Mom’s Custody Battle for 14th and 15th Kids Ends in Heartbreak for Foster Parents Who Spent Nearly 3 Years Raising Them (Exclusive)

In Steuben County, New York, a couple who fostered twins since their birth is grappling with heartache following a court ruling. Bri and Allan Lewis have watched over these children—one boy and one girl—for nearly three years, forming an unbreakable bond that has now led to a bittersweet separation. The twins in question were born amid a complex and controversial surrogacy case involving their biological mother, MaryBeth Lewis, a 69-year-old nurse who faces a series of felony charges.

The twins entered Bri and Allan’s lives in November 2023, when they were called to the hospital shortly after their birth. The couple, already parents to two biological teenagers, felt an instant connection with the children. However, following a recent ruling by a judge, Bri and Allan have been forced to relinquish their role as foster parents, as MaryBeth Lewis, along with her husband Bob, were officially recognised as the twins’ legal parents.

In their first interviews since the court’s decision, Bri and Allan shared their emotional turmoil. Bri, who is in her early 40s, expressed her unwavering love for the children, stating, “From the very first moment we saw them in the hospital, we have never stopped loving and we’ve always wanted them.” Her husband, Allan, echoed her sentiments, revealing their desire to reunite as a family. “We miss them dearly and are trying to find ways to do that,” he said.

MaryBeth Lewis, who hired a surrogate to carry the embryos after being advised that she could not sustain another pregnancy, had her actions scrutinised. Amid mounting legal troubles, she was indicted on multiple charges, including forgery and attempted kidnapping. Various attempts were made to seek custody of the twins, all while Bri and Allan nurtured them in their loving home.

The foster couple recounted the initial days of caring for the twins, recalling the sheer joy of parenthood. They integrated the little ones seamlessly into their family routine, enjoying walks together and watching their biological children play with their foster siblings. “It was beautiful to watch them teach and invest in one another,” Bri remembered fondly.

However, their hopes of adopting the twins were dashed when the legal system intervened. A newly appointed judge granted custody to MaryBeth and Bob Lewis, leading to the painful day when Bri and Allan had to hand over the children. Explaining the distress of the situation, Allan shared, “The two people they trusted most are just handing them over. As a father, that’s excruciating.”

The couple felt that their twins, who are still very young, were not taken into account during this custody transition. Bri expressed her dismay, stating that “they have their own identity, personality, and voice,” arguing that these aspects were overlooked in the proceedings. Their worries stemmed from the uncertainty that awaited the children in their new environment.

While navigating this devastating separation, MaryBeth Lewis concluded her criminal case by pleading guilty to charges related to her earlier actions, receiving a conditional discharge. Nonetheless, Bri and Allan continue to long for the day they might be reunited with the twins, who are approaching their third birthday—a milestone celebrated through the lens of both joy and grief.

Reflecting on the empty space left by the twins, Bri remarked, “I hear their voices—and how empty the house feels.” Allan also shared this sadness, recalling how he used to expect to see the children eagerly waiting for him when he arrived home. They are now unsure of the future and the next steps regarding their bond with the twins.

In their heartfelt messages to the children, Bri and Allan conveyed their enduring love. “If we are unable to bring them home, we need them to know that we chose them every day,” said Allan. They hope to leave breadcrumbs—little reminders—so that when the twins are older and aware of their circumstances, they may find their way back to the couple who loved them so fiercely during their formative years.