Page 88 of The Obvious Check

“Thanks.”

“Was there something you needed?”

“Uh, yeah.” I smile, my voice coming out with heavy breaths. “I’m actually calling because I wanted to get your advice on potentially adopting my sister, Adley.”

“Oh.” She goes quiet, and I know why. I enquired about it when I turned eighteen and she nearly laughed in my face. No home. No job. How would I be able to care for my sister?

“Well, you know stability is always our primary concern.”

“I agree and there have been some significant changes in my life since I spoke to you. I’m continuing my studies. I have a job”—I take a deep breath—“and I’m engaged.”

“Engaged?! Oh, that’s… quite a development. Is it to Jeremy?”

Jeremy? I balk at the mere mention of a guy I’d consider one of my closest friends growing up. I was fifteen when we met. He was fourteen and just another kid thrown into the system, angry at everyone who had failed him. But with me, he softened. With him, I felt less alone. We swore we’d always have each other’s backs. That no matter what, we’d make it out of the systemtogether. For so long, it was me and him against the world, but unfortunately life had other plans.

We both kept fighting to survive. Him in the ring. Me with a pole, and it got pretty damn hard to keep in contact with him after he wound up in jail.

“No. It’s not Jeremy.” I loved him, but not in the way I love Cade.

Cade is different. I don’t just feel safe with him, Icravehim. I want to know every part of him, every thought, every dream, every tiny habit. I don’t just see him in my life for the next few months, I see my future with him. And that kind of want, that kind of need, is something I’ve never felt before.

“His name is Cade. We’ve known each other a long time and he’s a hockey player who has a contract with the Atlanta Anglerfish next season.” I smile at how ridiculous the team name sounds out loud. “We have a two-bedroom apartment, ready for Adley to stay in,” I add, wanting her to know that we’ve been thinking about this.

“Mhm.” Fern’s noncommittal hum makes my stomach clench. “And you believe this relationship provides the stability Adley needs?”

“I do. Cade’s contract is for three years. He gets health insurance with it, and we have a fantastic apartment with more than enough space for her. The school district here is excellent. I’ve researched therapists in the area who specialize in childhood trauma, and I’m ready to get her on their waitlist.” The words tumble out of my mouth, and I talk about all the plans I’ve been forming in my head for several years, only now saying them out loud because I’m more confident they’ll happen. “Fern, I know it seems sudden, but I’ve been working toward this since the day they separated us. I want Adley back and I think it’s what she deserves.”

Another pause. Then Fern’s voice softens slightly. “Savannah, I know how much you love your sister, and I appreciate all the efforts you’ve made. But understand, there’s a protocol here.”

“Of course.” I grip the phone tighter. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Well, the first step is, I’d have to talk to her social worker in Connecticut and they’d have to consider whether they’d be willing to start the process with you.”

“Okay. Is there anything I need to do to help push that along?”

“Well, I could conduct a home visit to determine if your living situation is appropriate for a fourteen-year-old girl.”

“Yes, absolutely.” My heart races faster. Is this really happening?

“I can arrange that within the next two weeks. After that, we’d need to conduct interviews with both you and your fiancé. We’ll need to interview both of you, separately and together. There will be background checks, financial verifications, and references required.” Fern’s voice becomes gentler. “Savannah, I want to be clear, this is just the beginning of the process. It doesn’t guarantee custody, and it’s a long road ahead.”

“I understand. But it’s a start.”

“It is.” Fern pauses. “For what it’s worth, I’m impressed by your determination. Most siblings in your situation would have given up long ago.”

I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “She’s all the family I have left.” My voice is firm, but there’s a slight waver at the end that I hate. I don’t want to get emotional now. Not when I’m finally making progress.

Fern sighs. “Okay. Let me pull some more information together and send you an email with the details. We’ll need to set up a home visit, which is a crucial first step. In the meantime, I’d recommend gathering any documentation that can strengthen your case. I need proof of employment, your education status, your lease agreement. Anything that shows stability.”

I nod, even though she can’t see me. “I will. Whatever you need, I’ll have it.”

There’s a pause before Fern exhales, almost like she’s letting herself hope for me too. “Good. That kind of determination will serve you well. And, Savannah?”

“Yeah?”

“You’ve done everything you can for your sister. Don’t doubt that. This process is slow, and it’s frustrating, but you’re fighting for her, and that counts for more than you know.”

Warmth spreads through my chest, tightening my throat. “Thank you, Fern. Thank you so much.”

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