Page 117 of Husband of the Year
“Isn’t this where you got married?” Illona shields her eyes from the bright June sun. It’s warm, but thankfully there’s no humidity and our collective curls aren’t rendered into a mountain of frizz.
“Sort of.” We hold hands as we wait for the crosswalk. “We’re going across the street to the courthouse.”
“That’s where the judge has a chamber.” Olan pushes Greggie’s stroller, with a diaper bag strapped to his shoulder. “A notary married us, but we need a judge today.”
“Got it.” Illona’s hand lets go of mine and she turns around. “Mommy!”
Isabella jogs to join us, her hair a few inches shorter, blowing in the breeze. I’ve decided it’s her lot in life to always have her hair blowing in the wind like a pop diva.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t find parking,” she says, giving us each a quick hug.
“It’s fine.” Olan checks his watch. “You’re right on time.”
Illona takes my hand, while her other grabs her mother’s. Olan steers the stroller over a few bumps in the pavement, and Greggie letsout a sweet coo and then shouts “Bella” and reaches for his aunt. Isabella leans over and kisses both of his cheeks.
“Auntie Bella is here, my handsome boy.”
Greggie smiles up at her and then grabs for her when she stands. He’s almost two, and I wonder if he understands exactly what’s happening as we head into the courthouse together.
“All right, let’s get started.”
The judge, wearing a traditional robe, sits behind the bench. Her black hair and dark golden skin shine under the fluorescent lights and even though I’ve been told this is simply a formality, my heart races with nerves.
“What a beautiful family,” she says. “I’m Judge Leigh. I’ll be presiding today. I’m going to swear you in, ask you some questions, and then make a ruling. It shouldn’t take long. Sound good?”
Olan’s holding Greggie in his lap now, and we all nod.
She requests we rise, lift our hands, and collectively vow to speak nothing but the truth. We all agree and return to our seats.
“Who presents themself as the adoptive parents here today?”
“We do,” Olan and I say in unison.
“And who are you, young lady?” Judge Leigh asks Illona.
“I’m Illona. These are my dads. That’s my mom. Greggie is my cousin.”
The judge nods, checking some papers in front of her. The attorney assured us she’d be aware of the situation, but would probably ask some simple questions.
Liam’s still living in a sober house in Chicago. Olan talks to him about once a month and we keep him in the loop about his son. We all flew out for the holidays in December so Greggie could see hisgrandparents and father. I was nervous he might have second thoughts, but seeing him with Greggie actually made me worry less. It’s just as Olan said, for Greggie, his father plays more of an uncle role while his actual uncles parent him.
Liam thanked us both for what we’re doing and reiterated he knows his son is in the right place. After Greggie had lived with us for a year, Liam asked to sign over his full parental rights. It was a no-brainer for us and we planned the adoption as soon as possible. It may not be a traditional family arrangement, but it’s working extremely well for us. Liam had one relapse last year, but he was able to return to the home quickly. Olan knows he has a long journey ahead, but he’s optimistic about his brother’s recovery.
“And do you understand that adoption is a lifelong commitment?” Judge Leigh asks.
Before Olan or I can answer, Illona says, “Yup. After this, he’s permanent. Like a marker.”
We all laugh, including the judge, who adds, “And how about you dads?”
“Yes, we understand,” I say.
“And you’re willing to treat Gregory as a child born to you, having all rights to inheritance?”
“Of course,” Olan says.
“All right, I think I’m ready to rule.”
My heart thumps against my chest, knowing in a few moments, this will all be over. My mother asked if I wanted her to come out and when I told her it wasn’t necessary, I assumed she’d probably hop on a plane and surprise us, anyway. But she didn’t. She was here two months ago when she flew out for a week and she’ll be back soon to help us transition back to our fall routine.
