But I still want him closer than that.
Like on the other side of my bed.
Chill.It’s good that he seems so eager to still be around after I become a parent. That’s a great sign for all the dates I’m planning with him on the off chance there will also be an infant joining us.
Just need Adrian to agree to them first.
Details.
“Great job. everyone. Now let’s practice the transition from burping to feeding. Remember, you’ll want to offer the feeding break to burp every couple of ounces if you’re using a bottle, or every time you switch sides while breastfeeding,” the instructor says as they walk through the classroom we’re in.
I look over at Adrian, who effortlessly cradles the fake baby in one arm, rocking slowly back and forth, and soothing the child as he pretends to feed it. “God, you’re a natural. You really are good at everything.”
He smirks. “Glad you finally caught on.”
So am I. I can’t believe I’ve known Adrian for years and never realized just how much I like him. Granted, we weren’t as close as we are now, and I wasn’t single for most of that time, and I also assumed I was straight. But now, I can’t imagine looking at Adrian, with how warm his blue eyes are, how soft his styled hair looks, and not wanting to stake some sort of claim over him.
“It might help if you actually try to feed the baby,” Adrian teases. Right. I should focus on the class, not how incredibly distracting Adrian is in the best way.
I try my hardest to position the doll to feed, yet I still feel like I’m risking crushing it with how giant I am in comparison. But the instructor comes around and confirms I’m doing well, so maybe I just need to be more confident and channel some of Adrian's energy. The rest of the class passes by pretty quickly, but I find that I’m not eager for it to be over.
I’m happy to be learning this stuff, and joking around with Adrian while doing it makes it really fun. I assume he won’t want to come to the adoption-specific classes with me, but ask anyway.
And he keeps coming with me. To all of them.
Luckily, we’re able to find multiple classes on the days I’m free and in town, some days doing back-to-back info sessions to fit it all in.
His steady presence combined with his charm and positivity makes each one so much better than if I’d gone alone.
Having Adrian at my side makes anything better.
February
Before I know it,I’ve managed to complete all the required education and paperwork, and I’m following Adrian around my house as he explains to the person inspecting it exactly how much time is left on the current projects.
All the structural projects are completed, and now it seems like every room is being re-painted or wallpapered, or molding is being added. They agreed to come for the inspection even though I’m not living there yet since the next phase of the process can take so long actually matching with someone. They said it would be alright to do a first inspection now, and another if and when the match happens, as long as they also inspect Adrian’s house since that’s where I’m currently living. Adrian was fine with that, and that tour went well last week. He’s also already been interviewed as one of my references and even agreed to the requested background check since we’re currently livingtogether.
“Alright, guys. That seems like everything,” the inspector says, tucking his clipboard under his arm as he heads to the front door. “I was told this was the final step, so someone will contact you shortly with more information. Have a great night.”
“Thank you so much.” I wait until he leaves and sink against the back of the door as I close it with a relieved sigh. “We did it! That was the last thing I needed to do before I could be approved to make my adoptive parent profile.”
Adrian chuckles. “Youdid it! Congrats, Hudson. I bet you’ll be a parent in no time.”
“Thank you. And thank you for all your help. It probably would have taken me twice as long to finish everything if I’d been doing it on my own.”
He smiles, dimples popping, drawing my attention like they always do. “Don’t mention it.”
“We should celebrate!”
“Right now?” he asks with a chuckle.
“Yeah, we can pick up some champagne on the way home and celebrate finishing the home study phase, and my divorce being finalized.”
“I thought we celebrated that yesterday by going to that fancy place for dinner?” he challenges.
“I think it deserves an extended celebration.”
“Would you even have any? You barely ever drink.”
