Epilogue Two
Adrian
A Few Months After That
“Ican’t believe it actually worked,” I say, squeezing Hudson’s arm as he holds up the thick envelope from the Illinois records offices.
“I’m so happy we got to do it all together.”
A couple of days after we brought Em home from the hospital, after the first home visit from the adoption agency, Hudson asked if I would be interested in petitioning to be officially added to Em’s adoption.
He’d already spoken to Emily and an adoption attorney, and I eagerly agreed, even if I wasn’t sure that it would be possible.
Emily had terminated all parental rights with the intention of Hudson adopting her baby, and that didn’t change, but the adoption isn’t official until months of home visits and further paperwork after the baby is already living with the adoptive parent.
So, after Hudson made an official announcement to the press at the championship parade that he couldn’t wait to celebrate with his boyfriend and daughter, we petitioned to have me added to the adoption.
And apparently, all those adoption classes I attended, home visits and interviews I was a part of before she was ever born, made adding me a lot easier, because the judge approved our adoption.
After everything with Ollie’s dramatic coming out announcement during the season, and the fact that Hudson was already retired, the news of him dating a man went over pretty well.
The fact that two queer players won the cup and proudly celebrated with their same-sex partners was celebrated by hockey fans and LGBTQIA+ members and allies everywhere.
Hudson hasn’t publicly claimed a label, and privately, we’ve talked about how he doesn’t feel like he needs one.
He loves me and that’s all he seems to really care about.
Hudson’s parents are with us today too. We made sure to add a ramp for his dad as soon as they agreed to move here, so he can get around the main level at least, and his mom is holding Emily. I’m glad that they’re here for this: our little family doesn’t feel complete without them.
Hudson carefully opens the envelope and pulls out the document, tears shining in his eyes as he reads Emily’s new birth certificate. “We’re officially her parents.”
My vision blurs as I see my name right there with Hudson’s.
It’s real. I’m Emily’s dad. Not just Hudson’s partner, as much as I love claiming that title, I also love having this tie to her. It feels so official.
“Thank you,” I tell him, fighting the tightness in my throat. “For everything, and for letting me be a part of all this.”
He puts the document down to wrap his arms around me. “You aren’t just a part of it, baby. You’re the whole reason we get to have any of this. Thank you.”
I let the tears fall. They’re happy tears anyway, so why should I fight them?
It’s real, this family of mine, and it’s so much better than I could have ever dreamed.
THE END