Chapter Text
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Phoenix felt electricity shoot down his spine as the weight of the words he had just spoken sunk in. It had been time-consuming and he had to meet the highest standards but ultimately he had prevailed and Trucy was permanently his daughter. Smiling as he repeated it like a mantra in his head, he came to when he heard Miles speak.
“Truly?” Miles asked.
“Absolutely. I have the letter in my hand. They want to have the adoption presentation at the courthouse in two weeks. That’s when Trucy and I will get our adoption certificates,” Phoenix replied, “I’m so excited yet nervous at the same time. I want to shout it from the rooftops that she’s my little girl but a small voice in my head is whispering that it might be taken away because it was a mistake.”
“If they sent the letter and your personal information as well as Trucy’s name is on it, I can assure you that it’s not a mistake,” Miles said, “I understand the doubt, however. I’m suffering from the same affliction but that is a tale for another time. Today is the celebration of forming your new family. How would you like to dine out tonight? I believe the occasion warrants it.”
“Would you mind if my mom and dad tag along? They’re thrilled for us,” Phoenix inquired.
“I am now a firm believer of the more the merrier,” Miles said, “I shall leave deciding on the restaurant to you and Trucy.”
“I already know Trucy will pick Charlie’s. I’ll ask her when we hang up and will text you when I get her answer. Whatever she chooses is fine with me,” Phoenix said.
“I’ll hang up for the time being. Please invite your parents once you and Trucy come to a decision,” Miles said.
“I will. Love you,” Phoenix said.
“I love you too. I’m so happy for you and Trucy,” Miles said, ending the call a second later.
Phoenix went in search of Trucy, finding her in her high chair waiting for a snack. He praised her on her patience as he buckled her into the chair. Asking what she would like, he was pleased that she wanted cheese squares and apple slices. He only gave her a few, explaining that they were going out to dinner with his parents and Miles. She kicked her legs in excitement and a grin broke out on her face.
“I get to have dinner with all my best people!” Trucy exclaimed.
“You do. We’re celebrating tonight,” Phoenix said.
“What are we celebrating?” Trucy asked.
“We’re celebrating your adoption,” Phoenix replied.
“What’s adoption?” she inquired.
“It’s when someone wants to make a child a permanent member of their family. They love them so much that they want the child with them always and show them love, safety, guidance, and fun,” Phoenix explained.
“I won’t go back to Mommy or Daddy?” Trucy questioned.
“You’ll never go back to your mommy or daddy. You’ll be a part of my forever family now. A judge said that I’ll be your daddy forever,” Phoenix responded, recalling the conversation Miles had with her.
“Really?” Trucy asked.
“Yep, really,” Phoenix replied.
Confused when she began fiddling with her safety belt, Phoenix stood and unbuckled it. He wasn’t prepared for Trucy to launch herself at him but caught her to the best of his ability. She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed tightly, resting her head on his shoulder. Returning the hug, Phoenix felt tears pooling in his eyes. He held her against him, closing his eyes and breathing in the scent of Trucy’s baby shampoo and the earthiness of the sandbox. Thinking everything was perfect at that moment, he opened his eyes when she squirmed in his hold.
“Are Grammy-Ma and Grammy-Pa my family too?” Trucy inquired.
“Yep. They’re your grandparents,” Phoenix answered.
“Phew. I thought it was only Daddy,” Trucy said, grinning at him.
“To change the topic, Miles would like to know where you want to go for dinner,” Phoenix said.
“Charlie’s! They have the fairy princess toys now. They have race cars too but I want fairy princesses,” Trucy explained.
“Charlie’s it is then,” Phoenix said.
Sending a quick text to Miles, he let him know what Trucy’s choice was. After receiving a message back, Phoenix called his parents to invite them to dinner and let them know where they would be eating. His mother was so excited to have a bona fide granddaughter and wanted to dote on her just as she did Phoenix. He thought it was adorable and knew his mother would try to spoil her as much as possible. Ending the call with the promise to see them soon, Phoenix went to change Trucy into her favorite dress.
“I like my dress,” Trucy said, lifting the skirt and picking at the lace before twirling around, “Isn’t it pretty?”
“Almost as pretty as the girl wearing it,” Phoenix replied with a smile.
Relocating to the bathroom to brush Trucy’s hair, Phoenix pulled it into a ponytail and attached a pink bow to it. Gently tapping her head with the brush, he smiled when she giggled before hopping off the stool.
“Ready?” Phoenix asked, shrugging into his coat.
“Yep!” Trucy proclaimed.
Holding her coat out for her, Phoenix zipped it up and tapped the tip of her nose, smiling when she giggled once again before heading out the door.
The restaurant was busy as was to be expected. Phoenix came prepared, bringing Trucy’s favorite coloring book and a small box of crayons along with a sheet of stickers. The group found a space on a bench so Marilyn, Jack, and Trucy could sit, the latter resting her book on the bench and coloring a picture of a patchwork doll. Phoenix remarked on how he loved the colors she used and asked questions when she created a story about the picture. She was in the middle of telling Phoenix the doll owned a horse when the pager buzzed in Miles’s hand. Ushering them toward the hosting stand, the group follow the man as he led them to the table, the adults thanking them when they reached a large table. Phoenix thanked him when he brought a booster seat for Trucy. Installing it and helping Trucy into her chair, he sat next to his daughter and smiled at her.
“Do you know what you want for dinner?” Phoenix asked.
“Chicken!” Trucy exclaimed happily.
“Chicken it is then,” Miles said.
“She sure loves her chicken,” Marilyn added with a smile.
They chatted about the happenings in their lives. Jack had ordered new bumpers for his truck, thrilled that they were the shiniest chrome he had ever seen. Marilyn was working on creating new recipes for when her garden began to produce fruits and vegetables. Miles was doing well in therapy and they were getting him ready to go back to work since his doctor was close to releasing him. Phoenix’s students were getting a little rambunctious despite no holiday approaching. Though he admitted there was no supporting evidence, he jokingly blamed it on the upcoming full moon. The others laughed.
“What have you been doing, Trucy?” Marilyn asked.
“I’ve been playing with Ezra. We put a puzzle together today. Caleb knocked Clint over for stealing his worm,” Trucy replied.
“Oh my,” Marilyn said.
“I’ll tell you about it later, Mom,” Phoenix said.
“I got a real daddy today,” Trucy announced.
The others around the table fell silent, Trucy looking at each one. Phoenix saw fearful tears in her eyes, wondering if she said something wrong. Pulling her into a hug, Phoenix kissed her temple as he held her.
“You did and I got a real daughter today,” Phoenix said softly, “It makes me the happiest man ever.”
“Really?” Trucy inquired, pulling back from his embrace to look at him.
“Really,” Phoenix said, kissing her forehead.
Phoenix’s gaze landed around those gathered around the table, seeing the happiness and love in their visages. Phoenix knew then that moment was how his life was supposed to be. It was apparent that he was supposed to be enfolded by those dearest to him. It was his destiny to be in a loving, mature relationship with a man as kind and loving as Miles. It was written in the stars that Trucy would be his daughter for then and always. Feeling tears fill his eyes, he smiled at his loved ones.
“I have to thank all of you. I wouldn’t be here without each and every one of you,” Phoenix said, “I wouldn’t be the man I am without my parents. I would have never felt loved and cherished without you, Miles. Now I’m the father to the most darling girl in the world. I don’t think life can get any better.”
Phoenix smiled at Miles when he held his hand and squeezed it affectionately. His mother promised a hug when they left the restaurant, his father doing the same. Trucy not understanding what the commotion was about, she demanded hugs from her Grammy-Ma and Grammy-Pa too.
The server arrived to take their orders and was incredibly patient since it took so long. Miles mentioned that she deserved an impressive tip, the others agreeing with him. They chatted about inconsequential subjects going on in their life or cheerful things they found in the news recently. Their meals arrived within twenty minutes of being ordered, Phoenix cutting up Trucy’s chicken tenders so they could cool down. All at the table waited for her to be able to eat her dinner before they dug into their own meals. Phoenix deemed her meal ready a few minutes later, the girl decimating her chicken quicker than anyone thought possible.
Once they finished eating, they let their stomachs settle since Miles mentioned the possibility of dessert. Trucy didn’t understand which was just as well, knowing that the girl would badger them for a sweet within seconds of finishing her dinner. Their stomachs were finally ready for more, Miles picking up the dessert menu.
“They have a few stunning pies and a cake with strawberries on the top. I’m fairly certain that’s what our little darling shall select,” Miles said.
“I think you’d be right,” Phoenix said, taking the menu from Miles and showing Trucy the picture.
“I would like that, please!” Trucy exclaimed enthusiastically, kicking her feet happily.
“Then you shall have a slice of cake,” Miles said, “Jack, Marilyn, choose whatever your heart desires. You as well, Phoenix.”
It didn’t take long to choose a dessert, Marilyn and Jack choosing slices of chocolate silk pie while Phoenix and Miles were keen on apple cobbler. Flagging the server down, Miles added the desserts to his bill and she said she’d be out with them as soon as possible. Trucy began to get impatient, Phoenix telling her that they’d be out soon and they’d taste even better since she had to wait. She seemed to accept the explanation yet continued to watch the door leading to the kitchen for someone to bring her treat.
“I had a marvelous time,” Marilyn said once they left the restaurant, kissing Phoenix and Miles’s cheeks before hugging her son tightly, “I’m so happy for you, honey. You’ve wanted this for months and here you are. You have little miss Trucy Wright.”
“I never thought of it like that,” Phoenix said, a soft smile breaking out on his face, “I’m just so happy and blessed. I can’t even begin to describe how I truly feel.”
“You don’t have to figure it out, Darling,” Miles said, taking his partner’s hand in his own.
“I don’t know what all of you are talking about. This Grammy-Pa has had a granddaughter and partner in crime for a while now,” Jack said, grinning joyfully.
“What’s partner in crime?” Trucy asked.
“In this case it means someone you have lots of fun doing lots of things together, like helping Grammy-Pa with his truck or when he reads books to you,” Phoenix explained.
“Oh. I’m a partner in crime!” she proclaimed.
They ended the evening with hugs and kisses being passed around for the second time. Marilyn and Jack took their leave, the others waving as they drove off. Phoenix lifted his and Miles’s conjoined hands, kissing the top of his partner’s. Waiting for Miles to look at him, Phoenix stole a quick kiss.
“Thank you for doing this for us,” Phoenix said, “It meant a lot.”
“I have to celebrate this occasion with both of you,” Miles said, “Would you mind if I attend the adoption ceremony? It would be a privilege to extend my support and love to you both.”
“We would love it if you were there. We wouldn’t have it any other way,” Phoenix said, squeezing Miles’s hand for a final time before lifting Trucy in his arms when she grew impatient, “I should get her home. She’s going to crash soon and she needs a bath before then. Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow?”
“I’d love to,” Miles said, kissing Phoenix properly before running his hand down the side of his partner’s face, “Sleep well and sweet dreams.”
“You too. Love you,” Phoenix said.
“I love you too,” Miles said.
Holding Trucy while she squirmed as he walked toward the car, Phoenix couldn’t think of a better ending to the day.
Trucy woke when she heard her name being called through her dream. It was a wonderful dream filled with unicorns and bunnies. The fairy princesses fluttering through the sky made her laugh but it ended when her eyes slowly opened. Seeing Phoenix leaning over her, the smile on his face swept her sadness away, thinking that getting woken by her new daddy a wonderful day. Sitting up, Trucy lifted her arms out and waited for their morning ritual of one hug and kiss.
“Good morning, sweet girl,” Phoenix said gently, “Are you excited about today?”
“Am I going to be in trouble with the judge? Daddy Miles said judges tell people what they can do and Daddy Miles makes sure people listen,” Trucy said, her eyes wide.
“No, honey. We’re going for a good reason. The judge is going to announce that you’re officially my daughter and I’m officially your daddy. Then we’ll get papers that say it,” Phoenix said.
“Like at the gradiation?” Trucy inquired.
“Yep, like at the graduation,” Phoenix answered.
“Do I have to call you Daddy now?” she questioned.
“Only if you want to. If you want to call me Daddy Nick still that’s fine,” Phoenix responded.
“Okay,” Trucy said.
She got dressed with Phoenix’s assistance, happy to be wearing the dress they had picked out for the occasion. Selecting a pair of dress socks with lace around the top, she chatted about how frilly the lace was and how pretty it looked. Phoenix agreed with her.
She balked when Phoenix put a toddler bib around her neck but when he explained that he didn’t want her to dirty her dress, she understood. Thanking Phoenix for one of the muffins they had made the night before and a glass of milk, she tried her best to take her time and not make a mess. She was successful, Phoenix commenting on how clean her hands and mouth were that morning. She beamed at him thanks to the praise.
They were on their way once Phoenix put on her coat and new shiny black shoes. She loved the way they clicked on the pavement and she skipped to the car. Waiting patiently for Phoenix to buckle her into her car seat, Trucy mused about how the ceremony would pass. She wondered if she would be given balloons or a candy bar. She thought about a pony but didn’t think there was enough room in the house for one. Deciding to see what would happen, Trucy sang along to the songs coming through the speakers.
She became quiet when they got to the courthouse. It was the biggest building she had ever seen and it was daunting. Holding tightly to Phoenix’s hand, she didn’t hear his reassurances since her imagination was running wild. Gulping nervously when they entered the courthouse and she saw people darting every which way, she held up her arms to be picked up. She felt safe in Phoenix’s arms, knowing he would protect her from anything. Waiting for Phoenix to talk to the men in uniforms in the front of the building, she was glad when they walked through the crowd and emerged in a quiet hallway.
Asking to be put back on the floor, she held Phoenix’s hand and helped him find courtroom number seven. She was glad she knew more numbers than five, finally finding the room they were looking for. Waiting on the bench when Phoenix put her on it, she swung her legs while waiting for her other best people to show up. Looking up when she heard familiar voices, she smiled slightly when she saw Marilyn and Jack.
“Are you excited?” Marilyn asked after crouching in front of her.
“She’s a little nervous,” Phoenix replied for Trucy, “I think the busyness overwhelmed her.”
“It is busy,” Jack said, sitting beside her, “Are you excited?”
“I don’t know,” Trucy said in a small voice.
“That’s okay. It’s a busy day and you don’t know how it’s going to go,” Phoenix said.
Miles showed up as Phoenix was giving her a pep talk. Jogging toward him, Trucy threw her arms around his legs and hugged him tightly. Lifting her arms and asking to be picked up, Miles gave into her request and rubbed her back and she held him tightly. He was one of her best friends and always knew how to make things better. While she loved her daddy with all her heart, Miles was a close second.
“Hello, Sweetheart. How are you?” Miles asked.
“Nervous,” Trucy admitted.
“It’s a big day. I’d be nervous as well,” Miles stated.
“Will you be in the big room with me? I don’t want to get in trouble with the judge,” Trucy said.
“You won’t. I promise,” Miles said.
Feeling more relieved since she had reassurances from her daddy and Daddy Miles, she was ready to get the visit in the courtroom over with and go back home to play with toys with her daddy and have him read books to her. Her heart thundered when another man in a uniform called them into the big room. A woman wearing a black nightgown was smiling as they entered. Phoenix and Trucy were led to a table in the front of the room while Miles and her grandparents sat on a bench behind the table. Thanking him when Phoenix helped her into a chair, she barely heard his praises of her good manners.
The woman began talking but Trucy didn’t understand what she was saying. Phoenix scooped her into his arms suddenly and stood up. She was frightened that she’d be taken away but the woman asked Phoenix several questions. She could tell they were about her since she heard her name numerous times. The woman finally asked her if she would like Phoenix to be her forever daddy, Trucy nodding her head. The woman smiled brightly and announced them legal father and daughter. Pretty pieces of paper were placed on the table for each of them, Trucy wanting to look at them for a lot of minutes. Wondering where they were going, Trucy didn’t understand why Phoenix was walking toward the judge until he said their loved ones wanted to take pictures of the joyous occasion of her adoption. Smiling when Marilyn asked her to, she saw lights when the flash on Jack’s phone went off.
“We did it, sweet girl. We’re a family now,” Phoenix said, “I love you, Trucy.”
“I love you too, Daddy,” Trucy said, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him.