There were interviews, background checks, and psychological evaluations.
During one hearing, the judge looked directly at Andrew.
“Why do you want to adopt these children?”
Andrew paused before answering.
“Because I can’t pretend I didn’t see them,” he said honestly. “And because not being able to have children doesn’t mean someone can’t be a father.”
The judge studied him carefully.
“That girl is strong,” she said. “She survived things most adults couldn’t.”
Andrew nodded.
“I don’t want to take that strength away,” he said quietly. “I just want her to stop needing it all the time.”
Emily heard those words from the hallway outside.
She said nothing.
But that night when Andrew brought her a glass of milk, she asked softly,
“Are you going to send us away?”
Andrew knelt down in front of her.
“No.”
“Even if I cry?”
“Even if you cry.”
“Even if I’m bad?”
He paused for a moment.
“Even then.”
Emily studied his face carefully, searching for any sign of a lie.
She didn’t find one.
Months later the adoption was approved.
Andrew held Noah in his arms while signing the final papers. His hand trembled slightly—not from business nerves, but from emotion.
Emily watched quietly beside him.