have a time in your life when you had nothing to eat, no place to live, nobody who gave a damn about you?" He looked around the well appointed office, then shook his head. "No, I guess not, but I did. I didn't have any work or money and I was hungry and cold. It was steal or wade out in the ocean. I tried that one time, but the water was colder than I was. I guess I didn't have the guts to do it, but I might of if it hadn't been for Kurt."
Atkinson shook his head. "Extraordinary! Based on the information available to me, I would strongly advise you not to pursue this action, Kurt, yet the statements of Chief Sloane and yourself would indicate that we continue. I hope you never find your faith in this young man misplaced."
"I have no worries about that."
"Lindstrom will certainly tell you what he thinks. In no uncertain terms, I might add. I suggest you talk with him," added the chief.
"And who is he?"
"The man in my crew I told you about. He spends most of his free time at the house with Kurt and Don. If I could use your phone, he can be here in an hour or so."
"Please do."
The chief's call was brief and pointed. He replaced the phone with a satisfied expression and glanced at his watch. "He'll be here by one-thirty at the latest."
"Very good. Now, is there anything we've failed to cover?"
"Yes," growled the chief. "It seems to me we've spent a lot o' time talking about what's supposed to be wrong with Don and none of what's right, 'cepting fer what Kurt said. Since he's been with Kurt, Don finished high school as valedictorian and taken his first college course and got an A. He's had two showings at an art gallery on the beach and sold, what was it, Don, over three thousand dollars worth of paintings?" Don nodded. "He was baptized, did his instruction, and was confirmed in the church, and works hard at anything he does. He's give Kurt a lot less worry than most people's kids do. I think that all counts for a whole lot."
"Indeed it does, Chief Sloane. I admit that I may have been overly concerned with Don's past and, while I cannot reveal his record, I felt it a duty to Kurt as my client to stress the negative aspects. It has also given me an opportunity to judge for myself just how honest this young man has been with him." He looked at Don sternly. "You have not been as open with Kurt about your past as you should have been, but I know he has respected your privacy, which is admirable ..."
"I know, sir," Don interrupted, "but since I've been with him I've tried to forget all the bad stuff and make something of myself with his help. That's the reason I want this so much. I've got somebody who cares now."
"If you are truly trying to improve yourself, you are fortunate." Atkinson looked at his watch. "May I suggest we have lunch. By that time Mr. Lindstrom should be here."
He chose a small restaurant just a block away from his office. They were seated at a table away from the noon crowd. Not until they had been served and Don began to eat did the lawyer become aware of the hook.
"I wasn't aware that you're handicapped."
"I'm not," Don answered curtly.
"Don." Kurt spoke so quietly the lawyer was unsure he'd heard.
"Well I'm not. There's a few things I can't do, but they're not important." He became aware of the chief's frown directed at him and apologized. "I'm sorry, sir."
"Don and I are still working on that particular problem in our lives," Kurt added softly. "Don's had a few unfortunate experiences with strangers since he's been with us. None of us even think of it."
"Nor should I. I'm the one who owes the apology."
Erik was waiting when they returned to the office. "What's wrong, Chief?"
"Nothing. Mr. Atkinson just wants to ask you some questions. No matter what he asks you, I want you to be perfectly honest. Did you drive the Jeep?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. I'll take it back. You can ride with Kurt and Don."
Erik remained with the lawyer for nearly an hour. Knowing Erik's mercurial nature, Kurt prayed things were going better than the sounds occasionally penetrating the closed door indicated, especially when he clearly heard Erik yell, 'What! Hell, no!' When the door finally opened, Erik was smiling pleasantly, as was Atkinson.
Try as he might during the trip home, Kurt could get Erik to reveal nothing of what had been said other than one obscure reference to a dirty old man. It was much later that Erik confided to the chief that the attorney had raised the question of perversion.
"But we're no further along than we were," Don complained as they walked into the house after dropping Erik at the station.
"It takes time."
"I guess if I hadn't been so bad it wouldn't be so hard now."
"It hasn't helped. I know Mr. Atkinson is worried about that for my sake. He was awfully kind to me when Uncle Paul died. But didn't we agree not to discuss your past ever again?"
"Yeah, but it looks like it's all going to hang out now. I just wanted to forget it."
"I want you to. You deserve only good memories."
The chief joined them for dinner Friday evening. As he sat at the table with a drink watching Kurt and Erik prepare the meal, the phone buzzed.
"I'll get it." Don listened for a moment and handed the receiver to the chief. "It's Tony."
The chief grunted once as he listened then hung up. "I'd better get to the station, something's come up."
"Need me?" Erik asked.
"No. I shouldn't be long."
"We'll wait dinner for you."
To pass the time, Kurt and Erik played a duet. Don, curled up in Kurt's chair, teased Coastie. He sprang up when he saw the chief. Almost hidden behind the chief's bulk was Atkinson.
"Where'd you find Mr. Atkinson?" Don asked.
The chief chuckled to the lawyer's obvious embarrassment. "At the station trying to pump some of the men. Naturally, Tony called."
"I'll admit that I was trying to obtain additional information about you, Don," Atkinson said stiffly. "However, you must be well liked. I didn't get a thing until Chief Sloane told them to talk with me. One man's attitude was distinctly belligerent."
Don grinned. "I'll bet that was Tony,
"I believe Anthony was his name, yes."
"But surely we gave you everything you needed," Erik said.
"Quite. I wanted to speak with the principal of the school, and as I was in the area for the weekend I decided to see how Don is regarded by the men at the Coast Guard station on the chance they might not be as enthusiastic as you and Chief Sloane. I was certainly disabused of any thoughts I might have had in that regard."
"Aren't you being overly cautious?" Kurt asked.
"Not at all. Had I not seen you, I would have called tomorrow. I arranged to have the hearing set in judge's chambers Tuesday at nine. I'm sorry that Judge Burgin is sitting, because he doesn't care for this sort of case. For that reason, I was trying to have every possible objection he might raise covered. I want all of you, Chief Sloane and Mr. Lindstrom included, to be in court at that time."
"We'll be there." The chief assured.
"Won't you join us for dinner?" Kurt asked.
"Thank you. It would be well for me to assess what type of home-life you provide for Don in case that issue is raised by the judge."
Kurt and Erik took special pains to see that everything was as it should be, the steaks grilled to a turn, the wine chilled. Atkinson appeared to relax and enjoy himself as the meal progressed.
"Excellent," he said expansively when he finished. "May I see your room, Don?"
On the way down the stairs, he paused to admire the portraits.
"They aren't too good because I did them when I first started painting. This is the best one." He pointed to the portrait of Kevin.
"A most unusual expression for a portrait, but striking, none-the-less."
Seated with his coffee and a liqueur, Atkinson took a sip of coffee and set the cup down.
"You know Kurt, I never thought I'd have occasion to tell you this, but now it seems apropos. With this young man apparently having come to mean so much to you that you're willing to take total responsibility for him, I couldn't help but think back to when your uncle was fighting with your aunt to be named your guardian after your parents died. The loss was crushing to him and made him bitter toward his sister. He cared so much for you that in his mind you became the son he never had. Seeing your aunt start out of the courtroom with you, and the look you gave him when you tried to pull away from her at the door and go to him, it was as if everything he loved had been snatched from his grasp. He never quite recovered from that, but his love and pride in your accomplishments never varied. Every step in your studies, your career, the letters that you wrote, the one or two pictures that you sent meant more to him than anything else in his life. I just hope you find some of the same love in this young man."
For a few moments Kurt sat eyes downcast. Finally he looked up at the lawyer. "I knew, and I'm ashamed that I didn't find the time to write him as often as he wrote me. Nothing made me happier than when he showed up for my high school graduation. That was really the last time I saw him, but he made it a special time for me. I wish he had lived to see me receive my commission and degrees. That would have meant everything to me."
The lawyer nodded. "And to him as well."
After a few moments of silence Erik could wait no longer. "What do you think, sir?"
"No one could fault what has been provided for Don, nor with what he has been able to do for himself. My personal conclusion is that this may be a beneficial move for both him and Kurt."
At his insistence, Kurt and Erik resumed playing. He listened, watching Don play with Coastie. Again, his eyes swept the room. "No television?" He asked when the music ended.
"I have one in my room. Is there something you want to watch?"
"No. I was just wondering. I didn't remember seeing one."
"Kurt got it for my birthday, but we don't watch it unless there's something special on."
"Then what do you do for relaxation?"
"Just what we've been doing. I read or paint. We swim and sail a lot, too. There's always something that's fun."
"Extraordinary!"
Tuesday morning they met the attorney at his office. As they walked together toward the courthouse, panic began to grow in Don. He'd never anticipated it would be like this. Kurt, too, was worried, for Atkinson had again warned them of the judge's bias, dismissing adoption as frivolous when both parties were adults.
"Kurt!" The voice jerked him back from his thoughts.
"Derek. What are you doing here?"
"Have a case in court today."
"Did you do it, or did you catch someone else?" Don teased, happy for the diversion.
"Somebody else this time, Don. What are you doing here? They catch Kurt for kidnapping you and Kev?" Since he'd gotten to know them, nothing was withheld in the trooper's love of teasing.
"What was that about kidnapping, officer?" The lawyer's cold tones cut through the banter.
"Sorry, sir. I was teasing Don."
"You know these people?"
"Yes, sir. Is something wrong?"
"Not really, Derek," Kurt said. "I'm petitioning to adopt Don. We're going for the hearing now."
"That's wonderful. I'm glad for you both."
"As you appear to know Mr. Lawrence and Don rather well, would you be willing to appear in their behalf?"
"I'd be happy to if you think it would help. They were a big help to me in a case with a runaway."
Atkinson led them through the courtroom and knocked at a door at the front.
"Come," an imperious reedy voice called.
Don stood terrified at the sight of the small thin man in the black robe who regarded them sourly over half-glasses.
"What is this, officer, something to add to the docket?"
"No, your honor. Mr. Atkinson has the case. I'm here as a friend of the petitioner."
"Wasn't aware a good officer had friends," he remarked, his expression growing more unpleasant. "Well, Atkinson, what is it?"
"The petition for adoption your honor agreed to hear this morning. Mr. Lawrence is the petitioner. The others are present as character witnesses, if your honor pleases."
The judge looked at Don, then turned his gaze on Atkinson. "Where's social services?"
"Not necessary, your honor. Both parties are adults."
"In that case there's no reason to waste the court's time with this proceeding." His voice became even more pinched.
"If it please your honor, I believe there is special merit in this particular instance which I pointed out in my brief. I trust your honor has read my notes?"
The judge scratched through the pile of folders on his desk, finally pulling one out and opening it. He read rapidly, pausing from time to time to look at Kurt and Don. "I don't see a statement from this officer," he finally said.
"No, your honor. He agreed to appear in addition to Chief Sloane and Mr. Lindstrom should your honor have additional questions."
The judge glowered at Don. "Do you know what you want, young man?"
"Yes, sir."
"You have no doubts you wish to reconsider?"
"No, sir." A few drops of perspiration moistened his forehead.
"Mr. Lawrence?"
"I am fully aware of all the implications, your honor."
"You and Warner and that sailor have a seat in the courtroom. I wish to speak with Mr. Atkinson, Chief Warrant Officer Sloane, and Officer Gray."
He called the bailiff who led them to seats just behind the railing. The room was filling with the accused and their lawyers, witnesses, and the merely curious.
"Did you hear that old goat call me a sailor?" Erik whispered.
Kurt nodded. "And if he heard you call him an old goat, you wouldn't be a sailor, you'd be a jailbird. I'm glad I'm not on trial today."
Gray came out of the judge's chamber and leaned over the railing in front of Don. "Don't let the judge upset you, Don. He's in a pretty good mood for a change."
"If he's in a good mood, what are his bad ones like?" Kurt asked.
"You'd have to see it to believe it. I hate it when he's on the bench. Good luck."
Atkinson and the chief joined them as the bailiff chanted the opening of court. When Kurt raised his eyebrows questioningly, Atkinson pointed to the door. Once they were in the hall he spoke quietly, "We won't get a decision until this afternoon. Burgin hasn't studied the brief I sent, so it will be at the end of today's session. He wants us back at four-thirty."
"Oh, damn!" Don burst out. "I hoped it was over. What do you think, sir?"
"I think he's hoping Kurt will reconsider. I have to get back to the office. I'll meet you here about quarter past four."
"We'll be here." Kurt looked at Erik and the chief. "It's only quarter past nine. What are we going to do?"
"I've got to get back to the station, but Erik can stay with you. He's going to lose some of his accumulated leave if he doesn't take it. I'll count today against it."
"Thanks, Chief."
"Since we've got all this time, why don't we get the shopping done and take it home? That way, if the chief can come back, he can ride with us."
"I'm glad you're still thinking, Don." Kurt said.
"I know it's a lot of trips, but it's better than doing nothing all day."
By the time everything had been put away and they had eaten a light lunch, it was time to drive back to court. They drove to the station for the chief.
"I really outta be doing some work," he complained, "but fer something this important it can wait."
As they entered the courtroom quietly, a skinny longhaired boy no older than Don stood before the bench, eyes downcast.
"How do you plead?" The judge snarled.
"Guilty, sir," came the mumbled response.
"Thirty days." The gavel crashed. Don jumped at the sound.
The boy seemed to wilt before their eyes. As the jailer led him away, the judge motioned to the bailiff to call the next case.
"That concludes today's docket, your honor."
"Good." He noticed Atkinson as he started to rise. "One moment, bailiff. This is not on your copy of the docket. Mr. Atkinson, you and your clients approach the bench."
They stood uneasily before the judge, whose expression had not varied, waiting for him to speak.
"Mr. Lawrence, have you any further statement to make to this court?"
"No, your honor. My position remains the same."
"Warner?"
Don jerked to attention. "Sir?"
"Have you changed your mind?"
"No, sir."
"Despite your miserable record, Warner, I'm convinced that you are trying to make a change for the better. Therefore, it is the decision of this court, Mr. Lawrence, that your petition be granted forthwith." He brought the gavel down with a resounding crash and, for the first time, gave them what might have passed for a smile. "It's a pleasure to end a session of court on a happy note. You may see the clerk for documentation. I wish you both the best."
"I thank your honor," Kurt managed to say before the judge disappeared through a door behind the bench and the bailiff closed the court.
While Atkinson and Kurt went to the clerk's desk, Erik looked at Don. "Mr. Lawrence?"
Don stood staring at the door through which the judge had disappeared.
This time Erik touched him on the arm. "Mr. Lawrence, you'd better get used to your new name."
The tension of the day and the emotion of the moment caught up with Don and broke surface. Tears trickled down his cheeks, his hand held tightly by Erik.
"Young man!" The judge had come out of his chambers and was looking at Don sternly. "You aren't regretting your actions already, are you?"
"No, sir. It's ... I'm so happy. I was afraid you wouldn't let it happen."
"If it means this much to you then, let me congratulate you on your good fortune in finding someone like Mr. Lawrence. This world could use more people with his sense of responsibility, even if this has been highly irregular."
"I thank your honor." Kurt had come over where they stood.
The judge nodded and left the room as Atkinson came over and handed Kurt a slender folder. "I'll get the necessary letters sent to the schools and other institutions which need to be notified. Don will have to appear in person for a corrected driver's license and social security card. You'll need a copy of the adoption papers for that."
"Thanks for your help."
"Not at all. It's rather novel to have a case in which the outcome is pleasing to everyone concerned. Let me know if there's anything else."
"Come on," said the chief. "Erik and I are taking the new father and son to dinner."
During the ride home, Don occasionally mumbled something under his breath which Kurt did not catch. "What did you say, Don?"
"Nothing."
"Tell." Erik insisted.
Don blushed. "I was just trying my new name."
"What?" Asked the chief who had missed the exchange.
"Donald Warner Lawrence. I think it sounds pretty good all together."
At the foot of the stairs on his way to bed, Don put his arms around Kurt. "Hey, dad." He grinned. "I wanted to call you that, at least once. I'm glad I'm your son."
"I won't call you son, if you don't call me dad," Kurt teased. "You've belonged before this, Don. It's just legal, now. I do love you my son." He kissed Don on the forehead.
Don lay awake a long while savoring the feel of the only loving kiss he could remember.