When there were no calls for help before the racket of machinery filled the air once again, Carmela went back to work. Having grown her team to five realtors, including Rhiannon and Brandy, plus two assistants, had really changed the balance of Carmela’s life in the last year and a half.
Now when she got new clients, they went to one of the younger members of her team. Thanks to the favorable splits, she was still making a nice living without having to do so much work, and the inexperienced agents landed clients they’d never have otherwise. It was a dream scenario, as Liz reminded her regularly in her I-told-you-so voice.
While she worked, Carmela’s laptop chimed with the telltale sign of a new email. As soon as she saw the sender, her heart stopped. She only got through the first line before she jumped out of her chair: Your adoption home study had been approved. You are now eligible to adopt children from the foster care system . . .
Rushing out the door, Carmela passed the large, framed photo collage in the hallway. On top was the selfie they’d taken in Yeardsley’s hammock years before. At the center was a picture of Carmela and Rhiannon kissing in front of a little white chapel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with the snowcapped Smokey Mountains looming large behind them.
Trips and family gatherings made up the rest.
The elopement hadn’t been perfect. There was no keeping Sandra and Luis from their big day. Liz had caught wind of it too and refused to be left out. But other than the three guests, it had just been about them. Nothing fancy. It had been the happiest day of Carmela’s life.
Outside, Carmela called for them to turn o the machine filling the inside of the structure that would be a child’s bedroom with spray-on insulation. She didn’t dare get close without a respirator or hazmat suit like Rhiannon and Luis were wearing.
After throwing a stone near Rhiannon’s foot, she finally saw her waving and signaled to her dad to turn o the machine. As Rhiannon jogged toward her, she pulled o the respirator and goggles.
“What’s up, babe? You okay?” Rhiannon asked as she neared.
“We got approved! Our home study was approved! We can adopt!” Carmela shouted excitedly, earning a hoot from Luis and shock from Rhiannon.
“Really? No more classes or paperwork? We’re gonna be parents?” Rhiannon couldn’t stop the tears welling up in her
eyes.
“Once we get matched with a child, or children, we’re good to go. We’re gonna be parents,” she repeated a phrase she never thought she’d say.
Rhiannon flung herself at Carmela and wrapped her up in a sweaty hug. “I can’t believe it! Damn . . . I love you so much.”
Carmela laughed. Rhiannon always had a way with words, and she couldn’t wait for a lifetime of her loving declarations and a house full of kids.
“I love you too,” Carmela replied, eager for the next chapter of their lives to begin.