The Day in Court
The adoption hearing came one year after Wade first stopped at the fence.
Lila wore a pale blue dress. Wade wore a clean black shirt and sat with his hands folded so tightly his knuckles had gone white.
Judge Eleanor Whitcomb had seen many families come through her courtroom. She had heard many promises. She knew the difference between emotion and commitment.
She read the reports. She listened to the caseworker. She asked Wade questions.
He answered each one with care.
Then the judge looked at Lila.
“Sweetheart,” she said, “can you tell me why you want Mr. Mercer to be your family?”
Lila turned and looked at Wade.
The courtroom went completely quiet.
Then she said, “Because he was the first grown-up who stopped… and then came back.”
Wade lowered his head.
The judge removed her glasses and took a breath.
A moment later, she signed the order.
Lila Bennett became Lila Mercer.
