Miranda smiled at me. I tried to return the smile but I was chock-full of nerves. I had no idea how I was going to explain this to Lily. She's been with us for three years. She was hours old when we adopted her.
The next day we went to court. I asked Samantha if she could babysit for Lily. She said she could. She was at the house at 8 AM.
In the courtroom, I was going through the motions. I rose when Miranda walked into the room. I spoke respectfully and intelligently. In a matter of ½ an hour, it was time for Miranda to announce her decision.
"Mrs. Wong, I do not doubt that you love Lily and can provide well for her. On the other hand, Lily has been with Charlotte and Harry since birth.
"Therefore I am awarding custody of Lily to her adopted parents"
"But she has a child on the way your honor," Mrs. Wong said, "Why should she have my child too?"
"This is about what's best for Lily," Miranda said firmly but gently.
She banged the gavel. Harry put an arm around me. As we were walking out of the building Mrs. Wong stopped us.
"Excuse me," she said, "Can we talk for a minute?"
"Sure," Harry said.
"I know the judge picked you. I was wondering if I could see Lily sometimes?"
Harry nodded.
"You can see her when we are around," he said handing her a business card.
Mrs. Wong smiled.
"Thank you," she said.
When Mrs. Wong walked away I looked at Harry confused.
"Sweetheart," Harry said, "What's important is what's best for Lily. The more people in her life who love her the better she is."
I paused for a moment, then nodded. He was right.
"You're right," I acknowledged.
Harry put an arm around me and we walked out of the courthouse together. We made the short drive home. Lily was asleep when we got in.
"Thank you for watching her," I said to Samantha.
"It was my pleasure," Samantha said smiling, "You have a beautiful child. I hope you know that."
"I do," I said hugging her, "I also have the greatest friends in the world."
Samantha smiled again and we said goodbye.