Chapter 7 - The Morning It Became Permanent
Six months after that first hearing, we went back to court. Different paperwork this time. Adoption papers.
It was a Tuesday in November. Adeline had picked out an outfit that matched nothing and clearly meant everything. Danny wore what he'd officially declared his "best shirt." Elijah wore jeans and his gray hoodie. Melody had just discovered headbands and was wearing four of them. Emmy had on her pink boots, which she believed were correct for every occasion.
Judge Barrett was there again. He didn't have to be. Any judge could have finalized it. He chose to come.
He looked at all five kids. Then at me.
"Let's make this official."
We signed. When it was done, Judge Barrett came around from behind the bench and knelt down next to the kids. I couldn't hear all of it. Adeline showed him a paper bird. Melody pointed at his robe and said something that made him laugh out loud. Elijah answered his questions with that careful politeness of his.
Then the judge stood up and looked at me.
"Well done, Mr. Ward."
All I'd done that morning was sign my name. But I knew what he meant.
"Thank you."
On the drive home, Elijah went quiet again. When we pulled in, he stayed in his seat after everyone else piled out.
"Gabe?"
"Yeah?"
"Is it permanent now?"
"Yes."
He looked at the house. "This is permanent."
He nodded. "Okay." Then he climbed out.
That evening I sat in the truck by myself for another minute. Five kids inside that house. Elijah didn't have to hold them all up alone anymore. I still didn't know exactly what I was doing, and I'd finally made my peace with the idea that maybe nobody ever fully does. The point was to keep doing the work.
May you like
I went inside. Emmy was standing by the door in her pink boots. I picked her up. She said something I still couldn't quite make out.
"Yeah," I told her. "Me too."
