Page 131 of Crazy Love

I open up the Facetime call and see David’s smiling face. I smile back and Addy knocks on Sam’s door. We hear whispers and Winnie’s giggles, and Sam opens the door, barely creaking it open.

“Can you come out and talk to David for a sec?” I ask.

“Oh,” he says, surprised. “Sure. Come on, Winnie,” he says over his shoulder.

He closes the door and then they come out a couple of seconds later, shutting the door behind them.

“Okay, we’re all here,” I tell David. “These kids are being super mysterious,” I tease.

“Well, I’m so happy to see all of you. Merry Christmas,” David says.

“Merry Christmas!” we all say back.

“And I have the best surprise I could’ve ever hoped to give you on this Christmas Eve,” he adds.

My heart tumbles over itself and I hear Addy gasp.

David’s eyes are full of tears when he nods and says, “We have a date with the judge on Monday! How does Monday sound for adoption day?”

“That’s perfect,” I say, hoarsely.

“Oh my God!” Addy gasps.

“And I have it on good authority…” He leans in and whispers the next part through a big smile, “Sutton spoke with the judge...” He raises his voice again. “And it’s just a matter of finalizing everything. Sam and Winnie, the court will issue adoption decrees for both of you, and you’ll be given new birth certificates saying that Penn and Addy are your parents…with your new last names and everything. How’s that for a Christmas present?”

Sam turns into my chest and starts bawling. I lose it myself. Addy picks Winnie up and we all hug each other, laughingand crying and just so fucking happy. When we finally get our bearings, I steady the phone.

“Thank you, David,” I choke out. “This means the world to us. We can’t thank you enough for your help. You’ve made our dream come true.”

“You did that,” he says shakily. “With the love you’ve provided each other and the time you’ve put toward this process…it’s all you.”

“We couldn’t have done it without you,” Addy says, wiping her face.

“Thank you, David,” Sam says.

“Thank you,” Winnie echoes. “Does it mean I’m staying with you forever? Me and Sam?” she asks, looking up at Addy and me.

“Yes, that’s exactly what it means,” I tell her.

David shakes his head and wipes a stray tear from his cheek. “This has been the most fulfilling case I’ve had. And Monday, we will celebrate! Heck, I hope you celebrate all weekend long!”

“Oh, we will,” I assure him. “Won’t we?” I ask the kids.

“Yes, we will!” they yell.

Winnie reaches for me and I take her from Addy’s arms, hugging her tight.

“Ahh, this is a good day,” David says. “I’ll let you get to it. I just couldn’t wait to tell you the news.”

We all thank him again and when we hang up, we stare at each other for a second before crashing into each other with hugs again. I twirl Winnie around and then keep dancing down the hall. Addy and Sam follow, dancing behind me. The kittens skitter around playfully when they see us, and we have the dance party of all dance parties.

When our parents arrive, Sam and I are wearing sweaters and jeans, and Addy and Winnie are both wearing pretty green dresses.

“Wow, you all look so beautiful,” my mom says when she walks in.

“Thanks, Mom. So do you.” I kiss her cheek and then Danielle’s when she walks in next. “And so do you,” I tell her.

Coach even hugs me.

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