"A really fat caterpillar and some kind of beetle with pinchers," Holly reported. "Noah named them all after Avengers characters."
Drew laughed. "Smart kid."
"Holly's thinking about taking a photography class at the community college this summer," I said, watching Drew's face carefully.
His eyes met mine, understanding the significance immediately.
"Photography, huh?" Drew leaned forward, looking genuinely interested. "You've got a good eye. I've seen those sunset pictures you took with your phone."
"You think so?" Holly asked, a rare vulnerability in her voice.
"Absolutely. In fact," Drew said, warming to the subject, "I've got an old Nikon DSLR gathering dust in the closet. I used to be into photography before work got so busy. If you're serious about it, it's yours."
Holly's eyes widened. "Really? A real camera?"
"Really," Drew confirmed. "We can dig it out after dinner. I probably still have the manual somewhere."
I watched the exchange with a full heart. This was what Holly needed—not just a place to stay, but a sense of belonging. Of the future. Of permanence.
Drew caught my eye and smiled, clearly thinking the same thing.
"Speaking of dinner," I said, standing up and displacing a disgruntled Eden, "I was thinking we could try that new Thai place that opened downtown."
"Thai food?" Holly wrinkled her nose.
"Trust me," Drew said, "you'll love it. They have these spring rolls that taste like heaven."
"And real vanilla bean ice cream for dessert," I added, knowing her sweet tooth.
Holly pretended to consider this. "Well, I guess I could try it."
As we gathered our things to leave, I watched Holly texting—probably telling her friends about her successful day babysitting. She seemed lighter somehow, as if a weight had been lifted. Making plans for the future had done that, I realized. For perhaps the first time since she'd arrived, she was allowing herself to imagine a life here with us that extended beyond the immediate crisis.
Drew caught me watching her and wrapped an arm around my waist. "You okay?" he murmured.
I nodded, leaning into him. "Just thinking about how much I love having her here."
"Me too," he said softly. "It feels right, doesn't it?"
"It really does." I hesitated. "Do you think we should talk to her about...you know, making it more official? She's brought up school a few times."
Drew glanced at Holly, who was now taking a selfie withEden. "Let's give her a little more time to settle in. But yeah, I think we should. Soon."
The idea of formally adopting Holly had been growing between us, unspoken but increasingly tangible. If Rachel truly intended to terminate her parental rights, as my father suggested, the path would be clearer. But even if she didn't, we were prepared to fight for what Holly needed: stability, security, and the chance to grow up without constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop.
"Ready?" Holly called, already at the door with Eden at her heels.
"Ready," Drew and I said in unison, and followed her out into the warm Florida evening, the three of us—feeling and behaving more and more like a real family.
17
ELYSE
My parents called fairly often, especially now that Holly was staying with us, but knowing that still didn't take away the anxiety I felt every time I saw one of their names pop up on my phone.
I got him caught up on the latest developments in Holly's life, including her new job working at the bakery and her recent babysitting gig.
"She does like to stay busy," said my dad.
