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24
Ally
Trent and I sit in front of the big desk and wait for Mr. Tanner to finish up whatever he’s typing on his computer. I nervously tap my finger on the knee I have crossed over my other leg. When I feel Trent’s hand squeezing my other one, I look over at him. He gives me a smile, and some of my nerves settle. I uncross my legs and recross them the other way.
Earlier this morning, while I sat at the table and was enjoying watching Trent cook us breakfast, Mr. Tanner called and asked us to come in to go over a few things. So long as we’re moving in a positive direction, the man could tell me to jump, and I’d ask how high.
The last few weeks have been busy for Trent and me. We’ve both taken drug tests, had a criminal background check, and have gone through an information session and several pre-service training courses.
Last week, we went home for a couple of days because the adoption agency wanted to do a home visit. The visit lasted several hours, and they checked every nook and cranny of our house to ensure we would be bringing Erica home to a safe environment. I’m not sure how we managed it, but we were able to keep the home visit a secret from our family and friends. The agency has also been calling the personal references we had listed. Now that had us receiving phone calls from various people, asking questions we weren’t ready to give answers to yet. Thankfully, we’ve managed to avoid giving away our plans, but I know it won’t last long.
After several more torturous moments of him typing at his computer, he finally looks our way. “I apologize for that. I had an urgent matter that needed my attention.” He flips open the file in front of him, briefly glancing down at it. “Thank you for coming in on such short notice. I know you’re both anxious for this process to be over with so you can start your lives with Erica. I only have a few papers that I need you two to sign before it’s finalized.”
My heart skips a beat, and my spine straightens. “Finalized?” I ask, my voice coming out a squeak. “We’ve been approved?”
He glances up and looks at us over the rim of his glasses. “Yes. The final decision came yesterday afternoon. You weren’t notified?”
“No.” Trent answers for me, which is good because I’m not sure I can formulate words. “The last we heard anything was when we were told our application was in review and that it could be a few more weeks.”
“Hmm… you were supposed to be informed yesterday.” His lips curve into a smile. “I guess it’s my honor to inform you that the adoption board felt you were both an excellent fit for Erica.”
“Oh my God,” I gasp, my eyes filling with tears. I look over at Trent and find him battling his own emotions. We both stand from our chairs at the same time. In the next instance, my arms are around his neck and I’m holding onto him tightly.
“We’re going to be parents,” I tell him with a quivering voice.
“We sure are,” he says quietly with a smile, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.
I sniffle, and despite trying my best to hold back my tears, a couple manage to slip free and slide down my cheeks.
A throat clearing has both of our attention turning back to Mr. Tanner.
“I’m sorry.” Trent and I retake our seats. A smile stretches across my face. “We’re just both so excited. We thought it would be a few more weeks before we were given a decision.”
“No need to explain.” His smile is kind. “Typically, it would, but the courts felt it necessary to speed things up due to Erica’s case, her medical history, and because it was uncontested.”
I nod, understanding his meaning.
“As I said, there are a few documents I need to go over with you and have you sign. Once that’s done, you’ll officially be the adoptive parents of Erica Freemont.”
Emotions bubble up inside me so strong I want to leap up and scream to release them. Only the embarrassment of such an act keeps me in my chair. Even so, my body vibrates, and I know I must look silly with the huge grin on my face.
“From my understanding, you’ll be staying in the area until Erica has completed her treatments?”
“Yes, that’s correct,” Trent answers. “We felt it best since her doctors here are familiar with her illness.”
Mr. Tanner nods. “While the papers will be signed today making it official, it’ll take a couple of weeks for them to enter the system. In the meantime, Mrs. Miller was made aware of the decision this morning.”
Over the next thirty minutes, Mr. Tanner goes over a few things with us. When it comes to signing the final document that will finalize the adoption, I force my hands to not shake. I hand over the pen to Trent and he signs his name beside mine.
“I believe that’s everything,” Mr. Tanner says, sliding the folder closed. He stuffs a stack of papers inside a white envelope and slides it across his desk. “These are your personal copies.”
Trent and I get to our feet as Mr. Tanner stands and walks around his desk. He holds out his hand for Trent and me to shake.
“Thank you so much.” I force the words out past my clogged throat.
“It was my pleasure. Congratulations. When the board and I looked over your application, we knew you were the right fit for Erica. I have no doubt she’s being placed with the right people.”
I look at Trent and give him a tremendous smile before looking back at Mr. Tanner. “We love her already and can’t wait to take her home.”
