Chapter 11: A True Family**
In the family court of New York, a much smaller, quieter proceeding was taking place.
Judge Elena Alvarez looked down from her bench at the documents before her, then smiled warmly at the eight-year-old boy standing between Thomas and Lily. Leo was dressed in a sharp new navy blazer, his messy hair neatly combed, holding Lily’s hand tightly.
“Leo,” Judge Alvarez asked gently. “Do you understand what this adoption decree means?”
Leo nodded proudly. “It means Mr. Vance is my dad now. And Lily is my sister for real, not just in secret.”
“And Thomas Vance,” the judge turned to him. “Do you promise to love, protect, honor, and raise Leo as your own flesh and blood from this day forward?”
“With every breath in my body,” Thomas said, his hand resting lovingly on Leo’s shoulder.
The judge struck her gavel. “Then by the power vested in me, it is official. Welcome to the family, Leo Vance.”
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Lily jumped up and threw her arms around Leo’s neck. “I told you! Now you can never move away from my treehouse!”
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