Page 43 of Crazy Love

I turn off my phone and put it in my pocket.

A police officer comes and I can tell Sam’s nervous to say anything about his foster parents, but I assure him that he needs to be forthright. Pictures are taken of his injuries, and more than one person asks him questions.

My mom and I text back and forth while we wait. She and Dad will leave first thing in the morning and try to do the drive in one day.

Addy has been amazing. She’s distracted Sam withWould you rather?questions and let him play games on her phone. She just went down the hall to get drinks for us. Sam’s eyes are drifting shut, so maybe he’ll rest for a while.

The nurse peeks her head in and whispers that the social worker has arrived. When I walk out to meet Mrs. Murphy, her eyes don’t meet mine at first. When they do, her gaze is sorrowful and full of regret.

“He's coming home with me,” I say.

She nods. “I was able to get a temporary pass for you, but I don't know how long it'll last.”

Addy appears next to me, managing three large drinks. “This is crazy,” she says to Mrs. Murphy. “Sam belongs with Penn.”

“And you are?” Mrs. Murphy asks, not unkindly.

Addy glances at me and then squares her shoulders, looking back at Mrs. Murphy. “I’m Adeline Evans, Penn’s girlfriend.”

I try to school the shock from my expression when Mrs. Murphy lifts her eyebrows and tilts her head at me.

“I wasn't aware Mr. Hudson had a girlfriend,” she says.

“Well, he does…I am,” Addy says. “And we’re…very serious.”

If the situation weren’t so dire, I’d laugh, but as I watch Mrs. Murphy take in the information, nodding as if she’s mentally cataloging this, I get emotional. It might not make any difference, but I’m grateful that Addy would try to be helpful.

“Well, this is a nice development,” Mrs. Murphy says, smiling at me. “I’ll make note of this in your file.” And then her smile drops. “But I’m wondering why you didn’t disclose this earlier. I’m sure you can understand why we’ll need to put Adeline through the same rigorous process you’re going through. I’d like to see Sam and then as soon as the hospital clears him to go, you’re free to take him home with you.”

My shoulders deflate and I reach out and take Addy’s hand, needing something to hold onto. “Thank you. It’s been a little complicated because Addy works for the Mustangs, but don’t worry—we’re not breaking protocol or anything like that.” I take a deep breath. “I will take such good care of Sam. I swear to you I will not let him down.”

Mrs. Murphy gives me a fond look. “He’s very lucky to have you.”

I smile at her gratefully and motion toward the room. “We’re lucky to have each other. He was asleep, but he’ll be glad to see you and will be happy for this news.”

She nods briskly and walks into Sam’s room. Addy and I exchange a loaded look. I want to talk to her about her comment,but now is not the time. Mrs. Murphy isn’t with Sam for long and when she comes out, her shoulders are relaxed.

“I’ll be checking in tomorrow to see how he’s doing,” she says.

“Okay. Sounds good.” I shake her hand and watch as she walks away, letting out a long exhale.

Sam’s nurse walks up and grins. “I think he’s ready to go home.”

“Really?” I follow her into his room and she walks to his bedside.

“I’ve got your release papers,” she says. “And it sounds like you’re going home with this guy.” She points at me over her shoulder, and Sam and I grin our faces off.

“You look too happy for someone who’s had such a rough day,” I tell him after she leaves the room.

“I’m so happy,” he says, tears rolling down his face.

I put my arm around him and squeeze lightly, careful not to hurt him.

“We’ve waited way too long for this,” I tell him. “Can’t quite believe it’s really happening myself.” I lean in closer. “I’m so happy too, buddy.”

The drive is quiet in comparison to the panic we felt on the way to the hospital.

“Oh, shit. I need to drive you back to the training facility.” I glance at Addy when I go in the wrong direction.

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