Scenes From a Soap Opera

The Chancellor Family Grows

Ciara was slowly getting used to her new surroundings. While her parents certainly weren't poor, they weren't this rich either. She was sure that Abby and her husband were getting tired of her endless thanks, but she couldn't help it. She'd never be able to repay them enough for their kindness.

What really left an impression though, was the sense of family and love in that mansion. Ciara knew that Abby and Chance had had issues in the previous year, but seeing them know, you'd never know. Her family was never like this; there was no laughter, no love, nothing really. Spending time in the Chancellor mansion helped the young girl make a major decision; she wanted her baby to live here, be a member of this family, have the chance to be loved by people who could take care of them. Now all she had to do was bring it up to Abby.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Ciara was shaken from her inner monologue by a voice coming up behind her. She looked up to see Chance observing her, a cautious expression on his face. "Just thinking about the future." She answered, hand rubbing her belly.

Chance gave her a nod. He couldn't even imagine the fear and confusion she must be feeling; especially since her parents had abandoned her. "No wonder you looked so stressed, you have some heavy choices to make."

Ciara exhaled with an exhaustion that was far too old for her to feel. "Heavy is one way to describe them, that's for sure." She paused for a moment, suddenly feeling very courageous. "I need to run something by you if that's okay."

Chance was thrown off by the apprehension in her voice but wanted to help. "Yeah, of course. I'll help anyway I can."

The young girl got a serious look on her face and took a deep breath, "I have a lot of decisions to make about college, about what I want major in, my parents, but I do know that I'm not ready to care for this baby. Spending time with you and Abby and your family has been wonderful." Ciara's eyes started tearing up, all her emotions were hitting her at once. "I want my baby in a family like this." She whispered.

Chance slowly turned to face her, eyes wide with shock. He couldn't believe what she was telling him. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?" The detective asked in a voice just above a whisper.

"Yes," Ciara nodded, her nerves showing themselves as tears. "If you're open to it, I want you and Abby to adopt my baby. I can't think of a better family for them."

Chance let out a humorless laugh thinking of the Newmans, before turning his attention back to Ciara. "Um, I'd have to talk to Abby first, naturally, but um thank you for your kind words. And for thinking of us. I really appreciate it."

"What do you need to talk to Abby about?"

They looked over to see Abby standing in the living room doorway, staring at her husband and waitress in confusion. Ciara shared a look with Chance and at his nod, decided to tell her boss her plan.

"Abby, I'll never be able to thank you for taking me in. Now that I don't have to worry about shelter and food, I've had time to think about my future and my baby's future." Ciara paused, trying to gather up her courage one last time. "Spending this time with you and Chance, seeing your family and all the love, I want this for my baby."

Abby froze, knowing where Ciara was going, but not being able to believe it.

"I want you and Chance to adopt my baby. If you want to." Ciara rushed out those last two sentences. She hoped she wasn't giving off desperate vibes. She just wanted to do what was right for her baby and this was the right choice; she felt it in her bones.

Abby's watery eyes met Chance's and they both knew in that instant that they wanted this baby. The year of struggles had taught them how much they meant to each other and how much they wanted to expand their family. "Yes, Ciara, yes." Abby answered for the both of them. "We'd love to adopt your baby."

Before she could stop herself, Ciara launched herself at the couple, her body wracked with happy sobs. She felt all the stress leave her body; Chance and Abby could feel it too. "Thank you. Thank you so much!" The young mother to be cried.

"Thank you for choosing us." Abby cried back. Chance repeated her sentiments, wiping the tears from his eyes. "We'll love your baby with our whole hearts."

"I know you will." Ciara exclaimed. "I'm going to go to my room. We can go over details later. If that's okay?"

"Yeah, that's fine." Chance answered as Abby threw her arms around Ciara again. "Come find us when you're ready." He watched that incredibly brave teenager walk to her bedroom. He could see how much more relaxed and at ease she was. Both he and Abby would never be able to thank her enough for her sacrifice, for her gift.

"Can you believe this?" Abby asked her husband, eyes brimming over with tears.

Chance shook his head; his own eyes misting. "That was about the last thing I thought we'd be discussing today."

Abby wiped her eyes and started to plan out the next steps. "Okay, first I need to call our lawyer then talk to Ciara. No, first I should talk to Ciara and find out the best time for her to meet with our lawyer. No, wait, I should check and..." Whatever she was going to say was never heard because Chance had interrupted her with a kiss.

"Abby, love, take a breath." Chance told his wife. "We will definitely do everything you just said, but first we need to celebrate."

"And how should we do that?" Abby asked with a coy smile.

Chance smirked as he removed his sweater, showing off his bare chest. "Now, I'm willing to take off the rest, but I need to be in a bedroom with my smoking hot wife first. Can you get her for me?"

"Sorry, can't." Abby playfully shrugged while sounding disinterested. "I guess you're stuck with me."

"I'm never stuck with you. There's no one I'd rather be with." Chance sincerely answered.

The couple kissed before entering their bedroom for their private celebration.