Chapter 20
They called Pippa the next day and she arranged a meeting with Noah. He was a big baby. He had brown eyes and hair, just like Olivia. They talked about Noah for a week and went to visit him every day. Olivia wanted to make sure Amanda wanted this. Pippa called Olivia in her office to talk to her.
Amanda looked at them, "I've got him. She fed him a bottle and rocked him to sleep. Olivia sat with Pippa, "Olivia, she's young." Olivia frowned, "She is working and putting herself through school. She's more mature than any 19 year old you'll ever meet." Pippa stopped her, "I wished you would have let me finish. She's good with him. I only mentioned her age, because in a year after the monthly home studies, you will be able to adopt Noah. I was just thinking if you and Amanda were married, you would both be able to adopt him. I just didn't know if her age would play a factor."
Olivia didn't know either. She knew they loved each other, but marriage had only been something mentioned when they first met. Pippa continued, "You can take him home tonight." Olivia gave Amanda the news. Pippa followed them out with the bag and car seat. Amanda grabbed it, "I know how to put it in." Olivia laughed, "How?" Amanda shrugged, "YouTube. I knew we were bringing him home one day. Give it to me." Pippa and Olivia stood there in shock watching her hook up the seat and gently place Noah inside. "Ready?"
They went home and Amanda played with Noah while Olivia got dinner. It was their first dinner as a family, even though Noah slept through it. They both gave Noah a bath and watched him fall asleep. "So, what did Pippa say to you?" Olivia never lied to Amanda, "She actually said good things about you. She did have a concern about your age, but not what you might think."
Amanda looked at her, "What's wrong?" Olivia shook her head, "Nothing is wrong. She told me about home studies and adoption in a year. She asked how someone your age would feel about marriage. If we are married when his adoption comes around, both of our names would be on the paperwork."
Amanda shrugged, "Ok! Let's do it. We have a year to plan whatever we want, big wedding or small wedding…" Olivia kissed her, "you never cease to amaze me. It's that easy for you at 19?" Amanda shook her head, "You're the one. Why waste time?"
Olivia took two weeks off to help Noah get settled. Her and Amanda both agreed they didn't want him in a daycare. The search for a nanny began immediately. They interviewed several candidates, but settled with a 21 year old named Lucy. She had just finished college a year ago to become a teacher, but after spending a year in the classroom, it wasn't for her. "I love kids, but definitely 25 of them, all calling my name at once."
Amanda and her clicked right away, must have been the age. Lucy did explain that with the pay cut, she wouldn't be able to afford her apartment. Amanda wasn't sure when she asked about the possibility of being a live-in nanny. They wrote everything down and told Lucy they would call her with a decision either way.
They agreed not to leave any candidate hanging. Amanda sat with Olivia, "I like her Liv. I think she's a good fit, but Noah has the guest room. She can't live here." Olivia smiled, "She can live with us if I give you what you asked me for months ago." Amanda was confused, "Remember when you saw Alex's place the first time and I said we can discuss moving there when we got married."
Amanda frowned, "But I'm not through with school yet and I already live here rent free. That's too much Liv." Olivia kissed her, "You still worry too much. I know you have school, but you're on a very fast track and once you are done, we will be fine. We're in this together baby."