We tell her the truth: we’ve had nothing but a positive experience, and we see they truly care for the children.
“I’d like to go over something else now that we’re here in person and you have officially been pre-approved, pending your home tour.”
Maddie and I nod eagerly, linking our hands together as we sit beside one another.
“First, let me ask you, are you only open to children in America?”
I frown, confused. “I don’t understand. I thought this was an American organization.”
“We are. However, we partner with others around the world?—”
“We are open to the best fit, no matter their background,” Maddie interjects, then widens her eyes, mortified. “I’m so sorry for interrupting.”
Anne smiles softly, “I rather love your enthusiasm, Madeline. It tells a lot about your character.”
Maddie ducks her head, embarrassed, while I wrap my arm around her shoulders.
“She’s right, Anne. Madeline and I are here not to pick favorites. We don’t see gender, ethnicity, or age as factors in our decision.”
“Glad to hear it. That is not most people’s answer.”
“Can I ask why you’re inquiring when there are children here in the facility who need homes?”
“As we’ve explained, when we take in a child, they stay with us before being adopted, normally close to a year.” She continues, “Most of the children that are up for adoption here have only recently entered the program. They must undergo mandatory therapies and evaluations before we even consider introducing them to a potential family, which can take months. Or they have already matched with a family.”
“It’s why we were drawn to your program,” Maddie says. “We could tell you truly cared about the children’s well-being.”
She nods. “Thank you. The reason I bring up international adoption through our company is that we have many more children, either ready or almost ready to be paired up with their forever families. There is no rush; you can explore your options here. We like to tell the potential adopters all options.”
“Well, as we said before, we are open,” I tell her honestly.
“There is one potential setback, however. I think because of your financial situation, Mr. Davenport, and both of your stable, impressive careers, the committee might overlook it.”
Maddie deflates beside me. “What setback?”
“We don’t focus on this at our location. I am a single mother myself, so I don’t believe in discriminating. However, in Europe and Asia, being married is normally a prerequisite. Not always, but most of the time.”
“We—”
Maddie cuts me off. “We’re getting married.”
I look over to her, wondering when that is, because that’s news to me.
Anne glances down at Maddie’s clearly empty finger. “Oh, um…I thought…”
“Well, we’re engaged, but we’ll be married soon, way before any adoption is complete.” Maddie holds up her hand awkwardly. “It’s getting sized.”
Anne perks up, smiling. “Well then, that makes things a lot easier, doesn’t it?” The phone rings, and she excuses herself when she steps out to take the call.
The second she closes the door behind her, I blurt, “Holy shit. Did you just lie, Maddie Grace Cunningham?” I chuckle. “I thought I’d never see the day.”
She covers my mouth, panicked. “Shush. I don’t know what’s come over me today. White lies are okay, right?”
“Babe, it’s not a lie. We are getting married.”
She leans back in her chair, visibly shaken. “I’ve probably just ruined it for us.” She runs her nervous hands down her face.
I grab her wrists to expose her. “Mads, calm down. Are you even listening to me? Wearegetting married. It’s not a lie.”
