AUTHOR'S NOTES: When I was writing this story, I was debating on whether CR & Denise's child should be adopted or biological. I originally was going to have this story set the summer after the USO Tour (following Aubrey & Chad's wedding), but changed it for certain reasons.
This story takes place a few days after the events of Memories Can Go A Long Way
CHAPTER 1:
On July 17th, 2019, CR & Denise paid a visit to a local orphanage.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Cynthia?" Denise asked.
"Girl, I've never been more sure of anything." CR said.
"Well, you never know; there could be hundereds of little kids here. Could be hard to decide on just one." Denise said slightly worried.
"We'll see what we find." CR said as they went inside the orphanage.
"Hi there. Can I help you ladies with anything?" Shelby, the owner asked.
"Yeah, my wife and I are looking to adopt a child." CR said.
"So, we wanted to have a look around." Denise said.
"Well, you're in luck; we've got plenty of young children here hoping to one day have a real family. Right this way, please." Shelby said as the couple followed her to another room.
"Wow! Look at all the young kids." CR said.
"I know. It could be hard to decide on one of them." Denise said.
"Well, have a look around. Get to know some of these young kids, and maybe you'll find the perfect one." Shelby suggested as a young girl approached the couple.
"Hello, little girl." CR said to her.
"You are just the cutest little thing." Denise said.
"It seems she likes you two." Shelby said.
"Does she have a name?" CR asked.
"Her name is Rachel. Her biologicial mom died of a broken heart a year ago while her father was killed in the line of duty." Shelby recapped.
"That's so sad." Denise said.
"I know. She's been here ever since about a week before her mom died. And ever since, she's been longing for a family." Shelby said.
"Well, I think we can help with that. What do you say, Rachel?" CR asked.
"You want to come home with us?" Denise asked as Rachel nodded her head yes.
"Look at that. She's so excited to hopefully have a new family to live with." Shelby said.
"And the best part is, Rachel, if you come home with us, not only will you have two parents who love you..." CR started.
"...But you'll also get to know some friends of ours who'll love you just as much." Denise continued as Rachel smiled in excitement.
"I'd say that's a yes." Shelby said.
"Well, there's only thing left to do now; go to the courthouse and get the proper adoption paperwork." CR said.
"Just hang in there, Rachel...in a couple of days, you'll get to come home with your new moms." Denise said smiling at Rachel.
"I guess we'll see you two again soon." Shelby said.
"Yep. We'll be back for you soon, Rachel." CR said.
"Take care." Denise said as the couple left for the courthouse.
2 days later, CR & Denise returned from the orphanage with the signed adoption paperwork.
"Welcome back, ladies." Shelby said.
"Thanks. We've come with the proper paperwork." CR said showing the paperwork to Shelby.
As she looked it over..."Hmm...looks legit. Very well, then. Rachel, time to go home with your new moms." Shelby said as Rachel ran over to hug her new moms.
"You excited?" CR asked as Rachel nodded yes.
"Thank you so much for everything." Denise said shaking Shelby's hand.
"My pleasure. Rachel, want to say goodbye to anyone before you go?" Shelby asked as Rachel waved goodbye to everyone before leaving.