Chapter 21 - THE OFFER TO DELAY ONE LAST TIME
Imogen made one final civil settlement offer before the adoption hearing.
Through counsel.
She would:
Withdraw every objection and statement regarding Sawyer’s adoption.
Accept foundation disqualification for seven years.
Resolve digital civil claims.
Pay therapy costs.
In exchange:
Adrian and I agree not to finalize the adoption for six months.
Why?
Her lawyer called it:
“A cooling period.”
I knew better.
Not foundation deadline anymore.
That had been removed.
So why?
Pride.
If adoption happened immediately after her scheme failed, she would experience it as defeat.
Not legal reason.
Emotional.
We rejected.
Then she offered three months.
No.
Not because delay itself harmed us.
Because the timing belonged to Sawyer, Adrian and the court now.
Not Imogen.
Then her lawyer said:
“Proceeding immediately could look retaliatory.”
Hannah replied:
“The adoption began nearly a year ago.”
Correct.
Then:
“Mr. Adrian himself paused it.”
“And now the evaluator recommends resumption after the concerns have been investigated.”
Process.
No revenge.
No race.
Then one issue remained.
Adrian’s fortieth birthday arrived before the final hearing.
We had dinner at home.
No foundation meeting.
No branch expiration.
No Imogen.
Sawyer made a cake with too much frosting.
“Forty old?”
“Yes,” I said.
Adrian protested.
Sawyer said:
“Imogen older.”
We laughed.
Then he asked:
“If adoption next week, chair no?”
“No chair.”
“Money?”
“You may qualify for educational grants one day just like other family children, but that is not why adoption is happening.”
“Good.”
Then:
“Can I get dinosaur camp?”
Adrian laughed.
“That would require an actual application.”
The foundation was becoming boring.
Excellent.
Then I received notice:
My disorderly-conduct diversion completed.
Restitution paid.
Case closed under program terms.
No celebration.
I told Sawyer:
“Remember the box?”
“Yes.”
“My court consequence is done.”
“Can throw boxes now?”
“No.”
He laughed.
Then Adrian told me:
“You did better than me.”
“With what?”
“Admitting your mistake early.”
I shook my head.
“I also sent a reckless accusation.”
“We’re competing?”
“No.”
“Good.”
Marriage did not need a least-wrong winner.
Then Imogen’s criminal plea was scheduled for two days before adoption.
That timing made me uneasy.
I did not want Sawyer’s legal family status to look like a punishment ceremony.
So we made one rule:
No discussion of Imogen’s plea on adoption day.
Separate.
Good.
Then the prosecutor asked whether Sawyer would testify.
No.
Not needed.
Video and adult evidence strong.
Child statement preserved.
May you like
Protect him.
That was more important than maximum dramatic punishment.
