I know that I’m getting ahead of myself here, though, so I force myself to focus on the conversation. That daydream will never happen if she thinks I’m unfit because I spend the meeting spaced out and distracted.
I can fantasize about that later.
26
ADRIAN
“Is there anything else you’d like to hear from me? Something that maybe wasn’t in my profile?” Hudson asks.
I knew he would be great in this meeting; he’s so charismatic and kind. Plus his desire to become a parent is so sweet. I’ve never worried about any of the interviews during this process.
Despite all of that, though, I am so fucking nervous for him right now.
This entire process of applying to adopt has been so extensive, and throughout every new step, they’ve warned about how long it can take, if it ever even happens at all. Those warnings made the actual matching part of the whole thing seem so distant, almost like a daydream that you revisit again and again but never expect to actually happen.
But this is happening. And the idea that Hudson could be a fatherreally freaking soon, feels so real! We’re sitting across from a woman who is already pregnant! Hudson’s future child could be in the room with us at this very moment!
I have no idea how he’s staying so calm when I’m freaking out, and I’m not even the one hoping to adopt her baby.
I mean… Okay, I’m not going to read into that claim too closely, because obviously if Hudson decided to take a page out of the fantasy version of our lives I fall asleep picturing every night, then yes, I would also be wishing for her to chooseusto adopt her child, not just Hudson.
I honestly really like Emily, too. She’s got a chill vibe and is kind of quirky with how blunt she is—I’m so here for it. She knows exactly what she wants and isn’t apologizing. Truly a modern queen thriving in her independence.And she wants to be a doctor on top of that?She’s going to be amazing if this meeting is anything to base her bedside manner on.
“It said that you were open to all forms of adoption,” she says confidently. “An open adoption would be my preference. As much as possible, I’d like to keep the communication option open so that if they ever have questions for me, I’ll be available. I don’t want them feeling unwanted, and I think knowing me might help with that.” Hudson is nodding along and smiling as she talks, but he’s doing a good job of having that come across as agreeable and not desperate like I’m sure he’s feeling right now.
“I don’t think we would need to establish a visitation schedule or anything,” Emily continues. “Life can be so unpredictable, and I don’t want to feel like I’m breaking promises, but I wouldn’t mind being invited to a holiday or birthday party if everyone agreed that it would be appropriate. As they get older, and can voice their own preferences, I also like the idea of letting them decide when I would or wouldn’t be a part of things.”
“Honestly, that all sounds perfect,” Hudson responds easily. “On my application, I put that I was alright with any level of interaction, and I really am, as long as I think it’s in the child’s best interest, but what you’re describing sounds like it would be great for them. I love the idea of seeing what makes the most sense as time goes on, following their lead as they grow up but never keeping themin the dark.”
They’re both all smiles. God, I really hope that this works out for him. Emily seems like such a perfect person to navigate an adoption with, and I don’t know if I’ve seen Hudson look this hopeful since he started the process.
They chat a bit more about their lives and places they’ve traveled. Hudson tells us about his family road trips growing up to national parks, and how he’s always wanted to take his own kids to them one day.
“Adrian has the perfect roadtrip car, one of those big SUVs that could easily fit a couple of weeks’ worth of suitcases,” he tells Emily. “I’ve been debating getting one like his or just embracing the minivan.”
I can’t help it; I burst out laughing. I’ve been trying so hard not to insert myself in their very important discussions, but now that he’s pulled me in, I’m unable to stop myself from saying something.
“You’re going to trade in your fancy sports car for a minivan?” I gawk.
“What’s wrong with a minivan?” he challenges with a smirk. “They’re rated very well for safety. Plus, the parenting blogs I’ve been reading about the best cars for parents mentioned that little kids sometimes swing the side doors of SUVs into the cars parked next to them.”
“Huh, I never thought of that, maybe minivans can be cool after all,” Emily adds before she pulls out a notecard full of what I’d refer to as “politically divisive” questions. “What would you do if your child told you they were transgender or asked to sleepover at a friend's house when you’ve never met the family?” She runs through the questions quickly, like a pop quiz.
Each answer Hudson gives makes me fall for him just a little bit more. Emily seems to agree, because after we’ve been here for about an hour and a half, she puts the notecards down and glances between Hudson and I. “Alright, I think that’s all the time wehave scheduled. Plus, I really do need to study.” She motions to all the course material surrounding her. I am so glad that I’m done with my grad school days. I don’t miss studying one bit.
“The person who works for the adoption agency warned me not to make any promises in a meeting with a prospective family and that I should at least sleep on any big decisions. So I’ll let them handle the communication for the next step. But it was so lovely to meet you both.”
“You too, and thank you so much for even considering me,” Hudson says, taking her outstretched hand to shake over the table. I do the same.
“It was great to meet you too, Adrian. I’m glad you were able to come today, even if you were pretty quiet during the meeting part.”
“Don’t worry, if, and hopefully when, we meet again, I’ll let my fabulous side out a bit more,” I promise with a smirk. “I just didn’t want to distract you from meeting Hudson. He really is one of the best men I’ve ever met. I know that I’m biased when he’s throwing around titles like best friend, but I truly believe that he will make an excellent father.”
“Adrian, you don’t need to…” Hudson trails off, obviously embarrassed.
“I love that he’s so supportive,” Emily assures him before turning back to me. “Hudson is lucky to have you.”
And he could be even luckier if he asked.I smirk to myself even though I know that isn’t going to happen.
