My Arranged Marriage

Chapter 13

From Zachary's Point of View

Today is the day. Clark is really nervous. I can tell.I gently take his hands once we're outside the adoption center, "Clark."He looks at me, "yes Zachary?"I stare into his eyes, "you're a great guy. Ella raves about your parenting abilities. It's all going to be okay."He leans in and kiss me slowly, "thank you."We go in and we meet the children. All of them are very happy to meet us. All except two children sitting at a little play table.I go over, "hi I'm Zach, can I sit with you two?"The boy stands up in front of the girl, "you can't talk to us."I kneel down and look into his eyes, "why not?"He keeps himself in front of the girl, "we stay together."I convince him to let me color with them.After a while, Clark joins us. He kneels down beside me. I move over so he can see my cat picture.The boy is apprehensive but I reassure him, "this is Clark. He's my husband."Clark is more forward than me, "what are you guys names?"The little boy motions to himself, "Charlie and..."He holds out his hand to the little girl, "this is my sister. Her name is Adora."I smile, "it's nice to meet you."Clark looks at the little girl, "you're pretty shy huh?"She moves back a little.Charlie stands up, "she doesn't like you."I squeeze Clark's hand softly, "don't worry. No one really likes Clark."I laugh a little when she smiles at my joke.I kiss Clark's cheek, "he's a good guy though. Just a grouchy old man."He huffs, "I'm not that old."Adora laughs at us and Charlie lets his guard down. He slips her an animal cracker from his pocket.I look at Clark, "are you ready to go?"He nods a little and we head out. I drive him to work.On the drive he looks over at me, "you want Charlie?"I swallow, "both."He shakes his head, "we agreed one for us to start out."I grip the wheel softly, "they have to stay together Clark."He looks out the window, "maybe we should wait until a better fit comes along then."I look at him at a red light, "I want them both Clark. I know we said one child but I want them both."He looks down, "I'll have to think about it."I drop him off. Steff is going to bring him home tonight.I can't get Charlie and Adora off my mind though. I know two will be a handful but I think it would be for the best really.We have more than enough money to supply for both of them.The way Charlie defended her makes me think they have had a hard past.I order in pizza for dinner close to the time Clark is supposed to be getting home.When he gets home, he undoes his tie. Steff joins us for pizza.After she retires for the night I bring it up again, "have you decided?"He nods, "we agreed on one child, Zachary. I've not changed my mind on the matter."I cross my arms, "we can afford to adopt both."We get into a screaming match and I decide to spend the night in the guest room with Steff.We lay away from each other in the dark and silence.She sighs, "you guys are looking into adoption then?"I exhale, "yup."She doesn't say anything for a while but then she adds, "he's just scared he'll mess up with one kid. If there's two he feels like he'll really mess up."I try to fall asleep but there's a knock on the door so I get up.It's Clark. He's in some warm pajama pants and a t-shirt.He stares at the floor, "I can't sleep without you in bed."I don't look at his face, "I'm still angry."He motions for me to follow him so I do, shutting the door.He leads me to our room, "I shouldn't have screamed at you."I nod, "I shouldn't have either."He looks at me, "we can do both. I'm just scared I'll be a bad dad this time."I gently take his hand once we're in bed, "I'll be here to help Clark. You don't have to worry about doing it alone."He falls quiet and I do too. I try to fall asleep.I find it to be a hopeless cause and decide to get up at about 4 am. I make my way down to the bedroom we've set up for a child. I look around.I must be in here for a while because Clark comes in dressed for work.I look at him, "good morning, Mr. Adler."He leans in and kisses me slowly, "good morning, Mr. Adler."I smile a little, "I am sorry for last night."He rests his hand on my cheek, "no I am sorry. I know you're right. So today we are going to get finalize it. If you still want."I look into his eyes, "are you going to be okay if we do that?"He looks back into my eyes, "I think with you by my side, I could do just about anything."I go upstairs and get dressed. I don't usually dress as nice as Clark but today I wear a cute button up and vest with a spotted bow tie.I slip my wallet into my pocket and meet Clark at the door. He is talking with Steff and warns her he might not make it to the office today.She smiles, "I am glad you guys took some time and thought about it separately so you could come back together and make a decision best for both of you."I link arms with Clark softly, "Steff, I don't know how you deal with this man. He is a pain in the ass."Clark looks down at me, "literally."