She woke up to his hands around her and a baby wailing in the next room. She pulled the covers back and put her slippers on. Tying her robe tight she walked into the baby's room. She heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Brock rubbing his eyes.

"I'll get her bottle Reba. "

"Thank you. I'll change her. Maybe if we can get her fed quickly we can sleep another few hours."

She made quick work of changing Katie's diaper and sighed as the baby calmed a bit. Placing her onesie back on her she picked the baby up from the crib and sat down in the rocking chair. She began to sing. Rocking the baby as the verses flowed.

When you were born

There in your mothers arms

An angel told me

Always you will be

A gift of love from god to me

Though your road is long

I'll be right by your side

Through changes you'll see

Always you will be a gift of love from god to me

Love took flight

The day you came into my life

There is magic in the way i feel

Hearts opened wide

Gazing into your eyes

I'll be there for you

As long as I am alive

Brock stood in the doorway in awe. He didn't interrupt her singing. She had always had a beautiful voice. A tear rolled down his cheek as she finished the verse

I have never loved

More than I love you

A gift for free

Always you will be

A gift of love from god to me

She looked up to see him standing there. She smiled as she held the baby's little hand in her own. He handed her the bottle and looked at his little baby. He met Reba's eyes and they both stared at the child as she drank her milk.

"She is beautiful Brock. She is so innocent and carefree."

" I know. She is perfect in every way. Who knew we'd be raising a child at our age."

"I know. It doesn't seem real at times."

"Reba."

"Hmm."

"I've been thinking about this a lot. Will you adopt Katie. I've been looking into second parent adoption. I know Katie isn't biologically yours but you love her like your own. We've had her for 3 months now. I want her to grow up with a good mother and your the best I know."

"Second parent adoption? Wouldn't we have to be married?"

"No we don't have to be married. We would have to pretend we are in a relationship but essentially we would share custodial rights. You would legally be her mother and I her father."

"What if you get married again Brock? What if your new wife wants to raise this baby?"

"Reba. I'm not getting remarried. I don't want another woman besides you to be her mom. You love her. It's evident. I want her to have a complete home, well as complete as it gets with us. She will grow up loved."

"I'll do it Brock. I'm too invested as is. I could never turn her away."

"Thank you Reba. I owe you my life. You have saved me more times than one this year."

"Because that's what we do Brock. I know I tease you and crack jokes about you but I know in the end we have each others backs."

"Yeah we do." He leaned down placing a light kiss on her lips.

"So when do we go file for the second parent adoption?"

"I was thinking we go see a lawyer tomorrow."

"I'll set an alarm." She looked down at the baby in her arms. "She's finally asleep." She whispered." I'll put her down. Go on back to bed Brock. I'll be there in a minute." Brock walked from the room and Reba looked down at Katie." I promise Katie. As long as I'm alive. I'll always be your mama. You'll never have to worry about me giving you up, or leaving you. Ill always be there with you. No matter how me and your daddy are getting along, you'll always be mine."

Brock eased from the door, he wiped the tear from his cheek and sneaked into bed. Laying down he knew he had made the right choice. He heard footsteps and soon Reba joined him.

…………………

"Ok Mr Hart. I spoke to judge Donnelly. We can have the papers drew up and next month you both will come in for court. I understand that you two are living in the same household?"

"Yes." Reba lied

"Ok. So since Mr Hart is the biological custodian he will sign the papers and custodial rights will be awarded to you as well Mrs Hart."

"Umm. Isn't there a longer process?"

"Since this is a situation where Mr Hart already has parental rights everything is more cut and dry. There's no need for social services. Mainly it's just court cost and filing fees. Also, judge Donnelly here knows both of you and has agreed we can cut some of the extra formalities away."

"Are we talking about Ted Donnelly?"

"One in the same Mrs Hart."

"Well I be damned Reba. How longs it been since we seen Ted? College?"

"I think our 5th anniversary Brock."

"That long. Still it's great we have Ted."

"Well you two I have an appointment with another client but I'll see you all on the 8th at 9 o clock at the courthouse."

" sounds good frank. Thank you."

……….

It was a long month but the day was finally here. Carrying Katie in the courtroom, Reba and brock sat down at the table and awaited the judge to enter.

"All rise." The bailiff said. They stood and watched as judge Donnelly entered." Judge Donnellys courtroom is now in session."

"Please take a seat."

"Reba Hart. Please stand." Reba stood with Katie in her arms. " I understand you wish to adopt Katie Hart."

"Yes Judge Donnelly."

"Mrs Hart. You understand that by partaking in custodial rights you will be legally declared this child's mother."

"Yes your honor."

" I see the child is in good hands Mrs Hart. "

"Mr Hart. Please stand."

"You are in agreement with Reba Hart adopting the child and sharing your custodial rights."

"I am in agreement judge."

"I take it the papers are signed."

"Signed them this morning judge. We are awaiting your approval."

"I see the child is well taken care of and it is in the best interest of the child to allow Mrs Hart to become a second parent. I do have to ask though, if you two separate what would become of Katie."

"Judge. Reba and myself have 3 kids together whom we shared custody of in the divorce."

" if you two are in agreement we will proceed with the papers. On this day we declare Reba Hart legally this child's mother. Do you wish to make any name changes to the child. "

"Yes judge." Reba looked to Brock. Why would he want to change her name." I noticed the child does not have a middle name. "

"She doesn't Mr Hart. What would you like to call the child."

"Katie Nell Hart." Reba teared up. He wanted to give the child her middle name. He was naming Katie after her.

"Very well Mr and Mrs Hart. I declare today Reba Hart you are now legal custodian of Katie Nell Hart. " Brock hugged Reba. He was smiling as he kissed her on her lips and looked down at their child.

"Thank you judge ." They said in unison.