So, for the purposes of this story, Rick and Kate are the same age, Kate's already a detective and her dad is sober. Also, I'm not well versed in adoption procedures, so if you see something out of place our incorrect, it was probably from lack of knowledge XD
Rick may seem a bit OOC in this first chap. but let's just assume he was in a really bad place.
Alright then :)
Enjoy.
Rick stared down at the papers as his lawyer adressed he and Meredith.
"Well everything's in order. When your child is born, he or she will be taken into custody by a government official and they will be put into the system for adoption." More tears run down Rick's face. They just won't seem to stop. Even Meredith looks a little somber. But of course, who wouldn't be upset about giving their child away?
When Meredith found out that she was pregnant, Rick had remained positive that they could do it, even though they were young. As time went on, however, they began to see the impossibilities. Meredith couldn't book any acting jobs and Rick continuously got shot down by publisher after publisher. They lost the small apartment they shared and had to move in with Martha and more and more, Rick became less optimistic. After 6 months of downhill sailing, they both decided that their child deserved the best and the best was not two 20 somethings with hardly a place to live.
All Rick could think about was his own childhood. Of course it was filled with love, but it was also filled with poverty and he couldn't shake the feeling of failing this child, another generation forced to struggle. It gave him nightmares to think about.
"So..." Meredith begins to speak up, "will we ever be able to see our child?"
"Yes, but considering you both want this to be a closed adoption, contact may only be made if your child initiates it." Rick nods, feeling quite hopeful. If their child has the sense of curiosity that he has, they'll get to meet very soon in life.
"What about the parents? Will we be able to see who he or she is placed with?" God forbid he or she be placed in an abusive home.
"We can't release that kind of information to you, but we can assure that they'll be placed in an excellent home. Our adoption process is very thorough."
Rick nods understandingly and sighs. "So... That's it?"
"That's it. You've signed all your other papers in our last meetings so... Yeah." The man gives them a slightly sympathetic smile as Meredith thanks him for his time and heads toward the door. As Rick is walking out, the man grabs his arm and whispers, "you know, the paperwork isn't finalized until the child is born and taken into custody. You still have a bit to think about this. Wouldn't want any second thoughts." Rick nods curtly to the man and continues out the door.
He will always have second thoughts.
Kate sits uncomfortably in the stiff chairs at the adoption agency. After two years, you'd think she'd be used to it.
After her mother had died, Kate went into a deep depression. She gave up her whole life for her mother's case, gave up on her dreams and allowed herself to be consumed. After numerous arguments with her now sober dad, Kate had given up the case and began therapy. During her sessions, she realized that the thing she loved most about her mom was the fact that she was such an incredible mother, even to children who weren't her own.
That's when she decided to adopt a child. She thought that if she could be half as good of a mom as her mother was, she could honor her mom's life in that way.
Ever since that day, Kate has been going through the long process of becoming an adoptive mother. She never estimated it being so tough, but when Kate Beckett started something, she saw it through.
"Hello again, Kate." Alice, Kate's social worker, greeted her warmly as she summoned Kate to her office.
"Hello to you, Alice." Kate sat down in the chair in front if the other women's desk. "How's Mark and the kids?" Kate had been there so many times, she and Alice were practically best friends.
"They're excellent. Still as rambunctious as ever." Alice smiled and powered up her computer, immediately opening Kate's file. "Well Kate, as you know, three months ago, you were approved for adoption. We have been having trouble finding children for you though. You've expressed your want for an infant or toddler, but that is the most commonly requested age range for adoption. Also, our primary focus is trying to put children in stable, two parent homes. Your name is rather high up on our list, but I don't believe we've recieved any new- oh."
"What? What is it?"
"Well it seems we've recently taken an infant into our custody. Just born a week ago, girl, red hair, blue eyes, completely healthy." Alice turns the screen towards Kate and her heart stops when she sees her. "Now, I can put down that you'd be interested in getting her, but" she sighs and leans forward "I can't say that there won't be other, more established couples who will want her too."
"Alice, you know me. You know how long I've wanted this and you know how much I've given up for this. Every other child that you brought up to me has been taken by some other couple. Please, I need her."
"Kate..."
"Look, aren't you the one who signs all recommendations for adoptions?" Alice nods. "I want you to look at all other families that site interest in her and if you can honestly say that any of them will give her more love, support, attention, or security than I can, I'll give up." Slice fidgets in her chair for a bit and then sits back.
"Alright, I suppose I can dig a little deeper with this one." Kate squeaks excitedly. "BUT! I make no promises Kate. You're my friend, but at the end of the day, I have to do what's right for the child."
Kate nods. "Absolutely." Alice smiles at her once again and prints off an application for the adoption. Kate once again stares at the screen, at the tiny, squinting face in the picture.
Tears run down her face as she falls in love with this beautiful little girl. She honestly never imagined this moment being so beautiful.
That's gonna be her daughter.
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Please don't hate this.
Love Always, XOXOX