Chapter 9 - THE COURTHOUSE
The adoption process took longer than Lily expected.
Paperwork always does.
On the final day, she wore a blue dress she chose herself.
Not handmade.
Not symbolic.
Just blue because she liked it.
The judge asked several age-appropriate questions.
Then asked:
“Why do you want Glen to become your legal father?”
Lily thought.
“Because he already does the job.”
The courtroom laughed softly.
Glen covered his face.
Then the order was entered.
Afterward, we took one photograph outside.
No giant party.
No public performance.
Lily stood between us.
Glen held the purple-crayon drawing.
That evening, she asked:
“Does this mean Grandma Ida is legally my grandma now?”
I laughed.
Glen said:
“Technically, there are family relationships created through adoption, yes.”
Lily frowned.
“Does that mean I have to see her?”
“No.”
Immediate.
Legal connection was not unlimited access.
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That lesson had become one of our family’s foundations.
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