The day before we planned to meet Jase's parents, our family unit became official. We'd all gotten up early-the kids were more excited than Jase was if that was possible. They'd all gotten new outfits to wear to court and couldn't wait to get to meet a real judge.
I missed that kind of awestruck wonder the world holds at their age. I loved seeing it on their faces. They couldn't sit still and drove us both bonkers waiting for the time to come to get in the car. Emmy was by far the worst. She had refused to let Jase out of her sight because she was afraid he might miss it. I tried to reassure her Jase wouldn't miss the court date. I wouldn't let him, but she wasn't convinced I had the power to persuade him.
"Daddy, is it time yet?"
"No, sweetheart. We have another thirty minutes before
