Katherine pulled Abby in for a quick, tight hug. “You have my number. Call if you need anything.”
Abby nodded and went into the small, yet comfortable office. The office had surprised her. She’d expected sterile government-issue decor, but the room was surprisingly warm and welcoming. Next to a small seating area there was a child-sized table and chairs and bins with dolls and toys.
Erin welcomed her with a smile, which Abby returned nervously as she sat next to Olivia in the chairs across from Erin’s desk.
“Olivia shared the events and circumstances that brought her here to you. Under usual circumstances, a runaway would be placed with a foster family,” Erin said.
Abby’s heart thudded against her chest and her stomach twisted. “But?—”
“But…” Erin held up her hand. “Given the familial connection, tenuous as it is, I agree it’s in Olivia’s best interest she stay with you while we get the permanent placement settled with the court.”
Abby sighed and her shoulders relaxed. “What does that involve? Getting it settled with the courts?”
“You need to go through the approval process to become a foster parent,” Erin said.
“Even though we have a family connection?” Abby asked.
“Yes, it’s standard procedure when a guardian isn’t legally designated by a parent,” Erin explained. “Even if the guardian is a close relative.”
“Okay. What else?” Abby asked.
“With what Olivia told me, I’m going to file for temporary emergency custody. She’ll be assigned a guardian ad litem—someone who will represent Olivia, and only Olivia, in court. I will reach out to the Social Security office to have her mother’s death benefits sent to you.”
Abby looked at Olivia. “Do you already have an account that money goes to?”
Olivia shrugged. “I didn’t even know I was supposed to be getting money.”
Abby rubbed Olivia’s shoulder. “We’ll get it taken care of this week.”
Erin beamed at her, then looked at her notes. “I’ll have to confirm the biological father, Anthony Messina, terminated his parental rights.”
Abby inhaled sharply. Please, god, don’t say he needs to be involved in this.
“I understand he is also your son’s biological father,” Erin said.
“Technically, yes. But he’s not on the birth certificate,” Abby said. “Does it matter?”
“It shouldn’t. But your son and Olivia being half-siblings helps your case,” Erin said.
Erin went through the application process, scheduled a home visit, and discussed the process to obtain legal guardianship of Olivia. It was so much information. So much paperwork. Why was it so hard to give a child a home?
Abby’s phone pinged and she pulled it from her purse. It was a reminder to pick up Will from the sitter. She looked at the time on her phone, then glanced at the wall clock to confirm it was correct.
“I need to pick up my son,” she told Erin. “Is there much more we need to go over?”
“I think I have everything I need. If there’s anything else, I’ll give you a call,” Erin said.
Abby stood, shook Erin’s hand, and thanked her. Olivia was quiet while they left the office. She’d been quiet for most of the meeting, only answering questions when asked directly.
Abby buckled in but didn’t start the car. “Olivia, are you okay with all this? I know this is a lot and it’s happening fast. If you’re uncomfortable or want to slow down the process, we will. If there’s someone else you’d rather live with, I’ll contact them and explain the situation.”
“There isn’t anyone else.” Her voice was so soft and small Abby could barely hear her.
“I don’t want you to feel like you have no choice or no voice in this process. This is your life. If you want to live with me, I will do everything in my power to make it happen. No matter what.”
Olivia looked at her, brown eyes shiny with tears. “I want to live with you,” she said firmly.
Abby nodded. “Then let’s make it happen.”
