Angel is listening to his inner Angelus, and we all know that Angelus was always sneakier and smarter than Angel. And as for the Harrises, I don't think they're egregiously horrible people... I don't think they would give custody to a perfect stranger, but this story allows them to feel like this is family interfering, and family paying for the right to interfere.

And yes, Angel has the ring, and you're right that Angel is still clueless about the happiness clause.