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“Anytime, kid.”
The lawyer clears his throat. I honestly forget there were other people in the room. “Let’s uh … let’s strike that from the record,” he mutters.
“So stricken,” the recorder says, a slight smirk on his face.
“Well, looks like we’re done here,” the lawyer says, straightening the papers and standing.
When they leave the room, Tanner slides closer to me, putting his head on my shoulder. I rub his hair, the blond waves tickling my nose. “You need a haircut, kid,” I say, trying to lighten the mood.
“I l-l-l-l-like it long.” His voice sounds sad and dejected, so my humor didn’t land. I look at Rome with pleading eyes, hoping he has something that will cheer Tanner up.
Sitting down, my alpha grabs Tanner’s hand. “We have one more meeting today. Are you up for it, or do you want us to take you home?”
Tanner shakes his head. “We have to take Benji to urgent c-c-care.”
“Traitor,” I mutter, pulling a light chuckle from Tanner.
Rome stands, looking at his watch. “We have to hurry if we’re to get there on time. It’s in the building, but on the third floor.” Rome rolls his eyes. “And there’s no elevator.”
We hustle out of the room, heading to the stairs. By the time we get to the second floor, I’m exhausted. I must really be sick, because I work out regularly and have never had a problem climbing two flights of stairs. And there’s still another.
By the time we get to the third floor, I’m breathing heavily and my head is spinning. I sit on a bench, trying to catch my breath. Both Rome and Tanner kneel in front of me and I try to give them dry looks, but I’m sure I just look pitiful.
Rome grabs my hand and kisses it. “You might have the flu, baby. We’re going straight to urgent care to have the doctor test you.”
I nod, knowing I’ll lose this fight against both alphas. So overprotective.
After I’ve caught my breath, I stand and we follow Rome to the judge’s chambers. He knocks softly on a door and we enter when told.
The older omega sitting behind the desk smiles at Rome when he sees him. He rounds the desk and gives him a long hug. “Ah, Rome. So good to see you. Your father would tan your hide if he knew you don’t visit me often.”
Surprisingly, Rome’s face turns red. Looking at us, he says, “This is Judge Richards. He and my father went to school together.”
The judge turns to us with a smile. “I’m also the first omega judge in the state. Don’t leave that part off.”
Rome grins and nods, coming to stand between me and Tanner. “I don’t ever forget it.”
Judge Richards goes to sit back in his chair. “So, this is Tanner? Nice to meet you.” Tanner looks taken aback but goes to shake the judge’s hand.
“Nice to meet y-y-y-you.”
Smiling, Judge Richards holds up the Petition to Foster that Rome and I filled out a few days ago. “Got this all set. I just need to see some ID, sign, and notarize, and everything is all set.”
My heart gallops in my chest and I smile, despite how crappy I feel. This is a dream come true for me. Finally fostering to adopt. Gods, I can’t believe the day has come.
We show ID and sign. Judge Richards does the same and notarizes the paperwork. When he’s done, he hands us a copy and grins. “Congratulations. We’ll have a social worker come out to inspect the home, though there shouldn’t be problems there. Tanner is a teenager, so there’s no need to baby proof anything.”
Tanner’s face registers shock and I wrap my arms around him. “You’re stuck with us now.”
I feel drained after all the excitement with Joe, Rome, and the petition, but I promised Rome and Tanner I’d go to urgent care. And they didn’t let me forget it.
As soon as we got in the car, Tanner leans forward and places a hand on my forehead. “You f-f-f-feel warm. I n-n-noticed in the room earlier. You have the flu.”
I move his hand from my forehead. “Put your seatbelt on.” Tanner sits back with a huff. “No, I don’t have the flu. If I did, you’d both be sick. It’s just a bug. I felt unwell after my last heat for a bit, so it could be that.”
Tanner makes a noise in his throat. “No h-h-h-heat talk.”
Barking a laugh, Rome says, “You say that now. Wait until you’re older. That’s all you’ll want to talk about.”
