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I tap my phone against the kitchen counter, trying to psych myself up for this call. I still can’t believe I’m actually doing this. After years of feeling like getting Adley back was impossible, I’m finally in a position to try.

Stanley trots over and plops down beside the barstool, his big, dark eyes locked on me like he knows I’m working through something. I lean down and scratch behind his ears. “I know, bud. You want a walk, and I promise I’ll take you in just a second.”

My fingers tremble as I bite my bottom lip and dial my old social worker’s number. It rings and my heart pounds harder with each second that passes. It’s been six years since I last saw Adley in person. Six years since we were separated, and there’s a real possibility I can change that.

The call connects. “Hello, this is Fern McKinley.”

I take a steadying breath. “Hi, Fern. It’s Savannah Barnett.” I try to keep my voice even and professional since I need to give off the vibe that I have my life together and can take care of a teenager.

“Savannah! It’s so good to hear from you. How long’s it been?”

“Um, about a year.” I cringe just thinking about when it started going wrong, and instead of admitting I was in trouble, I just worked for Luke, hoping it would figure itself out.

“Wow. How are things? Are you still in California?”

I glance around the apartment and the first real home I’ve had in years. Cade’s hockey gear is piled in the corner, a sign that this space isn’t just mine. It’s ours. Two bedrooms with a clean, safe place where Adley could finally belong.

“Things are great, actually,” I say, my voice growing steadier. “I’m still in California and I’m studying economics at Covey U. Really enjoying it.”

“Well, that’s fantastic to hear. I know it was tough on you for a while. I’m glad you’ve been able to see it through.”

“Thanks.”

“Was there something you needed?”

“Uh, yeah.” I smile, my voice coming out with heavy breaths. “I’m actually calling because I wanted to get your advice on potentially adopting my sister, Adley.”

“Oh.” She goes quiet, and I know why. I enquired about it when I turned eighteen and she nearly laughed in my face. No home. No job. How would I be able to care for my sister?

“Well, you know stability is always our primary concern.”

“I agree and there have been some significant changes in my life since I spoke to you. I’m continuing my studies. I have a job”—I take a deep breath—“and I’m engaged.”

“Engaged?! Oh, that’s… quite a development. Is it to Jeremy?”

Jeremy? I balk at the mere mention of a guy I’d consider one of my closest friends growing up.

I was fifteen when we met. He was fourteen and just another kid thrown into the system, angry at everyone who had failed him.

But with me, he softened. With him, I felt less alone.

We swore we’d always have each other’s backs.

That no matter what, we’d make it out of the system together.

For so long, it was me and him against the world, but unfortunately life had other plans.

We both kept fighting to survive. Him in the ring. Me with a pole, and it got pretty damn hard to keep in contact with him after he wound up in jail.

“No. It’s not Jeremy.” I loved him, but not in the way I love Cade.

Cade is different. I don’t just feel safe with him, I crave him.

I want to know every part of him, every thought, every dream, every tiny habit.

I don’t just see him in my life for the next few months, I see my future with him.

And that kind of want, that kind of need, is something I’ve never felt before.

“His name is Cade. We’ve known each other a long time and he’s a hockey player who has a contract with the Atlanta Anglerfish next season.

” I smile at how ridiculous the team name sounds out loud.

“We have a two-bedroom apartment, ready for Adley to stay in,” I add, wanting her to know that we’ve been thinking about this.

“Mhm.” Fern’s noncommittal hum makes my stomach clench. “And you believe this relationship provides the stability Adley needs?”

“I do. Cade’s contract is for three years.

He gets health insurance with it, and we have a fantastic apartment with more than enough space for her.

The school district here is excellent. I’ve researched therapists in the area who specialize in childhood trauma, and I’m ready to get her on their waitlist.” The words tumble out of my mouth, and I talk about all the plans I’ve been forming in my head for several years, only now saying them out loud because I’m more confident they’ll happen.

“Fern, I know it seems sudden, but I’ve been working toward this since the day they separated us.

I want Adley back and I think it’s what she deserves. ”

Another pause. Then Fern’s voice softens slightly. “Savannah, I know how much you love your sister, and I appreciate all the efforts you’ve made. But understand, there’s a protocol here.”

“Of course.” I grip the phone tighter. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Well, the first step is, I’d have to talk to her social worker in Connecticut and they’d have to consider whether they’d be willing to start the process with you.”

“Okay. Is there anything I need to do to help push that along?”

“Well, I could conduct a home visit to determine if your living situation is appropriate for a fourteen-year-old girl.”

“Yes, absolutely.” My heart races faster. Is this really happening?

“I can arrange that within the next two weeks. After that, we’d need to conduct interviews with both you and your fiancé.

We’ll need to interview both of you, separately and together.

There will be background checks, financial verifications, and references required.

” Fern’s voice becomes gentler. “Savannah, I want to be clear, this is just the beginning of the process. It doesn’t guarantee custody, and it’s a long road ahead. ”

“I understand. But it’s a start.”

“It is.” Fern pauses. “For what it’s worth, I’m impressed by your determination. Most siblings in your situation would have given up long ago.”

I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “She’s all the family I have left.” My voice is firm, but there’s a slight waver at the end that I hate. I don’t want to get emotional now. Not when I’m finally making progress.

Fern sighs. “Okay. Let me pull some more information together and send you an email with the details. We’ll need to set up a home visit, which is a crucial first step.

In the meantime, I’d recommend gathering any documentation that can strengthen your case.

I need proof of employment, your education status, your lease agreement. Anything that shows stability.”

I nod, even though she can’t see me. “I will. Whatever you need, I’ll have it.”

There’s a pause before Fern exhales, almost like she’s letting herself hope for me too. “Good. That kind of determination will serve you well. And, Savannah?”

“Yeah?”

“You’ve done everything you can for your sister. Don’t doubt that. This process is slow, and it’s frustrating, but you’re fighting for her, and that counts for more than you know.”

Warmth spreads through my chest, tightening my throat. “Thank you, Fern. Thank you so much.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” she says, a smile in her voice. “But… good luck.”

The line goes dead, and I sit motionless at the counter, my phone clutched to my chest.

A home visit.

After years of getting brushed off. After hearing I’m too young, I’m too unstable, I’m not read y over and over again. After all the times I’ve felt powerless, this is finally happening.

I let out a breath, then suddenly, laughter bubbles from my throat. I jump up, spinning around the living room, my heart pounding with a mixture of joy and disbelief.

I need to tell Cade.

With my phone still in hand, I pull up our messages, my fingers hovering over the screen.

But no, this isn’t something to tell him over text.

I want to see his face when I say it out loud.

I want him to see that our plan is working and let him know how appreciative I am that he’s making my dreams come true.

Stanley, who had moved to the couch when I started talking, jerks up at the sound of my excitement, ears perked. A second later, his tail wags wildly, and he lets out a loud, celebratory woof .

“You get it, don’t you, bud?” I laugh, scratching behind his ears as he wiggles excitedly, his tongue hanging out. “We might actually pull this off.”

Stanley barks again like he knows this is something worth celebrating. His enthusiasm is contagious, and I feel a sudden burst of energy.

“Are you ready for that walk now?” I grab his leash from the hook by the door. “Let’s celebrate.”

Stanley lets out another sharp bark, practically vibrating with excitement as I clip the leash onto his collar.

I grab my jacket and step outside with him. When the cool night air hits my skin, I feel a rush of adrenaline because finally, I don’t feel lost anymore. I feel hopeful, and I can’t wait to tell Cade.

I slow my pace as my thumb hovers over Adley’s contact.

I want to tell her about my conversation with Fern, but I won’t.

It’s way too early in the process. Hell, it hasn’t even begun, but I need to hear her voice just to remind myself who I’m fighting for.

I tap her name and bring my phone to my ear.

Stanley nudges my leg softly, his tail wagging as I take a seat on one of the park benches. This isn’t where we normally stop and he rests his head on my thigh, looking up at me. “It’s okay, buddy,” I whisper. The ringing seems to stretch forever, and right before I’m about to hang up, she answers.

“Sav?” Her voice is quiet and cautious. “Give me just a second.” There’s muffled laughter on the other end of the line and I hear shuffling as she searches for a quiet spot. “Is everything all right?”