Trenton's thumb traces circles on my stomach. "Dr. Elaine prepared her well. She'll be fine."
"And if Evan's lawyer objects again?" The worry I've been keeping at bay all evening surfaces.
Matthew's hand tightens on my hip. "The restraining order is clear. He has no grounds for custody. Not after everything."
I know they're right, but the fear lingers. So much has happened to bring us to this moment, the danger, the uncertainty, and the heartbreak. The idea that it might not work out is almost too much to bear.
"Hey." Trenton turns me to face him in the darkness. "No matter what happens tomorrow, we're in this together. All four of us."
"Five," Matthew corrects softly. "Can't forget Princess Sparklehoof."
I smile despite myself. "Five."
We lie in silence for a while, our breathing synchronizing naturally. I listen to the sounds of the house, the gentle hum of the air conditioning, the distant tick of the clock in the hallway, and the occasional murmur from Charlie's room as she talks in her sleep.
"I love you both," I whisper into the darkness.
Trenton's arm tightens around me. "We know."
Matthew's lips brush my shoulder. "We love you too. Now, sleep. Tomorrow will be here soon enough."
I close my eyes, trying to quiet my mind, but sleep remains elusive. Tomorrow's adoption hearing plays on repeat in my thoughts: the judge's serious face, the legal documents, Charlie's small voice answering questions. I've read the paperwork so many times I've memorized it, but still I worry. The system can be unpredictable, and Evan's lawyers have been fighting us at every turn.
"Morgan." Trenton's voice is low against my ear. "You're thinking too loudly."
"Sorry," I whisper back.
Matthew shifts behind me, his arm tightening around my waist. "Want me to tell you about the security system upgrades I'm planning for the clubhouse? Guaranteed to bore you to sleep."
I smile in the darkness. "That might work."
As Matthew begins describing technical details in a monotone voice, my body slowly relaxes. Their warmth surrounds me, and their steady breathing lulls me. Just as I'm drifting off, I hear Charlie's door open and small footsteps padding down the hallway.
Our bedroom door creaks open. "Morgan?" Charlie's voice is small in the darkness. "I can't sleep."
I sit up immediately. "Sweetheart, what's wrong?"
"I keep thinking about tomorrow."
Trenton is already getting out of bed. "Come here, kiddo."
Charlie climbs onto our bed, Princess Sparklehoof clutched in one hand. Matthew makes room for her between us, and she curls up, her small body warm against mine.
"Do you want to talk about it?" I ask, stroking her hair.
She's quiet for a moment. "What if the judge doesn't like me?"
The question breaks my heart. "Oh, sweetheart. The judge isn't deciding if they like you. They're making sure you're going to a safe home with people who love you."
"And you love me?" Her voice is so small.
"More than anything," Trenton says firmly.
"Even more than Princess Sparklehoof?" A hint of humor creeps into her voice.
"Way more," Matthew assures her. "No contest."
Charlie snuggles deeper into the blankets between us. "Dr. Elaine said families are made of love, not just blood."