Disclaimer: I never claimed to own it

Doug Ross walked into the adoption agency.

"Excuse me," Doug said, "I would like to talk with the person in charge"

"That would be me," Ms. Tuff said, "are you interested in adoption a child?"

"My girlfriend was interested in adopting Tatiana," Doug said angrily, "and you turned her down because she had a past problem"

"It wasn't a small problem," Ms. Tuff said, "and it's just been too soon"

Doug considered his options. He decided the best thing to do would be to speak straightforward.

"Ms. Tuff," Doug said, "Carol is what Tatiana needs"

"I dunno Dr. Ross. I just don't think… it's been too soon"

"What about a compromise," Doug said, "Foster parenting for a year with supervision"

"And whom would be supervising"

"I'd be glad too"

"I'm going to hold you personally accountable if anything happens to that child"

"It won't," Doug said

Ms. Tuff considered for a minute.

"Let me check out your references. I'll get back to you tonight"

Doug nodded and walked out.

That night Ms. Tuff called him with an approval.

"Thank you," he said smiling then hung up, "CAROL CAN YOU COME IN HERE FOR A MINUTE. WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING"

"Sure," she said, "I'll be right there"

She came in seconds later and saw he was smiling.

"Sit down," he told her.

She listened.

"Now I noticed you've been distracted," he said, "and I had to do something about it. I went to the agency. Ms. Tuff said that you can foster Tatiana with supervision which I agreed to. Basically that means if anything happens to her it's my head"

Carol felt tears in her eyes. She had only cried like this once after facing the wrath. When Doug found out what happened the "bastard" who "hurt her" came away with a broken nose. Nobody messes with his girl and gets away with it. That was when she cried.

"Doug," Carol said, "that is the nicest thing you ever did for anyone ever"

"Yeah well I love you. "You knew that for a long time and it's still as true today as the time I got suspended for breaking that bastard's nose"

"I don't know if it's the 'nicest' thing he ever did," Anspaugh said coming into the hospital room, "I mean he did give his own bone marrow to Scott so that he would survive"

"Hey," Doug said, "it's my responsibility to make sure every patient gets what they need.

"Scott needed bone marrow. Mine matched. Tatiana needs Carol and vise versa. I just saw to the needs. See you at home," he said and walked out after kissing her.