1 00:00:01,501 --> 00:00:05,905 [ gentle instrumental ] 2 00:00:05,972 --> 00:00:08,308 >> Hope: You doing all right now that we're here? 3 00:00:08,375 --> 00:00:10,910 >> Douglas: Yeah. >> Hope: Remember what 4 00:00:10,977 --> 00:00:13,446 we talked about. You are the one 5 00:00:13,513 --> 00:00:16,082 making the decision. It's not me, not your dad. 6 00:00:16,149 --> 00:00:19,819 Not even the judge. And it's okay if at any point, 7 00:00:19,886 --> 00:00:21,821 you feel uncomfortable. That's fine, 8 00:00:21,888 --> 00:00:24,924 and we will put an end to it. >> Douglas: Okay. 9 00:00:30,130 --> 00:00:33,133 >> Thomas: Well, hey, guys. >> Douglas: Hi, Dad. 10 00:00:34,601 --> 00:00:36,703 >> Hope: Steffy? >> Thomas: That's my, 11 00:00:36,770 --> 00:00:38,872 uh, witness. Yours, I'm guessing? 12 00:00:42,041 --> 00:00:43,710 >> Steffy: Hey, bud, how you doin'? 13 00:00:43,777 --> 00:00:46,913 >> Douglas: Good, Aunt Steffy. What's a witness? 14 00:00:48,181 --> 00:00:50,116 >> Steffy: It mostly means, I'm-- 15 00:00:50,183 --> 00:00:51,785 I'm here to be your supportive aunt. 16 00:00:52,285 --> 00:00:55,321 >> Douglas: Cool. >> Thomas: So, did your mom 17 00:00:55,388 --> 00:00:58,525 and Liam explain exactly what we're doin' here today? 18 00:00:58,591 --> 00:01:01,761 >> Hope: Uh, we did, and he knows that 19 00:01:01,828 --> 00:01:04,130 nothing needs to be settled on today, 20 00:01:04,197 --> 00:01:06,633 and if he wants to stop at any point, he can. 21 00:01:07,634 --> 00:01:10,103 >> Thomas: That's right. Even if that's right now. 22 00:01:11,571 --> 00:01:14,841 You sure you're okay with this? Deciding where you're going 23 00:01:14,908 --> 00:01:17,310 to live, permanently? >> Douglas: Sure. 24 00:01:17,977 --> 00:01:20,480 I don't wanna hurt anybody's feelings, though. 25 00:01:21,214 --> 00:01:22,982 >> Hope: You don't have to worry about that. 26 00:01:23,049 --> 00:01:25,718 Your dad and I-- we just want to do 27 00:01:25,785 --> 00:01:28,822 what's best for you. >> Thomas: You got that right. 28 00:01:28,888 --> 00:01:32,592 No matter what you decide. >> Douglas: Okay. Good. 29 00:01:32,659 --> 00:01:40,500 Then, yeah. I'm ready. ♪♪♪ 30 00:01:49,409 --> 00:01:57,317 [ knocking on door ] >> Deacon: Sheila? 31 00:01:57,383 --> 00:01:58,384 >> Sheila: Hey. 32 00:02:02,889 --> 00:02:10,897 ♪♪♪ 33 00:02:13,266 --> 00:02:14,200 >> Deacon: It's just so strange, 34 00:02:14,267 --> 00:02:16,903 seein' you walk around free. [ Sheila chuckles ] 35 00:02:16,970 --> 00:02:18,805 >> Sheila: No, what's really strange is being back 36 00:02:18,872 --> 00:02:22,775 in this apartment. You know, it was a safe harbor 37 00:02:22,842 --> 00:02:25,245 for me for a long time, I-- I haven't been 38 00:02:25,311 --> 00:02:28,214 here since I fled. >> Deacon: Must seem like 39 00:02:28,281 --> 00:02:30,383 a shoebox to you now, compared to Spencer's estate. 40 00:02:30,450 --> 00:02:32,919 >> Sheila: Yeah, it's a good thing I love shoes. 41 00:02:34,487 --> 00:02:36,289 >> Deacon: So, what brings you here? 42 00:02:37,490 --> 00:02:39,893 >> Sheila: I, um-- I realized I forgot 43 00:02:39,959 --> 00:02:42,161 a few things. >> Deacon: Mmm. 44 00:02:42,228 --> 00:02:44,697 You sure it's not an excuse to come see me? 45 00:02:44,764 --> 00:02:49,802 ♪♪♪ >> Liam: Hey, so, Douglas. 46 00:02:49,869 --> 00:02:53,072 Just reminding you, uh, the-- the decision's a little 47 00:02:53,139 --> 00:02:55,742 more complicated than just who you live with. Right? 48 00:02:55,808 --> 00:02:59,279 >> Hope: Yeah. The papers that your dad and I signed, 49 00:02:59,345 --> 00:03:03,750 they're about parental rights. >> Liam: Right. Look, uh, 50 00:03:03,816 --> 00:03:06,152 both of us will still be actively involved 51 00:03:06,219 --> 00:03:09,088 in your life, right? But whoever you choose 52 00:03:09,155 --> 00:03:11,824 will be more involved on the day-to-day things. 53 00:03:11,891 --> 00:03:15,528 >> Douglas: Okay. How will I tell the judge? 54 00:03:15,595 --> 00:03:19,465 >> Hope: Well, she'll probably ask you what your decision is, 55 00:03:19,532 --> 00:03:23,570 and then you'll tell her, and then it will be official. 56 00:03:23,636 --> 00:03:26,406 >> Douglas: And then I go to their house? 57 00:03:26,873 --> 00:03:32,245 >> Hope: Exactly. >> Judge: Hello, all. 58 00:03:32,312 --> 00:03:36,716 Apologies for my delay. Thomas, Hope, 59 00:03:36,783 --> 00:03:38,384 good to see you again. I assume these 60 00:03:38,451 --> 00:03:41,187 are your witnesses? >> Hope: Uh, yes. Thank you, 61 00:03:41,254 --> 00:03:44,457 Judge Gomez. My husband, Liam. >> Thomas: And this is 62 00:03:44,524 --> 00:03:48,094 my sister, Steffy. >> Judge: Nice to meet you both. 63 00:03:48,161 --> 00:03:52,732 And you must be Douglas. The man of the hour. 64 00:03:52,799 --> 00:03:54,968 Do you understand that you're being asked to make 65 00:03:55,034 --> 00:03:57,837 a very big decision today? >> Douglas: Yes. 66 00:03:57,904 --> 00:04:01,107 >> Judge: And are you ready? >> Douglas: Yes, Your Honor. 67 00:04:01,174 --> 00:04:16,055 ♪♪♪ 68 00:04:16,122 --> 00:04:16,856 ♪♪♪ 69 00:04:16,923 --> 00:04:17,890 >> Deacon: It is truly impressive, 70 00:04:17,957 --> 00:04:21,361 seeing you out and about. You know, you not only 71 00:04:21,427 --> 00:04:23,830 landed on your feet, and stuck that landing, 72 00:04:23,896 --> 00:04:26,766 and you roped in Spencer? I mean, gettin' that guy 73 00:04:26,833 --> 00:04:30,136 to chuck his entire life for your defense? 74 00:04:30,203 --> 00:04:32,105 I don't think anyone else could have done it. 75 00:04:32,171 --> 00:04:34,007 I don't think anyone else would've tried. 76 00:04:38,878 --> 00:04:40,647 >> Sheila: You know, it's really funny, 77 00:04:40,713 --> 00:04:44,350 because Bill used to have one just like this. 78 00:04:45,051 --> 00:04:47,020 >> Deacon: Oops. [ both giggling ] 79 00:04:47,086 --> 00:04:49,255 >> Sheila: Very cute. Very cute. And you know what? 80 00:04:49,322 --> 00:04:53,459 I didn't pull off anything. We really have a connection. 81 00:04:53,526 --> 00:04:56,696 >> Deacon: Yeah, okay. >> Sheila: I mean it. 82 00:04:56,763 --> 00:04:59,866 We understand each other. >> Deacon: I think... 83 00:05:01,034 --> 00:05:03,670 I understand you better than anyone. 84 00:05:03,736 --> 00:05:06,272 All that time, cooped up here together. 85 00:05:06,806 --> 00:05:09,042 All those nights in each other's arms. 86 00:05:11,144 --> 00:05:15,181 I miss you. And I think you miss me, too. 87 00:05:15,248 --> 00:05:19,552 ♪♪♪ >> Judge: I just need 88 00:05:19,619 --> 00:05:26,559 a moment to review. [ Liam murmuring to Douglas ] 89 00:05:26,626 --> 00:05:28,394 >> Hope: Steffy? >> Steffy: Mmm. 90 00:05:29,062 --> 00:05:31,297 >> Hope: Thank you for being here. 91 00:05:31,364 --> 00:05:33,332 >> Steffy: Of course. I'm happy to be 92 00:05:33,399 --> 00:05:36,502 Thomas's witness. >> Hope: Honestly, I'm-- 93 00:05:36,569 --> 00:05:40,540 I'm happy, too. I know that he's missed you, 94 00:05:40,606 --> 00:05:43,676 and he might need some sisterly support 95 00:05:43,743 --> 00:05:47,547 after today. >> Judge: Thank you 96 00:05:47,613 --> 00:05:49,415 for your patience. If everyone can 97 00:05:49,482 --> 00:05:51,484 take their seats? Uh, Douglas, 98 00:05:51,551 --> 00:05:56,289 why don't you sit here by me? As you know, 99 00:05:56,355 --> 00:06:00,259 we are here to decide parental rights for Douglas. 100 00:06:00,326 --> 00:06:03,396 Or rather, Douglas is. Now, your parents have 101 00:06:03,463 --> 00:06:06,132 already signed the paperwork, and they have reassured me that 102 00:06:06,199 --> 00:06:09,435 you are a very wise young man, capable of choosing 103 00:06:09,502 --> 00:06:12,538 what's best for yourself. >> Thomas: He certainly is. 104 00:06:12,605 --> 00:06:15,241 >> Hope: We trust him. >> Judge: Though unusual, 105 00:06:15,308 --> 00:06:17,677 it's not unheard of to let a child decide, 106 00:06:17,744 --> 00:06:20,980 especially in a case like this when shared custody 107 00:06:21,047 --> 00:06:25,952 doesn't appear to be working. This room is filled with people 108 00:06:26,018 --> 00:06:29,922 who love you, Douglas. In fact, Mom and Dad 109 00:06:29,989 --> 00:06:32,125 love you so much, they're putting aside 110 00:06:32,191 --> 00:06:34,227 their own wishes and letting you decide 111 00:06:34,293 --> 00:06:38,097 where you're most comfortable. That says a lot about them, 112 00:06:38,164 --> 00:06:41,734 and you. You are in charge 113 00:06:41,801 --> 00:06:46,639 of your own destiny. But I think it only fair to 114 00:06:46,706 --> 00:06:49,575 let each of your parents talk to you, for a moment, 115 00:06:49,642 --> 00:06:53,513 before we finalize this. Because, after today, 116 00:06:53,579 --> 00:06:56,315 only one parent will have custody of you. 117 00:06:56,382 --> 00:06:58,918 Does that make sense? >> Douglas: Yes, Your Honor. 118 00:06:59,652 --> 00:07:02,955 >> Judge: Okay. Let's hear what Mom 119 00:07:03,022 --> 00:07:07,326 and Dad have to say. Thomas? You're up. 120 00:07:08,161 --> 00:07:14,834 >> Thomas: Okay. Um, well. Bud. I am, uh-- 121 00:07:14,901 --> 00:07:19,238 I'm sorry that we're here today. I've made some mistakes 122 00:07:19,305 --> 00:07:23,176 in the past, and-- and... it's kind of led 123 00:07:23,242 --> 00:07:26,546 to this whole situation, I wish you didn't have to be in. 124 00:07:27,113 --> 00:07:30,416 Yeah, I have so much respect for you. 125 00:07:30,483 --> 00:07:35,188 I'm so proud of you. You're the best kid, I mean-- 126 00:07:35,755 --> 00:07:38,357 I have no idea, sometimes, how you come from me. 127 00:07:39,258 --> 00:07:44,030 You're so good and kind and honest. 128 00:07:45,598 --> 00:07:49,468 And you're gonna grow up, and I am so excited for that. 129 00:07:49,535 --> 00:07:52,738 I am so excited to watch you, and watch the things 130 00:07:52,805 --> 00:07:55,374 that you do, and-- as many mistakes 131 00:07:55,441 --> 00:07:58,311 as I have made, I'm-- I'm really hoping I get to be 132 00:07:58,377 --> 00:08:02,715 a witness to that and-- and to be a guide for you. 133 00:08:03,149 --> 00:08:07,086 Now, I want you to know, no matter what you choose, 134 00:08:07,153 --> 00:08:09,488 it's gonna be okay. Your mom and I 135 00:08:09,555 --> 00:08:14,360 will respect it, 100%. But I do have to say... 136 00:08:15,661 --> 00:08:19,966 I really, really hope that you choose me. 137 00:08:20,032 --> 00:08:27,039 ♪♪♪ 138 00:08:31,878 --> 00:08:33,813 >> Sheila: You know, you're sweet. 139 00:08:35,581 --> 00:08:39,685 But you're not hearing me. Bill is the man in my life now, 140 00:08:39,752 --> 00:08:42,855 and my God, what a man. He is handsome, 141 00:08:42,922 --> 00:08:46,626 he's rich, he's powerful, and he put everything 142 00:08:46,692 --> 00:08:49,762 on the line to save me. >> Deacon: He's also the biggest 143 00:08:49,829 --> 00:08:53,099 jackass in L.A., and that is saying a lot. 144 00:08:53,733 --> 00:08:56,569 >> Sheila: I care about Bill. >> Deacon: Listen. 145 00:08:56,636 --> 00:08:59,405 That meathead was your ticket out, okay? 146 00:08:59,472 --> 00:09:01,908 I-- look, I'm amazed you were even able to take 147 00:09:01,974 --> 00:09:04,143 advantage of him like that. It was impressive. 148 00:09:04,210 --> 00:09:06,846 You know, you're a genius, you're a-- you're a sexy, 149 00:09:06,913 --> 00:09:09,582 nine-toed genius, because you will do 150 00:09:09,649 --> 00:09:11,484 whatever it takes to get what you want, 151 00:09:11,550 --> 00:09:14,720 and you know what? I love that about you. 152 00:09:14,787 --> 00:09:20,927 ♪♪♪ >> Thomas: You know, Douglas, 153 00:09:20,993 --> 00:09:25,031 I, um... I totally understand 154 00:09:25,097 --> 00:09:30,403 if you choose to live with Hope. She has been the most loving 155 00:09:30,469 --> 00:09:33,572 and supportive mother that you could have asked for. 156 00:09:34,106 --> 00:09:36,509 But it was never supposed to be this way. 157 00:09:37,443 --> 00:09:41,347 Caroline and I, we were building 158 00:09:41,414 --> 00:09:46,385 an amazing family, but after she passed... 159 00:09:48,220 --> 00:09:53,926 I didn't know what to do. And Hope came in 160 00:09:53,993 --> 00:09:58,464 and filled that role. And she did a wonderful job. 161 00:10:00,766 --> 00:10:04,603 But Douglas, giving you a mother... 162 00:10:06,939 --> 00:10:11,077 that was never meant to mean me 163 00:10:11,143 --> 00:10:15,147 giving up as a father. I am your father. 164 00:10:15,214 --> 00:10:18,818 You're my blood. I love you. 165 00:10:19,385 --> 00:10:24,790 And every fiber of my being is here to protect you. 166 00:10:24,857 --> 00:10:27,626 And to look after you, and to guide you. 167 00:10:29,295 --> 00:10:37,870 And I wanna keep doing that. ♪♪♪ 168 00:10:37,937 --> 00:10:40,940 >> Thomas: I've been looking at, uh, homes for us. 169 00:10:42,208 --> 00:10:47,513 I wanna build a future for you. Both of us together. 170 00:10:48,180 --> 00:10:51,283 And I know I have made a lot 171 00:10:51,350 --> 00:10:55,388 of mistakes in the past, but Douglas... 172 00:10:57,089 --> 00:11:00,659 you're like an angel, you-- you've always seen 173 00:11:00,726 --> 00:11:05,131 who I truly am. And you've seen past 174 00:11:05,197 --> 00:11:09,535 my mistakes. I just-- 175 00:11:10,469 --> 00:11:13,105 I really hope you can keep doin' that. 176 00:11:13,572 --> 00:11:17,043 I love you, bud. And I really, 177 00:11:17,109 --> 00:11:23,249 really hope you choose me. ♪♪♪ 178 00:11:23,315 --> 00:11:26,452 >> Judge: Thank you, Thomas. Let's hear from Mom. 179 00:11:28,521 --> 00:11:37,129 [ Hope clears throat] >> Hope: Hi, Douglas. 180 00:11:38,197 --> 00:11:42,201 Um, first and foremost, I want to say that 181 00:11:42,268 --> 00:11:46,906 I agree with your dad, and we will respect 182 00:11:46,972 --> 00:11:49,341 whatever decision you make today. 183 00:11:49,408 --> 00:11:52,812 And I'm really happy to hear that he's looking at houses, 184 00:11:52,878 --> 00:11:56,048 because... your father deserves 185 00:11:56,115 --> 00:12:00,519 to have a place to call his own. A place for you to visit. 186 00:12:02,154 --> 00:12:06,592 But I hope that you consider your home 187 00:12:06,659 --> 00:12:11,230 to be with me, and Liam, and Beth. 188 00:12:12,665 --> 00:12:15,167 And it's where you've been living now 189 00:12:15,234 --> 00:12:19,171 for most of your life. A place where you're 190 00:12:19,238 --> 00:12:23,776 loved unconditionally, and supported, 191 00:12:23,843 --> 00:12:26,879 and where trust has already been earned. 192 00:12:30,182 --> 00:12:34,987 I love you. And I do hope... 193 00:12:36,689 --> 00:12:39,992 that after today, I will continue to see 194 00:12:40,860 --> 00:12:43,662 your smiling face coming in through 195 00:12:43,729 --> 00:12:45,731 those cabin doors when you get to tell me 196 00:12:45,798 --> 00:12:47,533 all about what you learned at school. 197 00:12:49,902 --> 00:12:52,972 Or even our silly little noodle dance we do before bed. 198 00:12:55,374 --> 00:12:57,576 Because you are a part of our family. 199 00:12:58,811 --> 00:13:01,347 And it would be incomplete without you. 200 00:13:02,815 --> 00:13:06,285 Now, I know... how important 201 00:13:06,352 --> 00:13:12,958 your father is to you. I know that because 202 00:13:13,025 --> 00:13:15,728 I didn't get to have that growing up. 203 00:13:16,695 --> 00:13:21,133 And so I promise you, Douglas, that I will always make sure 204 00:13:21,200 --> 00:13:24,069 that you have a healthy relationship with your dad, 205 00:13:24,136 --> 00:13:26,505 and that he is a part of your life. 206 00:13:28,374 --> 00:13:31,911 But you also can still do that 207 00:13:32,978 --> 00:13:35,981 while calling our house your home. 208 00:13:40,986 --> 00:13:45,491 So... I hope you choose to stay, 209 00:13:45,558 --> 00:13:49,929 and I love you. And it wouldn't be the same 210 00:13:49,995 --> 00:13:55,834 without you. ♪♪♪ 211 00:13:57,102 --> 00:14:02,808 >> Judge: Thank you both. I can see your words 212 00:14:02,875 --> 00:14:06,312 mean a lot to Douglas, and he's lucky to have such 213 00:14:06,378 --> 00:14:12,418 devoted and caring parents, one of whom he will choose 214 00:14:12,484 --> 00:14:17,356 to live with. What do you say, Douglas? 215 00:14:18,457 --> 00:14:26,966 Have you made your decision? ♪♪♪ 216 00:14:43,182 --> 00:14:44,116 >> Sheila: Seems like 217 00:14:44,183 --> 00:14:46,518 I earned your respect. >> Deacon: Aww, come on. 218 00:14:46,585 --> 00:14:50,589 I always admired you, but this? Mad respect. 219 00:14:51,123 --> 00:14:53,058 But it's curious, though. I mean, you-- 220 00:14:53,125 --> 00:14:56,028 you got what you wanted. Why keep up this charade 221 00:14:56,095 --> 00:14:58,330 with Spencer? >> Sheila: You know, 222 00:14:58,397 --> 00:15:03,035 this is almost cute. You not accepting that I've-- 223 00:15:03,102 --> 00:15:06,238 I've moved on. Almost. 224 00:15:07,306 --> 00:15:10,075 >> Deacon: Sheila, you're free, okay? 225 00:15:10,142 --> 00:15:13,178 There's no charges against you. This could be it. 226 00:15:13,245 --> 00:15:17,116 This could be our time together, to have an actual relationship. 227 00:15:17,182 --> 00:15:20,052 Out in the open. And I know I'd be risking a lot, 228 00:15:20,119 --> 00:15:21,787 I get it, that-- that Brooke and Hope 229 00:15:21,854 --> 00:15:23,555 wouldn't be thrilled about it, but you know what? 230 00:15:23,622 --> 00:15:26,392 They'd come around. Once they see how happy I am. 231 00:15:26,725 --> 00:15:30,229 You make me happy. Let's show them. 232 00:15:30,296 --> 00:15:33,465 Hell, let's show the whole damn world. 233 00:15:33,532 --> 00:15:37,603 I want you, Sheila. Tell me you want me 234 00:15:37,670 --> 00:15:44,943 as much as I want you. ♪♪♪ 235 00:15:45,411 --> 00:15:47,546 >> Judge: All right, Douglas. Do you know where 236 00:15:47,613 --> 00:16:01,160 you'd like to live? >> Douglas: Yes, Your Honor. 237 00:16:01,226 --> 00:16:03,762 >> Judge: Come up here and join me. 238 00:16:04,296 --> 00:16:06,865 Your parents' signatures are already on 239 00:16:06,932 --> 00:16:11,170 this official document, you see? And Steffy and Liam 240 00:16:11,236 --> 00:16:15,107 are here as witnesses. This'll be official and binding. 241 00:16:15,174 --> 00:16:18,944 Your custodian moving forward, who will care for you 242 00:16:19,011 --> 00:16:22,815 until you come of age. Now, you see this 243 00:16:22,881 --> 00:16:26,051 pad right here? That's where I want you 244 00:16:26,118 --> 00:16:35,094 to write your decision down. ♪♪♪ 245 00:16:56,181 --> 00:16:59,685 >> Douglas: Okay. >> Judge: You're a very 246 00:16:59,752 --> 00:17:05,124 brave young man, Douglas, and I sense you're gonna be fine 247 00:17:05,190 --> 00:17:07,359 with whichever place you've picked. 248 00:17:08,193 --> 00:17:11,830 And let's remember, whatever Douglas has chosen 249 00:17:11,897 --> 00:17:14,233 is final. You have pledged to be 250 00:17:14,299 --> 00:17:17,369 supportive and understanding, and I expect you to honor that. 251 00:17:18,537 --> 00:17:22,808 So... the custodian in Douglas's life 252 00:17:22,875 --> 00:17:30,115 will be... >> Judge: Oh. 253 00:17:30,182 --> 00:17:36,755 ♪♪♪ >> Thomas: Who is it? 254 00:17:41,827 --> 00:17:45,664 Douglas. >> Hope: What's going on? 255 00:17:58,777 --> 00:18:01,113 >> Douglas: I wrote your name, Aunt Steffy. 256 00:18:03,749 --> 00:18:09,254 I wanna live with you. Will you have me? 257 00:18:09,321 --> 00:18:19,331 ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ 258 00:18:27,439 --> 00:18:30,442 Captioned by Los Angeles Distribution and Broadcasting, Inc.