Chapter Text
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The beginning of February turned into mid-April in the blink of an eye. Life was filled with an abundance of fun and love. The ballet performance was a hit, especially since Trucy had a key role in the program. Her loved ones brought flowers without conferring with the others, Trucy’s arms laden with bouquets by the time the performance ended.
Miles and Phoenix finally got around to taking Trucy to the aquarium. She loved the outing and screeched happily with every new fish her gaze landed on. Phoenix took a plethora of pictures so he and Trucy could look upon them and recall the marvelous time they had that day. When he told Miles his plan, his feigned sadness prompted Phoenix to modify his idea and include Miles in the undertaking. Miles thanked him with a tender kiss in the middle of the aquarium.
Trucy’s fourth birthday came to pass, Phoenix in awe that the darling of a girl he called his daughter had been in his life for a little over a year. He wanted to make her birthday party spectacular without going overboard. He ran his thoughts past Miles and was talked out of several of them, ranging from hiring a clown to renting a pony for the guests to ride in the backyard. Settling on inviting friends and family, Phoenix couldn’t help but smile when Trucy announced that she wanted the entire middle class from school to attend. Ezra was number one on her list and Trucy was ecstatic when he was the first who accepted her invitation. The others confirmed that they’d be there up until a few days before the party. Phoenix couldn’t be happier for his daughter.
Trucy was the perfect host. She chatted with her guests as they played in the backyard in the perfect weather. Maya and Pearl helped with the games and made sure they didn’t get out of hand. Miles was delegated to grilling hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone. Phoenix was readying the craft kits he had bought for each child, glad that the weather had cooperated since the craft involved leaves and flowers. The kids ran toward Phoenix when he brought the large box outside. He explained the instructions for the craft and paired them up with the adults there. Phoenix took the time to check on Miles, resting his head on his partner’s shoulder when he felt an arm wind around his waist.
“How are you faring?” Miles asked.
“Let’s just say I’ll sleep well tonight,” Phoenix replied, “You’re doing a fantastic job with the burgers and hot dogs. Lunch is going to be delicious. Mom brought potato and pasta salads. Maya and Pearls made a fruit salad. Pearls also made a platter with different colors of apple slices.”
“What an enticing menu,” Miles said, lifting Phoenix’s chin and pecking his lips, “I’ll have everything finished in twenty minutes or so.”
“That’s about how long their craft will take,” Phoenix said.
Lunch had finished cooking by the time the majority of the children finished their craft kits. There were happy with their creation but complained that they were famished. Seating them at the child-sized picnic tables he had borrowed from various neighbors, Phoenix helped the other adults serve the party guests and add their favorite condiments. The children fell silent as they ate, giving the adults time to chat. Phoenix was thrilled to catch up with the lives of the parents and their sons and daughters. He gave advice when he asked and was a rapt listener when someone told a story about their family. Phoenix was all smiles that day.
The party guests were limited to low-energy games after lunch as not to make any child sick. They seemed to love the bean bag toss, pinning the cookie on the mouse, and sidewalk chalk. Making rounds of the backyard, Phoenix gave positive comments to each child. It made them beam with happiness and a sense of accomplishment. Phoenix couldn’t be happier until his mother announced that it was time for cake and ice cream. Trucy had babbled about it countless times in the days leading up to her party, impatient to taste her birthday dessert. Going inside to help his mother since Trucy was becoming impatient to try her cake, Marilyn and Phoenix worked well together. Calling for the adults to usher the children into the house to sing happy birthday and devour their treats, Phoenix helped Trucy into her new booster seat and led the group in the tune. It was a lively version of the song, the children shouting as loudly as they could while they sang. It was everything Phoenix had hoped for and more. The beaming grin Trucy gave each person in the room was filled was gratefulness and love, Phoenix reminding himself to chat with her that evening about how proud he was about her behavior.
If Phoenix thought he couldn’t be prouder of his daughter than dessert time, he was sadly mistaken. A mountain of presents awaited her on the coffee table in the living room. She was more patient than Phoenix thought she possessed but she sat quietly while waiting for her gifts to be passed to her. She went through her pile of goodies, present by present and thanking each giver before inspecting the item. She didn’t take too long on them until she reached the one her best friend had given her.
“What is this, Daddy?” Trucy asked, holding the package directly in front of Phoenix’s face until he leaned back.
“It’s a magician’s set. You can learn magic spells and dress up like a magician,” Phoenix said, pointing at a black stick with a white end, “See, you even have a magic wand.”
“A magic wand,” Trucy murmured thoughtfully.
She unwrapped each gift until there weren’t any left. She thanked each guest and followed them outside when Maya and Pearl suggested playing a game. Watching the procession of children head to the backyard, Phoenix began cleaning up the mess that was left in Trucy’s wake.
“Let me assist you,” Miles said, kneeling on the floor next to him.
“I’ll take all the help I can get,” Phoenix said, smiling at him, “How are you doing?”
“I’m not accustomed to a gaggle of children, however, Trucy seems to enjoy their company,” Miles replied.
“Caroline says she’s the darling of the middle class,” Phoenix said with a grin.
“She doesn’t need to strive hard to attain that title,” Miles said.
“You’re biased,” Phoenix teased.
“Of course I am,” Miles said, his eyes twinkling mischievously as he smiled at his partner, “Once we finish here, I’m going to lend my assistance to your mother. The kitchen is rather messy.”
“I’ll help you,” Phoenix said, placing his hand on Miles’s, “Thank you for coming to her party.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said.
But now the weekend was over and Monday meant Miles was to return to work for the first time since his shooting injury. His heart was pounding as he walked into the building, the officers in the lobby greeting him enthusiastically. Taking the stairs to the third floor, he hadn’t expected the balloons and cheers from his co-workers. The welcome back party caused a smile to grace his face, regardless of his anxiety. Searching for Lana, he found her looming in the doorway of her office. Thanking everyone for their kindness, he stated he’d be back momentarily and walked toward Lana.
“May I have a sliver of your time?” Miles asked.
“Of course. Have a seat,” Lana replied, gesturing toward a chair before taking her own, “What can I do for you, Miles?”
“I’d like to lay down some temporary boundaries. My counselor recommended we set a few and adhere to them,” Miles answered.
“I’m listening,” Lana said.
“I’d like to be assigned a partner for the time being. I don’t believe I’m mentally prepared for traversing the streets or questioning witnesses on my own,” Miles said, “While I’m easing back into work, I believe eight-hour workdays will be most beneficial.”
“If you need less let me know,” Lana said.
“I thank you,” Miles said, squirming in his seat, “I’d like to refrain from participating in stakeouts or observations. The mere thought unravels my sanity.”
“If you never can again, I’ll understand and support you. I want you to perform your job duties however is most comfortable for you. I don’t want it to be strenuous for you by bringing up your accident,” Lana said, “I’m here to help you however I can. If you need anything, I’ll help to the best of my ability.”
“Thank you, Lana,” Miles said, surprising her when he reached across the desk and squeezed her hand, “It would be prudent of me to return to my party. It’s quite touching that they thought to take the time to do this.”
“You’re an important member of our department, Miles,” Lana said, smiling at him, “Enjoy your party.”
Miles left her office and rejoined his coworkers. It had been months since he had seen them and needed to catch up on the happenings in their lives. One of his favorite coworkers had gotten engaged over the holidays and was planning to marry that July. Another was expecting a baby after years of trying to get pregnant. Yet another bought a rental property and was enjoying the repair process until he could rent it out.
He was saddened when he learned that John had taken an early retirement package. His injuries proved to be too severe in strenuous exercise and those involved agreed it was essential for him to care for himself and his family. Miles silently promised to become a part of John’s life as long as the reminder of his former career wasn’t too painful.
He was interrupted by his phone during the middle of a conversation. Easing the device from his suit jacket, Miles excused himself and headed for his desk. Phoenix’s face on the screen touched his heart since his partner knew he was a raging ball of nerves before going back to work. Unlocking the screen, Miles opened his text and smiled as he read it.
Hey, sweetheart
I know you haven’t been there long
How’s your day going?
Mine has already been chaotic
Two girls decided that the blue finger paint was shampoo
Did I mention their hair is blond?
I hope their moms don’t kill me for their temporary dye jobs
Love you and have a great day!
~~Phoenix~~
My day has been magnificent thus far
The department organized a welcome back party on my behalf
I spoke to Lana about my boundaries
She was receptive and agreed to them without question
The only bit about today that saddens me is John retired
I’ll chat with you about it tonight
The conversation is too long to relay over a text
I love you too
I may text you quite often today
I’m rather nervous
ME
Text me all you want
I’ll reply when I can if I’m busy
One of the mothers is here
I’ll talk to you later
~~Phoenix~~
Tucking his phone into his suit jacket, Miles took a deep breath. It seemed as if he had never left and could jump back into his usual routine though he knew it was farther from anything he thought. Opening the cover of the file folder that waited for him on his desk, Miles took his time reading the details of the case. It was a simple auto theft case and he had a few ideas, digging a notepad from his desk drawer and jotting notes on it. He felt like he was back in the groove as he worked. A slight smile gracing his face as he took notes, Miles found himself eager to get back into his usual routine.
The rest of April and May was filled with captivating endeavors and heartfelt conversations. Phoenix and Miles included Trucy in most of their outings though they took advantage of their bi-weekly dates. Jack and Marilyn loved Trucy’s company during the dates, especially since the garden required so much work. Trucy regaled them with stories of her time with Grammy-Ma and Grammy-Pa when they picked her up the next morning. Phoenix asked several questions to engage his daughter and show interest but all surprise was on him when she lugged a small basket of strawberries to take home on that Saturday morning. Trucy begged to visit her grandparents a few times a week. Though she said she wanted to see Jack and Marilyn, everyone knew it was to raid Marilyn’s strawberry plants.
Miles and Phoenix mused about the future, particularly theirs together. Neither could foresee the coming days without the other and brought up what they considered to be an idyllic life. Phoenix wanted to add to his family, eventually hoping for a husband and another child to join him and Trucy. Miles wanted to learn what life would be like with a partner by his side for the rest of his life. They chatted about moving in together eventually since both liked the idea.
A simple and quiet question a couple of weeks later saw Miles moving in with Phoenix and Trucy.
Though the thought had been on their mind, the swiftness of the reality of it taking hold stunned both. Miles took a weekend off and moved the items he couldn’t do without as well as any furniture Phoenix wished in the house. It took longer to separate his remaining belongings for donation. Knowing he couldn’t have done it without Phoenix and Trucy’s help, he smiled at both of them when he rose to make lunch.
“I thank both of you for your aid. I was not relishing the thought of clearing my dwellings out on my own,” Miles said as he grabbed ingredients from the refrigerator.
Looking next to him when he felt a small hand tug on his jeans, Miles smiled at Trucy. She had been too enthusiastic to help much but had been fabulous at giving garbage bags to those that needed them. Patting her head fondly, Miles’s brows furled when she shirked the affectionate gesture.
“Daddy Miles, I have a question,” Trucy said.
“What would your question be, Trucy?” Miles asked.
“Will my strawberry room stay here for the next little girl or boy who lives here?” Trucy inquired.
Miles caught her gaze and beheld fear and sadness in her eyes. She had fallen in love with the decorations in her room and Miles had pondered how he would handle her inquiry. Hoping she wouldn’t mention it; they were dashed the minute Trucy opened her mouth.
“I believe we could manage to tuck your strawberry items into a box or two,” Miles said, smiling at her once more.
“What does that mean?” Trucy asked out of confusion.
“It means we can take them home. How would you like to use them to turn your room into a strawberry?” Phoenix questioned.
“Can we go now?” Trucy asked.
“Not yet. In a few hours. Let’s set an alarm on my phone,” Phoenix replied.
Miles watched Phoenix create an alarm while chatting with Trucy. The dilemma hadn’t been one at all, Phoenix solving it before it had a chance to create chaos. It left him in awe once more how in tune he was with children yet none more so than Trucy. Turning his attention back to the meal at hand, Miles couldn’t help be giddy at the thought of spending his life immersed in Phoenix and Trucy’s.
The day came that preschool closed for the summer. Phoenix felt bittersweet while Trucy was downright grumpy. Neither were ready for the school year to end since their routines would change drastically and they’d miss those they cherished in their lives. Locking the doors for the final time until mid-August, Phoenix scooped Trucy into his arms amid her complaints of protest. Making plans to spend with Ezra and his family over the summer had been a priority since he didn’t want Trucy to be away from her best friend for months on end. He was contemplating what they could do when he saw a car with a familiar figure leaning against it once they reached the parking lot.
“Hello, Darling,” Miles said, kissing his partner’s cheek when he stood before him.
“Hey,” Phoenix said with a smile, “What has you in this part of town?”
“Aidan and I finished retrieving evidence from the home invasion site. I was curious if you and a dear girl would care to join me for lunch,” Miles requested, “A new Mongol eatery opened near the station.”
“I’d love to but I promised Trucy we’d see my parents for lunch. You’re welcome to join us. I know they’d love to see you,” Phoenix said.
“I believe your offer is more enticing than mine,” Miles said, smiling at him, “I shall follow you to your parents. Is that ideal?”
“Yep. I have to stop at the store to get Trucy’s juice. Mom ran out and Dad’s at the tractor supply store. Mom doesn’t know when he’ll be back,” Phoenix replied.
“We can make a small outing of it then,” Miles said, pecking a kiss onto Phoenix’s lips, “Shall we be off?”
“But my name is Trucy,” she answered confusedly
“He just means we can leave now,” Phoenix said, his eyes twinkling in amusement.
Setting Trucy on the ground so he could stow their belongings into the car, he quickly buckled her into her car seat. She was excited that they’d be on the way to her grandparents’ house and Phoenix was as well. It was a tradition to partake in lunch with his parents on the last day of school and he found it more appealing since Miles would be eating their meal with them.
The stop at the store was fast, Miles keeping Trucy occupied since she was impatient to see the older Wrights. Phoenix quickly paid for the juice and they were on their way again. The remainder of the drive was filled with Trucy singing along to her children’s music playlist that Phoenix had created for her. Glad that she had something to fill her time, Phoenix navigated his vehicle to the other side of town.
Trucy insisted on being unbuckled the instant the car was put into park. Not able to appease her fast enough, he shot Miles a thankful smile when he opened the door and helped Trucy out. The girl was babbling about her day so far and how disgruntled she was that she wouldn’t be at school for months on end. Miles couldn’t understand her plight but lamented with her anyway.
“Grammy-Pa?” Trucy bellowed the minute she stepped inside the house, “Where are you?”
Grinning when Trucy took off the hallway once Jack rounded the corner, he chatted with his father about what was happening with him recently. Phoenix was impressed that he had made some progress on his truck and that he had completed a few jobs around the house recently. Phoenix offered his help since he would have plenty of free time on his hands. Jack accepted readily.
Miles excused himself to see Marilyn in the kitchen, Phoenix thinking it odd. His partner usually remained by his side when they were at his childhood home. Shrugging, he continued chatting until his mother called him into the kitchen. Walking down the hall until he reached the kitchen, he was confused when he didn’t see Miles. It was unlike him to not tell Phoenix the truth and he didn’t like the new trait his partner was displaying. Turning around, Phoenix gasped and held a hand to his chest when he saw Miles on one knee in front of him, a ring held between a thumb and finger.
“I wasn’t in a good place in life when I met you. I was abhorrent toward you and I’ll never be able to apologize for my behavior enough,” Miles said, “You opened my eyes though. You showed me your true personality and intellect. You helped me think outside of the box and empathize with the victims I handle often. Most importantly, you taught me that I was worthy of love. I never want to go without love in my life again. I would be positively honored if you would marry me. Will you marry me, Phoenix Wright?”
Phoenix couldn’t breathe he was so shocked. He and Miles had been through so much in their short time of dating though they had made more strides than others who had been together for years. It made them stronger, virtually sealing their eternity forever. Nodding slowly, a sheen of tears covered Phoenix’s eyes as he murmured one word time and again.
“Yes,” Phoenix whispered, “Yes, yes, yes!”
Watching Miles slip the ring onto his finger, Phoenix threw his arms around his partner’s neck and kissed him with such fervor it imparted every emotion he felt for Miles. Breaking the kiss when he saw black pinpricks in his vision, Phoenix couldn’t help but grin.
“Yes, I’ll marry you,” Phoenix said, resting his forehead on Miles, “I love you.”
“I love you too, Darling,” Miles said.
“What’s positibely honored?” Trucy asked suddenly.
Miles and Phoenix’s wedding was the stuff that dreams were made of. The ceremony was small and intimate which is what they wanted. Marilyn had made it a special occasion, stringing fairy lights from the trees in her and Jack’s backyard. She donated every rose in her garden for petals which were sprinkled on the aisle runner. Bubble machines had been placed strategically and Maya brought her sound system to play muted classical music. Trucy was a darling, her peach satin flower girl dress fitting her perfectly and the flower crown that Marilyn made for her completing the ensemble. Phoenix and Miles chose to go with their favorite colors. Phoenix wore a lovely shade of blue while Miles opted for a cranberry tuxedo. Walking down the aisle together was important to them since they thought they were facing their upcoming life filled with love and joy at the same time. They exchanged their vows and kissed as husbands when the minister announced them wedded. Neither could have been happier.
“I’m so ecstatic my body is thrumming with a hint of electricity,” Miles said as they peered out over the pond in the backyard.
“I know what you mean. Never in a million years did I think I’d be here with you. I thought you would always hate my guts,” Phoenix said.
“I’m grateful that I saw the light. The light that’s you, Darling,” Miles said, “To change the subject, do you think Trucy will be alright for four days while we’re on our honeymoon?”
“I think she will be. I bribed her with lots of souvenirs,” Phoenix answered.
“She will hold you to it,” Miles said, “Do you still want to drop my adoption application for Trucy off on our way out? I don’t mind waiting until we return.”
“I’m sure,” Phoenix said, lifting Miles’s hand and kissing the new platinum ring on his finger, “Ready to get out of here? The reception is dying down. Mom’s already cleaning up.”
“Let’s say our goodbyes and be on our way,” Miles said.
“Sounds like a plan, Mr. Edgeworth-Wright,” Phoenix said, grinning cheesily at him.
“I’m glad you think so. I love you, Mr. Edgeworth-Wright,” Miles said.
“I love you too.”
“Daddy!”
Sighing for the forty-seventh time that morning, Phoenix put aside his laptop since he wouldn’t be able to continue processing applications until the day calmed down. He closed the laptop and got to his feet, walking down the hall until he reached Trucy’s room. The sight before him shouldn’t have surprised him but he exhaled in frustration anyway.
“Daddy, he won’t stop chewing on my wand,” a now seven-year-old Trucy complained, holding the plastic toy up, “The white part has chew marks! He ruined one of my cards with his slobber too.”
“Come on, Monkey. Let’s make your own wand,” Phoenix said.
Scooping the toddler into his arms, Phoenix stopped at the craft corner in the living room before returning to the kitchen. He placed the boy in his high chair and gave him a toy to play with while he did his best to create a magic wand. It was a crude attempt at it, but he had a wand made from toddler blocks in no time. Handing it to the boy, he groaned when the child slammed it on the tray of the high chair and it broke spectacularly.
“I’m home!”
“Kitchen!” Phoenix shouted back.
Putting the wand back together, he smiled at Miles when he entered the room. The kiss on the top of his head had become a tradition between them before Miles placed his briefcase on the island. Watching Miles kiss the top of the boy’s head also, Phoenix waited to share what had happened that day.
“How was your day?” Miles questioned.
“Trying. He and Trucy have been at it all day. He chewed on her new wand,” Phoenix responded.
“We just purchased that replacement last week,” Miles said, looking at the boy, “What are we going to do with you, Monkey?”
“I made him one of out blocks but it’s not going to last long. It’s almost time for Monkey’s nap and Trucy’s ballet practice was moved to five,” Phoenix said.
“I’ll make dinner tonight. I do have something to share with you before you put him down for a nap,” Miles said, handing Phoenix an envelope.
Carefully removing the sheet of paper from within the envelope, Phoenix read every word. He couldn’t believe his eyes; couldn’t believe they had received word of an outcome that soon. His eyes darting up to Miles, he saw a broad grin on his face.
“He’s ours,” Phoenix murmured, “He’s our son.”
“He is. Our family is complete,” Miles said, “I love all of you so much my heart hurts.”
“We love you too,” Phoenix said, errant tears beginning to run down his cheeks before catching the boy’s gaze, “Welcome to the family, Gregory Edgeworth-Wright.”
***FIN***