He laughed. “That’sfair.”
We locked up the apartment and headed for the elevator when suddenly Vincent groaned and slapped hisforehead. “Crap.”
“What?” Iasked.
He winced. “I left the car out overnight… onthecurb.”
“You haveacar!?”
“Yeah,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. We hit the main floor and got out, heading for the door. “Did I notmentionthat?”
“No!?”
“Well…” He shrugged and pointed ahead. “Theresheis.”
A bright red SUV stood there on the curb, glinting in the sunlight. My jawdropped.
“I cannot believe you have a car and didn’t tell me,”Isaid.
“It just never came up in conversation, I guess,” Vincent said sheepishly. He unlocked it and opened the passenger side door for me. “Afteryou.”
I rolled my eyes - even though I secretly really loved it - and slipped inside. The leather seats were comfortable andlookednew.
Vincent sighed in relief. “I dodged a bullet there. I didn’t get aticket.”
“Maybe the gods knew you were having a stressful night and decided to grant you mercy,” I said with asmirk.
“Well, it wasn’tallstressful,” Vincent said, winkingatme.
We set off for the adoption centre which was right down the street. Although it took me half an hour to walk there, Vincent drove us there in in a few minutes flat. I barely had time to think about how anxious I was. But as soon as I stepped out of the car, my legs begantrembling.
“You alright, John?” Vincent asked. He reached out a hand and I took it, appreciating hissupport.
“Yeah,” I said. “Just a littlenervous.”
“Me too.” He flashed me a smile. “But we’re doing thistogether.”
Holding hands, we entered the adoption centre. As usual, Martha greeted us, though she looked a little surprised at seeing both of ustogether.
“Good morning, John,” she said, then glanced atVincent. “And…?”
“Vincent,” I answered while squeezing his hand. “Mymate.”
She gasped, but she was smiling and looked genuinely happy. “Oh! Congratulations, bothofyou!”
“Thanks, Martha,” I said with a shyblush.
“So, what can I do for you guys today?” sheasked.
Vincent and I exchangedglances.
“Actually,” I began slowly. “We’re here to adopttoday.”
A huge smile bloomed over her face. “Oh my gosh, okay! Hang on, let me - “ She began excitedly picking up a bundle of papers and a pen. “Here you go. I know it’s a lot of paperwork, but it’s necessary, I’m so sorryaboutthat- “
“It’s okay, don’t apologize,” Vincent said with a gentlesmile.
“Okay - and here’s the pen - you just need to read and sign here, and here, and… this one last one here.” She handed Vincent and I the heavy stack of paperwork. “Please let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll be gladtohelp!”
