“Well,” Jules said, “don’t forget we have an invitation for Sunny.” She passed a paper to Pat.
He handed it to me with a smile. “We set a date for our wedding. May 30th. Already talked to Debbie, and she said arrangements could be made if you want to be there.”
“And we wouldlovefor you to be there.”
“It’s at our house.”
It was white with a green leafy border on the edge. Had a simple picture of Pat and Jules holding each other on it. I blinked, and the picture got all blurry. I wanted to be as happy as they looked in that picture.
I swallowed hard, trying to hide my emotions. “I’ll try to be there.”
They seemed pleased with that answer. As they said goodbye, he pulled me into another hug. I liked hugging Pat. He always made me feel wanted, almost like he’d been incomplete without me.
His voice was soft and low. His words meant just for me. “Sunny, no matter how this whole thing works out, know your dad loves you.” He drew back, smiling. “We’ll fight to get you home, if and when you’re ready for that.”
I’m ready now.
I needed to say it, but I felt afraid for some reason. I’d slowed the whole process by digging my heels in and now I was changing my mind? They even canceled the hearing because of me. It made me feel stupid, and Ihatedfeeling stupid.
I got so choked up I couldn’t even say goodbye as Jules hugged me. I lifted my hand to wave and mouthed the words “see ya.”
We walked out into the main room where Debbie joined us. Pat and Jules exited through the hallway. Debbie told me to sit while she grabbed a couple things from her office. I slumped into a chair, listening to their voices fade down the hall.
Was I missing my chance?
Debbie turned back to look at me. “Sweetheart, are you okay?”
Before I even knew what I was doing, I jumped up and tore past her into the hallway. They were just about to exit the building.
“Dad!”
He turned.
“Please don’t go!”
The look on his face—I can’t describe it. He was so relieved it looked like he might melt into tears right then and there.
Which he did.
I ran and threw my arms around him. He held me so close I heard his heart beating.
We both cried as he held me.
It took a couple of deep breaths, but I was able to finally say the words. “I’m ready now. I don’t have to think about it.”
His shoulders started shaking then mine did too.
“Sunny”—he sniffed—“I’m so glad, Sunny.”
Jules and Debbie were hugging. Debbie cried.
He held me a little away from him so he could look me in the eyes. “Sunny, we will get the ball rolling again and do this as fast as we can. Okay? I promise.”
I nodded. He hugged me again. So did Jules. Then Dad again. Then Debbie. We were a crying, hugging jumble in the hallway.
Everyone was talking all excited about what was next in the process. We would reschedule the hearing and start in-home visitations. I’d get to go to Pleasant Gap. My heart thumped at the idea of seeing the place. Of being with Jules and Dad.
Debbie was already ten minutes late for the next thing on her schedule. So we had to say goodbye for real this time.
