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“Turn around,” Rainey says.
I slowly turn on my heel, nervous about what’s behind me. Noah and Rainey stand in the same spot as before, but Rainey now has a small sign in her hands.
My mouth drops when I read ‘WILL YOU ADOPT ME?’ on the handwritten sign.
“Are you serious?” I look from Rainey to Noah and back again. “We’re approved? Please tell me you’re serious.”
I pick Rainey up and swing her around the room, noticing Claire dry her eyes. Placing Rainey in front of Noah, I motion Maggie to join us for a family hug. Only a month after Noah’s brother relinquished his parental rights, Noah began the adoption process for Rainey. What’s normally a lengthy process was slightly faster because of the circumstances and Noah’s existing guardianship.
“I’m serious.” Noah cries, wrapping her arms around my waist and leaning the weight of her body into mine. “Georgia called this morning. I’m—” She looks at her engagement ring. “We’reapproved.” She sobs, letting the feelings that crushed her less than a year ago carry her away in a moment of bliss.
I bend down and wrap Rainey in an embrace. “Do youwantme to adopt you, Rainey?” I whisper in her ear.
She looks up at Noah and rolls her eyes. “Duh. That’s why I asked.”
I take her face in my hand, gently guiding her to look at me. This moment is life-changing, even if it doesn’t seem like it to a seven-year-old. “I’d be honored to adopt you, Rae.”
Standing back up, I pull Noah to my side and look around the room at the faces who changed our lives. They’re the people who stepped up when we were at our lowest, challenged us when we needed it, and kept us afloat when we’d have gladly drowned. They’re the family we choose and who keep choosing us.
