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16 - Realization

**A FEW DAYS LATER**

Andy and I still had Faith, no one was able to take her, but we were still putting out feelers.

Andy and I both had the day off work. We had a therapy appointment, and we didn't know what to do with Faith. I had been working from home the past few days but right now we needed someone to watch her. I called the only people I could think of. Andy and I were pulling into their driveway, and I looked back at Faith in her new booster seat we had purchased.

"So, Andy and I have some place we have to go so my mom and dad are going to watch you for a few hours. Are you sure that's okay? If not, we can reschedule whatever we have to do." I said and she shook her head.

"It's okay. I used to go to a babysitter all the time when my mom and dad would go to work." Faith said and I smiled. We got out of the car and then headed to the front door. Faith was between Andy and I and was holding both of our hands. I smiled at Andy, and he was smiling down at Faith. Could this be happening? I could see the wheels practically turning in his head.

The front door opened, and my mom was standing there. "Hey mom." I said and she smiled as I hugged her and then she hugged Andy. Things were still tense with Andy and my parents after everything, but they knew we were trying to work it out.

"Hey Mildred." Andy said as they broke apart from their hug. We walked in and my dad was sitting in his favorite chair watching something on TV.

"Hey dad." I said as he smiled seeing us. He got up and walked over to hug me and then he shook Andy's free hand.

"Erik." Andy nodded.

"Andy." They exchanged and I sighed just slightly shaking my head.

"So, Faith this is my mom and dad Erik and Mildred. Can you say hi?" I asked and she smiled, trying to hide a little behind Andy's arm and I smiled.

"Hi." She said meekly.

"Hi Faith, welcome to our home. Are you hungry? I have a whole batch of double chocolate chip muffins in the kitchen." Mildred said and Faith got excited.

"I want one!" I said and followed them into the kitchen.

"You guys sure you're okay to watch her?" I asked my mom as she nodded.

"Of course, we got coloring books and markers along with your old barbies still that your dad brought down from the attic. You just take your time. You and Andy take all the time you need." Mildred said and I smiled. Faith was sitting on a chair at the kitchen island and with her face already in a muffin.

"Have a good time and we will be back soon." I said and Faith smiled.

"Okay." Faith said with a mouthful. I smiled shaking my head, grabbed Andy and I both a muffin and then headed out to the living room to see Andy and my dad talking.

"Ready?" I asked and he nodded. I waved bye to my dad, and we were out the door. Once we got to the car, we both started eating our muffins, but Andy didn't leave right away. I looked at Andy.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I don't know about leaving her. I mean I'm sure the therapist would understand if we brought her." Andy said and I shook my head.

"Andy she will be fine. Mom and dad raised me and did a great job." I said and he smiled at me. He finally pulled out of the driveway, and we headed to the therapist office.

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"So how have things been between you two this week?" The therapist asked. We looked at each other.

"Well, there was a little addition to the family..." I said.

"Are you pregnant?" She asked a little hopeful and I shook my head.

"Oh no! Um...I brought a kid home from work. There was no room at the orphanage and no foster parents available. So, I brought this little girl home." I said. The therapist seemed concerned and looked between us.

"And how did this go over a couple? Did you consult Andy before you make this choice?" The therapist asked.

"Uh...actually no I didn't. I just came home with the child." I said.

"Did you think that was smart Mel? To bring a child into the household when everything is going on?" The therapist asked. I felt like I was being attacked and maybe I did make bad a decision.

"Okay wait, hold on..." Andy spoke up, we both looked at him. Andy took hold of my hand. "When I walked in the front door and saw a kid sitting there with Mel I was in shock and didn't know how to take it. Being surprised was an understatement. Mel and I even had a private conversation about it. I thought it would be for a couple of days and everything would be back to normal. The first night we had Faith with us she had a nightmare and came into our room, scared. I put her in bed with us and she cuddled with Mel instantly." Andy then sighed and looked at me and gave a sympathetic look. "It was in that moment when I was looking at them together, sleeping that I realized I ruined this option for Mel. She could have a child by now, not the same age as Faith but at least a baby, she could have been a mother and because of me and not being honest I was keeping that from her." Andy explained.

I didn't know what to say...he was right he had kept me from being a mother, but I wasn't using Faith as a replacement.

"Andy, you did keep her from being a mother, but do you feel like she was trying to prove a point of that or replace that feeling with this child?" The therapist asked and Andy shook his head.

"Absolutely not. Mel has a big heart and knew this child had nowhere to go. She was trying to get her something normal for a few days. If I'm going to be completely honest, having Faith for the past couple of days like we have...it's been nice. I love having her around." Andy said.

"You were so against it at first." I stated a little annoyed.

"I know I was, and it was just me being selfish but, in all honesty, I love having her around. She is comfortable with us and fits in the family so well." Andy said.

I looked at him confused.

"Andy, what are you saying?" The therapist asked sounding just as confused and I was looking at him.

"What I'm saying is...what if we adopted Faith and brought her into our family?" Andy asked.

Silence fell across the office.

"Andy..." The therapist finally spoke up, "You can't use this child to make up for the fact that you lied to Mel, and she wasn't able to get pregnant in that time." The therapist said.

"I'm not, believe me. I know it may seem that way, but I can tell Jacob has gotten used to Faith being at home and they have a great relationship, Mel is happier and to be honest its nice coming home and having a house full there. Faith and I have our own inside jokes and she is a great kid. I'm attached." Andy informed.

I just looked in shock at what I was hearing.

"So, you are sure about this?" I asked and Andy turned his whole body to look at me.

"The only time I was ever this sure was when I asked you to marry me." Andy stated sure of himself.

I just looked at him, I didn't know want to think. I didn't know what this could mean for us and what it could mean for the future and mostly what it could mean for Faith.