Mrs.Grant asks a few more questions, gentle and thorough.The children answer honestly, painting a picture of a home filled with care and stability.
Finally, she dismisses them."Thank you all for talking with me.You can go play now."
They scatter, relief visible in every line of their bodies.
Mrs.Grant turns to us."They seem happy.Well-adjusted, considering what they've been through."
"We're doing our best," I say.
"I can see that."She makes notes on her clipboard."Now, I do have to ask about the incident three weeks ago.The kidnapping."
My stomach drops.Of course she knows about that.
"What about it?"Hades asks, his voice carefully controlled.
"I need to know that the children are safe.That whatever danger existed has been eliminated."
"It has," Hades says firmly."The man responsible is dead.The threat is gone."
"And the motorcycle club?Your affiliation with them?"
"The club protects its own.These children are part of our family now.They're safer with us than they would be anywhere else."
Mrs.Grant studies him for a long moment."I've read the police reports.Spoken with Detective Isaacs.She vouched for you, said you've been cooperative throughout the investigation."
"We have nothing to hide."
"That's good.Because my job is to ensure these children grow up in a stable, safe environment.Can you provide that?"
"Yes," I say before Hades can respond."We can.We are.These kids have been through hell, but they're healing.We're all healing.And we're doing it together, as a family."
Mrs.Grant's expression softens."I believe you.The children clearly love you both.The house is suitable, your finances are in order, and you've completed all the required training."
"So?"Hades prompts.
"So I'll be recommending full custody.The judge should sign off within the week."
Relief crashes through me so intensely my knees go weak.Hades' hand finds mine, squeezing tight.
"Thank you," I manage.
"Don't thank me.You've done the work.You've given these children a home."She stands, gathering her things."I'll be in touch once the paperwork is finalized.Congratulations."
Hades shows her out.The moment the door closes, I collapse onto the couch, shaking.
"We did it," I whisper."They're really ours."
Hades sits beside me, pulling me into his arms."They were always ours, Angel.This just makes it official."
The kids thunder down the stairs, sensing the change in atmosphere.
"What did she say?"Mason asks."Are we staying?"
"You're staying," Hades confirms."You're ours.Officially and forever."
The room erupts.Sophie starts crying happy tears.Jake and Mason whoop and high-five.Emma hugs Lily tight.
And me?I just hold on to Hades and let myself feel it.The relief.The joy.The overwhelming gratitude that we made it here despite everything.
