Always Dakota - Debbie Macomber [62]
“From what we understand, Axel has been made a ward of the state and is now available for adoption.”
Maddy’s heart leaped with gratitude. The possibility of adoption was what she’d hoped for. She’d also learned from Bob that the lawyer in California had talked to the prosecutor before they’d surrendered Axel. He’d worked a minor miracle in having the federal kidnapping charges against Merrily reduced to a suspended sentence; she wouldn’t have to serve any jail time.
“Axel’s in a foster home now,” Merrily blurted out. Her knuckles were white from the pressure with which she held on to her husband’s hand.
“Apparently he isn’t doing well,” Bob added.
“We asked Doug to get us a report…” Merrily paused, and tears filled her eyes, threatening to spill over. “He was able to talk to Axel’s caseworker and she said he isn’t eating or sleeping well.”
“You’ve applied for adoption?” she asked, certain they had.
“We’ve spent two days filling out all the forms,” Bob told her.
“Doug thinks that given our history with Axel, we’d be seriously considered,” Merrily said.
“But he also explained that it was no guarantee we’d be chosen,” Bob pointed out. “Apparently there are very few children available for adoption these days, but no lack of applicants.”
“Axel loves us as much as we love him,” Merrily rushed to add. “I’m sure the judge will take that into consideration, don’t you think?”
“Naturally the caseworker will be interviewing us,” Bob said, not giving Maddy an opportunity to respond to Merrily’s question. “We were hoping you could tell us what they’d want to hear.”
“I’ll be happy to help in any way I can.”
“Pastor Dawson has been…helpful,” Merrily said with a guarded smile. “He said we’d done a brave thing and that he respects and admires us for the way we’ve handled the situation. He…thought it might help if he got a letter-writing campaign going. You know, having people from the community write letters of recommendation on our behalf.”
“That’s an excellent idea.” Maddy would gladly send one herself.
“We have to travel to California for the interview, of course.”
Maddy knew this entire process was expensive. Attorney’s fees were high, and it had to be costing them plenty, along with all the fees involved in the adoption process.
“The church took up a donation to help with the traveling expenses,” Merrily told her. “We weren’t expecting anything like that. We were really touched by what they did.”
Julianne had been running a fever the previous weekend, so Maddy had missed Sunday services and hadn’t heard about the collection.
“Everyone’s been great,” Bob said, his voice gruff with emotion. “I don’t know what we would’ve done without all our friends.”
“The town wants you to bring Axel home, too.”
Merrily nodded tearfully. “I can’t tell you how much everyone’s support has meant to us.”
Bob stood and disappeared for a moment, then returned with a file. “This is the paperwork we’ve completed for the state of California.” He handed it to Maddy. She read through the questionnaire and was impressed with the straightforward, honest way in which he’d revealed his past, including his run-ins with the law. At the end of the application, he’d listed improvements he’d made in his life during the past few years, since taking ownership of 3 OF A KIND. He described how he was now a successful businessman, a member of the town council, a member of the school board, a married man. The letters of recommendation Pastor Dawson was collecting would underline those constructive changes.
Merrily’s portion of the form supplied all the necessary details, plus a heartfelt plea that the judge make her and Bob legally what they already were in every other way, and that was Axel’s family.
“You’ve done an excellent job with this,” Maddy said when she finished.
“Would you let us adopt Axel if you were the one making the decision?” Merrily asked.
It was a difficult question, especially since she knew how badly they needed to hear a positive response. The fact that they both had police records didn’t help their case.