“We applied to adopt you a few months ago. I’m sorry we didn’t share this, but Ray didn’t want to tell you in case we weren’t successful. We love you honey pie. The agency said our prospects were good, but nothing’s ever certain with these things. But we’re just so thrilled to share our news.”

Now Peg’s eyes brimmed with tears as she said, “We’ve been approved! All that’s left to make it official is a hearing date in court to formalize the adoption.”

She took Nem’s hands between hers and Nem’s focus became a single tear traveling down Peg’s face to rest on her top lip.

“But it’s up to you. If you want to stay here. With us. We’ll be a real family.” She paused and added sheepishly, “You do, don’t you? Want us as parents, I mean?”

Nem’s brain finally processed the information. This was amazing news and her heart felt suddenly filled with emotion. She had come to love the kind couple, especially Peg, with her big, loud laugh. But this was confusing too. Peg had only told her a few months ago that they needed the government’s foster-care money. Without this, they couldn’t afford to have a child.

“But I thought you said that you couldn’t…”

“I know … afford to adopt or have a child. But something wonderful’s happened. We have more to share. Extraordinary news!”

Her foster-mom looked ready to burst from happiness. The grip on Nem’s hands tightened.

“Two months ago, on the way home from an errand, I stopped to buy a lottery ticket. Not sure why, because I don’t believe in gambling. I know someone’s got to win but the chances are nil, I would have thought for someone like me, us, Ray and me.”

A huge grin lit Peg’s face.

“Not this time. You, my girl, have brought us good luck. Because, because … we won! And the first thing I did was check with Ray and then the adoption agency, and yes, that money sure did help our case. Big time. I can’t believe how quickly it all happened. The approval. We couldn’t tell you about the money because then we might have let it slip about the adoption. And please forgive us for not being honest but we had good reason.”

Nem’s answer was to fling herself into Peg’s arms. Unchecked tears rolled down her cheeks, tickling her face and her lips. Even through her clothes she felt Peg’s warmth against her skin. These were good people and if you was kind and brave, good things came to you. This was about the best thing that could ever happen: for her to have a real family again.

She felt Ray beside her, patting her head and stroking her hair.

Peg pulled back from Nem to stare in her eyes but still held her arm. “Are you crying, little sweetie?”

“Give her a moment to take it all in,” said Ray, returning to his chair.

“Happy tears Peg,” Nem said, “or … Mom? Is it okay to call you—Mom?”