Epilogue #2
That right there is the shit I’m talking about. What do you mean someone is looking out for my well-being and actually cares about things like if I’m cold or not?
The door opens, and Jasper walks in, blowing on his hands. “Cold as hell out there.”
“Language,” Nora and Arlo say in unison.
Damn. We really don’t let him have any fun. I’m gonna tell him he can cuss all he wants on the way to the courthouse. Get it all out of his system or whatever.
“Everyone ready to go?” Arlo asks, climbing down from the island.
I nod, but a wave of nerves passes over me.
Ten minutes later, we’re driving down the highway. Jasper took over my radio, and he’s playing some old country station. It’s kinda ass, but I don’t even really care. He’s tapping his fingers on the door to the beat, much more relaxed than Arlo ever is in the car with me.
“Do you think I’m a bad driver?” I ask when we’re turning into the parking lot for the courthouse. I’m mostly asking to distract myself since I’m so fucking worried they’re gonna send us away without letting us be adopted.
Jasper hums. “Nah, you’re a new driver. You follow the rules, though, and you pay attention to your surroundings.”
I snort. “You should tell Arlo that.”
“Do I look stupid, kid? I’m gonna pass.”
We climb out of the car together, and even though I’m still hella nervous, I’m also smiling. I fucking love my car, and I love driving. I can’t believe I was being such a stubborn little shit about it.
Arlo and Nora pull in right behind us, and when they climb out, Arlo actually looks surprised. “You all made it in one piece.”
I roll my eyes. “Did you think I would kill us or something?”
He shakes his head. “No, but I still worry.”
I know he does. And even though I act put out, it makes my chest warm. I like being cared about and worried over. It makes Arlo and Jasper’s constant reminders that I’m loved and worthy feel more true.
Following them into the courthouse, I hook my fingers around Nora’s. I’m not too proud for it. Besides, she probably needs it too.
The courtroom that Jasper leads us to is cold, and when we walk inside, there’s hardly anyone around.
We sit down in one of the pew things, and a few minutes later, the judge walks in. I shiver, but I’m not sure if it’s from nerves or the cold. Probably both.
I almost jump out of my skin when she calls our names first, and Arlo and Jasper stand up, walking to the front of the room.
Nora slips her hand into mine, and I squeeze it, trying to stay focused on what’s happening.
“We’re here today for the adoption proceedings of the minor children, Salem Lane Montgomery and Nora Marie Montgomery,” the judge says, and Nora leans into my side.
“Please raise your right hands. Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?”
Arlo and Jasper both do the swearing thing, then lower their hands. “Please state your names and relationship to the children for the record.”
“Arlo Tate, brother.”
“Jasper Tate, brother-in-law.”
The judge nods, looking down at the papers in front of her.
“Is it your intention to provide a loving, permanent home for these children?”
“It is,” Arlo says at the same time as Jasper answers with, “Yes, your honor.”
My stomach flips wildly.
“Do you understand that this adoption is permanent and that you will be legally responsible for Salem and Nora as if they were born to you?”
“Yes,” they answer in unison.
My eyes are burning, and when Nora sniffles beside me, turning her face and hiding in my shoulder, tears spill down my cheeks.
“Have you both seen the adoption paperwork, and if so, is it all correct?” the judge asks.
Fuck. What if it’s not? Then what?
“We have, and it is,” Arlo says, nodding.
The judge looks down at the paperwork, her eyes scanning the documents for a second.
I hold my breath, my heart pounding. It’s gonna hurt so fucking bad if this doesn’t work out.
Clearing her throat, she looks up at Arlo and Jasper.
“Given the evidence presented, I do find that adoption is in the best interests of the children. It is the order of this court that the petition for adoption is granted, and Salem and Nora Montgomery are officially the children of Arlo and Jasper Tate.”
Did she really just say that? My heart flies into my throat, and Arlo turns to us with a blinding smile and tears streaming down his face.
It doesn’t feel real.
They approved it? We’re really a whole family?
“Would you all like to take a family photo at the bench?” the judge asks, smiling at us.
Nora and I scramble out of our seats and rush toward Arlo and Jasper. They catch us both in a group hug. Being all smooshed between them is making it hard to breathe, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.
After a few minutes of crying and hugging, we line up at the bench. Arlo laughs, wiping the tears off my face. “I love you both. So much.”
“I love you too,” I breathe.
“Love you too,” Nora whispers.
“My family,” Jasper says, his voice cracking on the words, and that just makes me want to cry more.
We turn for the photo, and I lean into Arlo as the flash goes off.
I’ve had a lot of shitty days in my life, and I know Arlo and Nora have too.
But today feels like the end of all the shit. I won’t have my mom’s name. I won’t have her bullshit hanging around my neck. I won’t have to deal with moving schools or finding new friends or carrying Mom to bed.
I get to be safe and loved and wanted. With my family. Forever.
THE END.