Page 158 of Rescued
“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 andwanted. With my family. Forever.
THE END.
