Finally, Charles took his place at the table and settled himself. He looked around at the excited faces and said, "Unfortunately, we're shy two of our members, but I hooked up a webcam so Lizzie will be with us electronically. For reasons you will all understand shortly, Bert will not be a part of this private party, but he has been apprised of what we're doing. Myra has Lizzie's permission to open her package, and Bert graciously gave me permission to open his. So, without further ado, Annie will hand them out, since this is her party and the honor belongs to her."

After setting out the packages Annie sat on her hands. She hoped her nervousness wasn't telegraphing itself to the others. She was worried. What if her little brood had changed their minds? Myra had assured her that would not be the case. Charles had echoed Myra's assurances. Still, one could never predict another's emotions. She sucked in her breath and waited for the first reaction to the packages. She risked a quick glance at Nikki, who looked devastated at not receiving a gift. Myra had said she would understand. Charles agreed. Still, Annie wished she could wipe away the strange look on the young woman's face.

The ribbons undone, they were picking at the paper, trying not to rip it. Then they were all looking at a simple cream-colored file folder with a gold seal. Annie watched as they picked at the seal and the folders were opened and nine sets of eyes were staring at the crisp papers Lizzie had drawn up.

Adoption papers.

"I know it's taken longer than expected, but we finally managed to dot the last i and cross the last t. I just want to say it's ironclad. I. . .hope. . .none of you changed your minds. I think this is one of the happiest days of my life. I know I said this before, but I want to say it again, I will never try to take the place of your own mothers because that simply can't be done, ever. I don't want to be a stepmother, either. I just want to be a pretend mom. I. . .uh. . .I know how to do that because I was a mom once a long time ago. It was the most rewarding time of my life. I. . .miss being a mom. I really do. If any of you want to change your mind, I'll understand. Lizzie said we can undo this in the next few days." Annie looked around, hoping she wouldn't see anything negative in the faces of what she now considered her family. She was relieved to see a smile on Nikki's face. She understood, she had already gained a stand-in mother in Myra, who had adopted her when she was a young child.