Chapter 14: The Final Ink
A year to the day after the confrontation at the hospital, they returned to the courthouse for a very different reason.
The judge’s chambers were filled with balloons and sunlight. Miriam stood in the corner, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. Lily, wearing a beautiful floral dress, sat on Sarah’s lap in the wheelchair.
""Sarah Hayes,"" the judge smiled warmly. ""Are you prepared to take on the permanent legal responsibility of this child, to love her, protect her, and guide her as her mother?""
""I am,"" Sarah said, her voice thick with emotion.
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""Then it is my absolute honor to declare this adoption finalized."" The judge banged her gavel lightly. ""Congratulations, Lily Hayes. You are officially home.""
Lily threw her arms around Sarah’s neck, dropping her gray bunny onto the floor for the first time in her life. She didn't need the stuffed animal for comfort anymore. She had her mother.
