Within the next few days, they were at the courthouse and anxiously awaiting their turn for Sadie to be adopted.
All 4 of them were dressed in their best and ready for the big shift in their life that would be Sadie having the same last name.
"Adoption of Sadie Davis," a Bailiff said as he came out.
"You ready?" Kaycee asked, looking at Sadie as they all got up.
"I'm ready," she nodded, wearing the biggest possible smile. "Let's go. What are you waiting for?"
"You silly," Kaycee chuckled, walking into the courtroom with her family.
The judge started the session as the family sat down in front of her, all with smiles on their faces.
"Alright. We're here for the adoption of Sadie Davis, petitioned by William and Kaycee Elliott. Correct?"
"Yes your honor," Chase nodded, putting an arm around Sadie.
As the judge spoke, the door opened and Sadie's mom appeared in the courtroom and soon in front of Sadie.
"Hold on," she demanded, rushing right to her daughter, "Sadie come home,"
"What?" She asked, looking at her mom like she had six heads and got abducted by aliens.
"You heard me. Come home," she said, sounding like she was almost begging.
Sadie simply glanced at Chase and then the judge who both gave her a quick and very slight nod, telling her to go for it.
"You think you can just waltz in here and tell me to come home when you haven't wanted me for 16 years?" She started and only got a shocked look from the woman who had birthed her, but she was not a mother, "You left me years ago. You were never my mom. I have a mom now and that's Kaycee because she and Chase took me in when you were in Vegas doing God only knows what,"
"Sadie I-"
"I'm not done!" Sadie snapped, holding her hand up to stop the woman in front of her from talking, "You left me. When I was sick. When I was hurt. Mad, sad, happy, when my best friend died! I don't want you! I'm getting adopted today by them! Because you couldn't put your big girl pants on and be a mom. Now get out,"
"Sadie.."
"OUT!"
With that, Tammy shuffled out making sure to glare at Kaycee and Chase. They didn't deserve her daughter in her eyes. That was in Tammy's eyes but it was the opposite in Kaycee and Chase's.
As soon as Sadie could, she took a seat silently between Chase and Kaycee again, now wanting to get it all over with.
"William and Kaycee Elliott, do you promise to love and protect Sadie?" The judge asked.
"Of course," Kaycee nodded, looking right at Sadie as she did.
"We will," Chase agreed.
"Alright, Sadie. Do you want William and Kaycee as your forever parents?"
"Yeah," she nodded, unable to keep the smile hidden.
"Alright then. Sadie Davis, your name is officially changed to Sadie Amelia Elliott," the judge declared, banging the gavel against the desk.
"That's it, you're ours," Kaycee beamed, trying not to let the tears fall.
"I love you, Mommy," Sadie also beamed, openly crying as she hugged her now- mother.
"I love you too baby," Kaycee nodded as she hugged Sadie as tightly as she could.
"Thank you,"
"We love you Sadie," Chase said as he hugged her tightly now.
"I love you guys too," she beamed, wiping the tears as they were given Sadie's certificate with her new name and her new social security card. It was all official.
"Alright. Enough tears, let's go celebrate," Chase said as he ushered his family out and to the car.
——————
As Chase pulled up to the house they all saw it. A big banner that said "Welcome Home Sadie Elliott!" On the front of their garage.
"I can't believe that's my actual name," she grinned, staring at the banner. "I'm actually an Elliott,"
"You are. And you will be for the rest of your life," Kaycee beamed, all of them getting out of the car.
"I'm happy about that," she smiled but that smile quickly faded when she saw her mom roll right by.
"Sadie?" Kaycee asked, looking over as Sadie's face went pale.
"She's still trying to come for me," Sadie said as she watched the car drive down the street.
"What?"
"She's still gonna try and get me," Sadie said as her breathing got quick and very unsteady.
"What do you mean Sadie? What's going on?" Kaycee asked before looking at Chase. Through silent communication, he knew to leave the truck door open and Addie in her seat so he could help her with Sadie.
"Sadie. What's going on?" He asked, switching spots with Kaycee as Sadie shook. "Honey, you have to talk to us,"
"She-she-she," Sadie started but was unable to get the words out.
"Who Sadie?" Chase asked, trying to keep eye contact with her. "Sadie, who is she?"
"I'm gonna get Addie inside," Kaycee said as Chase easily got Sadie up and walked her into the house.
Once she sat on the couch, the girl seemed to completely crumble.
"Sadie, look at me," Chase said waiting for his now-daughter's eyes to meet his. "Take a deep breath. I think you're having a panic attack,"
Sadie tried her hardest but getting air in felt like it took every ounce of energy that she had left.
"Come on honey. Take a breath. In and out,"
"I ca-can-t," she sobbed, feeling like she was unable to get air in her lungs.
"Sadie. Listen to me. You need to breathe. In and out,"
"I- Dad,"
"Kayc, stay here with Addie. I'm gonna take her to the ER," Chase commanded, getting Sadie in the truck without waiting for Kaycee to respond.
He continued to try and calm her down as they drove, and luckily they didn't hit traffic and made it to the closest hospital within a few minutes.
Within minutes of arriving, they had assessed Sadie's condition and gave her a little medication to calm her down. It ultimately put her to sleep and helped her relax, but the hard part would be when she did wake up and they did have to talk about what set her off. That in itself was going to be the hardest part.
