Keeping Score

“This young man and I had a nice conversation.” My father grinned. “After speaking to all of the parties involved, I’ve decided it is in the best interest of the child in question to be placed in the temporary custody of Mr. Kane Hawkins.”

I almost squealed.

My dad wasn’t finished. “I want to remind you all that this is only a temporary custody hearing. There is another process for adoption, if that is the path you wish to pursue.”

We nodded.

“We will re-convene in forty-five days to assess how the situation suits everyone and how custody should be handled at that point.”

Fort-five days? That put us on the other side of Christmas. I was beaming from the inside out. It was the biggest gift he could have given me and we didn’t have a tree yet.

My mind raced. Was this happening? Were we an instant family? Would Hawk want all those things too? The stockings by the fireplace? Garland and a big tree? Surprises for Hunter?

I needed to slow down and at least make it out of the hearing room.

“Mr. Hawkins, are you up for the task?”

“Yes, your honor. I am. A hundred percent.”

“Then, this matter is settled.” He smiled at us both. “Dismissed.”

The attorneys gathered their paperwork, but I rushed around the long table and on to the bench where I hugged my father harder than I ever had. His nylon robe scratched my face, but I didn’t care. I inhaled that Old Spice scent and sobbed into his shoulder.

“Thank you, Daddy.”

“You’re welcome, but you know you have a long road ahead of you.”

“I do. But it’s worth it. Do we get to take him home now?”

“Of course, but you the attorneys have to have final signatures from the group home. They should work that out for you.”

I looked over my shoulder when I saw my father’s eyes shift.

Hawk approached the bench, extending his hand.

“I wanted to thank you, sir.”

My father returned the handshake. “Son, you have taken on the biggest responsibility of your life.”

Hawk nodded. “I know.”

“And I’m not talking about the child.”

There was a knowing look between the two men. I thought I might not be able to breathe. They were talking about me this time. When was the last time my father had met someone I was dating? I didn’t take guys home to meet him unless it was serious. It always seemed as if it wouldn’t be fair to introduce him to someone only to have the relationship disintegrate a few months later. He had been through so much when he lost my mother.

“Got it.”

I watched the two of them exchange looks that meant something to them. From one man to another.

I put my hands on my hips. I wasn’t a piece of dowry property to be handed over. “Ok. Let’s go, Hawk.” I tugged on his arm. “Daddy, I’ll call you later.”

I pecked him on the cheek. Hunter was waiting for us at the door.

He looked up with innocent eyes. “Where do I live now? Are you taking me to the group home?”

I wanted to tell him, but Hawk was the one who had made this happen. I couldn’t take credit for something I’d never been able to do. I had tried. I had cried. But I couldn’t give this to Hunter—Hawk did.

He stooped down to the floor to speak to Hunter directly. His knees grazed the hardwoods. “You get to go home with me. How does that sound?”