Whiskey & Vows

T H I R T Y T H R E E

T H I R T Y  T H R E E

We stared at the paperwork, stunned with the words printed on the page. Daniel sat next to us, grinning madly as we tried to process the meaning. Looking up at Derek in disbelief, I watched as a smile reached his eyes. Looking across at his father, he took a deep breath.

"Is this real?" Chuckling, Daniel patted Derek's arm and nodded. Daniel's office seemed to become the popular place to deliver news and this time, I couldn't complain with it today.

"How?" I whispered.

"Let's just say I grew curious as to what was taking so long." He shrugged nonchalantly. "Everything was already discussed and you already met with the judge." He noted.

"You pulled strings?" Derek asked.

"Not so much this time. You two did this all yourself." I couldn't contain my smile and laughed in pure joy.

We're legally Andy's parents...

We were waiting forever to hear the news. Derek and I knew that with our unfortunate marriage certificate and still being in school, we had odds against us. Someone was on our side because now Andy was legally our son.

"What about his biological parents?" Derek asked cautiously. Pressing his lips together, Daniel gave us a small smile.

"His mom is serving time for the accident and other allegations against her. The father is serving time for robbery and having relations in a drug ring." My heart clenched at his confession. I couldn't believe Andy lived with people like that. Who would do that around a child?

I couldn't bear the thought of him going back to them, and I knew Derek had his own thoughts as he shook his head.

"I'm very happy for you both." Daniel said sincerely.

"You're a grandpa." Derek chuckled. Smirking, Daniel shrugged.

"A damn good looking one." Blanching, Derek shook his head. Giggling, I tangled my hand in Derek's and continued staring at the paperwork.

We're finally a family.

***

After calling my mother, who already knew thanks to her boyfriend, I called my dad. Our talk in the hospital had given me closure and a chance to give him a fresh start. Highly against it at first, I knew it wouldn't be right; this was a second chance, I wouldn't stay angry forever.

He seemed over the moon that I wanted to have a relationship with him-even if it's a small one. I still had much forgiving to do and despite his reasoning, I still couldn't come to terms with him leaving. It would be a long journey, but I knew I wanted him in my life.

"Anna, that's wonderful!" He chuckled. Smiling, I stood in the kitchen still staring at the papers.

"I can't believe it, Dad." I murmured. "Derek and I didn't start off the way you should; I didn't think they'd want us to parent him."

"They must see how significantly he's improving now that he lives with you."

"Possibly," I shrugged. "I'm just so relieved!" Laughing again, I could practically feel his happiness.

"You're a great Mom." He whispered. Feeling my chest tighten, I tried not to get emotional.

"Dad-"