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“What did you want to talk to us about, Daddy?”Wren’s voice sounded so much like Katherine’s sometimes that it nearly made me weep.I missed her so.
“I’d like to run something by you.It’s about Decker.”
When Quint squared his shoulders, ready to defend his friend, I was proud of him.I stood, walked over, and put one arm around each of their shoulders.“I think it’s time we made him a permanent part of our family, but before I do?—”
Both of them were squealing with so much joy I couldn’t get a word in edgewise.“Is that a yes?”I finally asked.
“Yes!”they both shouted at the top of their lungs.
“Can I tell him?”Quint asked.
I shook my head.“We need to ask him.This may not be something he wants.”
“Right,” Quint laughed, running from the room with Wren on his heels.
We finalized the adoption on December 23, and while Decker had spent Christmases with us before, that he was ours and we were his made it feel more magical.Long after they’d gone to bed, I sat in front of the tree like I did every year, the way Katherine and I had always done, and wished so much she was still here with me.She would’ve adored Deck.
12
GEORGE
My anger at Iris Beachum sent my already anxiety-ridden stress level skyrocketing.I couldn’t focus on continuing my research into Puck’s career or even sit still.Just sitting was too much.
We needed to find Z.Ineeded to.The longing I felt for him, to be held in his arms, to finally know what making love with him would be like, crescendoed.
I did everything I could to tamp down the idea he and I might never have the chance.I couldn’t accept that possibility.As crazy as it sounded, even to me, Ilovedhim.I wasn’t willing to let that go.
Z was the first man, first person, who’d made me feel safe, cared for, and loved since my parents passed away within a few months of one another.My dad went first, then my mum.With her, I was sure she’d died of a broken heart.
I missed my mum and dad every day.The three of us had had such fun together.They were both gone by the time I met Z, and while my feelings for him were romantically inclined, part of me felt as though my parents had sent him to me.My own guardian angel.My heart clenched, thinking I might lose him before I’d had the chance to really know him.The way a woman knows a man.I brushed away a tear.I had to focus, had to dig deep, and figure out where Puck—who I was certain was the person in the car—would’ve taken him.
Blasted Iris.How could she toy with us, saying she had information, then leave?Why couldn’t she share whatever it was straightaway?Especially given time wasnoton our side.
“I’m not getting anywhere with the birth certificate, either,” said Ares.“It’s buried deep, and I have no idea why.”
“Typically, they won’t release the sealed copy until both parents listed on it are dead.Even then, the person requesting it must be able to prove they are,” said Wren.“At least, that’s how it works in the States.”
“Why?”I asked.
“To protect the biological parents’ identity in the case of adoption.”
“How sad,” said Wilder.“But wait.If the person requesting the record doesn’t know who his or her parents are, how would he or she prove they’re deceased?”
“I’m not sure,” Wren responded.“I’ve never had a reason to know.”She typed several things on her keyboard.“Wait.I stand corrected.Once the adoptee reaches the age of eighteen, they can request a copy.However, it will not necessarily be released at that time.”She looked at Wilder, then at me.“Not necessarily?That’s the legal language used?”She shook her head.
“Quite honestly, I don’t find Seshat remarkable enough to warrant the difficulty in obtaining her records,” muttered Wilder.
“It may be that one or both of her birth parents are who’s remarkable,” I suggested.
Wilder’s eyes lit up.“Perhaps she’s the bastard offspring of a former US president.”
Wren groaned.“See what I have to put up with?If there is a conspiracy to be had, my husband is ready to dive in.”
He leaned down and kissed her cheek.“Our lives shall never be boring, my love.”
“A true statement.”
God, I envied their relationship.The ache in my chest hurt worse.I silently prayed with everything in me that we’d find Z and bring him home safely.
