Unexpected Family

I Don't Want To Give Them Back

Billie's POV

I stared at my phone for a solid ten minutes before I finally hit call.

Nina picked up on the second ring. "Hi, Billie. I was hoping I'd hear from you."

Her voice was calm, like she already knew what I was about to say.

Maybe she did. Maybe it wasn't that hard to guess after everything.

"Hey," I said, barely above a whisper. "Is now a bad time?"

"Not at all," she said gently. "Take your time."

I paused. My throat felt tight. "I don't really know how to say this, but... I think I want to keep them."

Silence.

Not the awkward kind. The heavy kind,the kind that lets you feel your own heart beating in your ears.

"I mean... if that's even possible," I added quickly. "I know this was supposed to be a short thing. Two weeks. A publicity deal.

I know I'm not exactly normal, and I'm still learning how to do this-" I stopped myself, ran a hand through my hair. "But I love them. I didn't mean to. I just... do."

Nina exhaled slowly. "Billie... I'm so glad you called."

"You are?"

"I am," she said, voice soft but firm. "And I want to be honest with you. What you're feeling? It's not uncommon.

These girls are easy to love. But adopting kids from foster care isn't just about wanting them. It's about showing you're ready legally, emotionally, long-term."

I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "Okay. So what does that mean?"

"It means we start talking. Really talking. About guardianship, long-term placement, your schedule, your support system... their trauma."

My stomach twisted.

Trauma.

I hated that word. Not because it wasn't real but because I'd seen it in Skylar's eyes every time someone moved too fast,

or in the way Mackenzie clung to me like she thought I might disappear if she blinked.

"I'll do it," I said, before I could second-guess myself. "Whatever it takes."

Nina was quiet for a moment. "I believe you."

That one sentence made my whole chest ache.

"Can I ask you something?" I added.

"Anything."

"What happens if... I don't get approved? What if someone else wants them too?"

She didn't lie. She didn't sugarcoat it. She just said, "Then you fight for them.

You show us show them that you're not just temporary. That you're willing to do the work."

I swallowed hard. "Okay."

And I meant it.

Even if it's scary. Even if it's hard. Even if it means letting cameras into my real life, not the polished one people expect.

I'll fight for them.

Because they're worth it.