“That’s amazing. Madison’s going to be really happy,” Tyler said. “I’m not sure what Robbie will think.”
“He’ll probably buy a book about childhood development,” Hunter said, making us laugh.
The steaks came off the grill. Tyler poured drinks. Hunter put on music which drifted from the outdoor speakers, and we sat down at the table. Hunter raised his glass.
“To the new book and playoffs and Ivy’s album and Esme and Grady’s baby. And most of all, to our court date.” Hunter paused dramatically. “I heard from them. Official adoption will happen at the courthouse in three days.”
“No way,” Tyler said. “It’s really happening?”
“You and me, kid,” Hunter said. “Father and son.”
“This is a good day,” Tyler said.
Then we all cut into our steaks, the summer evening warm against our skin. How could life be this sweet? But who was I toquestion it? I would bask in it all for as long as it lasted, grateful for all of God’s blessings.
Hunter
Three days later, we stood in the Mendocino County Courthouse. Tyler stood next to me in front of the judge’s bench, wearing a button-down shirt. I’d worn a suit, even though it wasn’t really necessary. Seraphina was on his other side, wearing a pretty dress and clutching a tissue she was already using.
“Mr. Sloan,” the judge said. She was a small woman with gray hair. Black-rimmed glasses. “You’re petitioning to adopt Tyler Beau Sinclair as your legal son.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And Tyler.” She turned to him. “You’re fifteen years old. The court requires your consent. Do you wish to be adopted by Hunter Sloan?”
Tyler glanced at me. Then back at the judge.
“Not to sound sappy, but he’s the only father I could ever want. He’s perfect.”
Seraphina made a sound that was somewhere between a laugh and a sob.
The judge smiled. “I’ve been doing this for twenty-two years. I’ve seen a lot of adoptions. But I have to say, this one feels special.” She picked up her pen. “By the power vested in me by the State of California, I hereby grant the petition for adoption. Hunter Sloan, Tyler is now legally your son.”
She signed the document. Just like that we were an official family. Not that we needed a piece of paper to be one, but it meant a lot to Tyler. And to me. I wanted my boy to never have any doubts about how much I loved him.
Tyler turned to me, tears in his eyes. “That’s it?”
“That’s it,” I said, my own voice rough. “Come here.”
He stepped into my arms, and I held him for a moment.
“Thanks for choosing me,” he said against my shoulder.
“Thanks for letting me.”
Seraphina wrapped her arms around both of us, and we stood there in the courthouse, the three of us tangled together, while the judge pretended to organize papers and gave us our moment.
When we finally pulled apart, Tyler wiped his eyes with his sleeve.
“Should we go have lunch?” Hunter asked.
“Actually,” Seraphina said, exchanging a look with Tyler, “we have one more stop to make.”
“We do?” Hunter asked.
“It’s a surprise.” Tyler was grinning now, the tears gone, replaced by something mischievous. “Mom’s idea. But I helped.”
They led me back to the car, refusing to answer any questions. Seraphina drove while Tyler kept glancing at me from the back seat, practically vibrating with excitement.
