Lies Inside (42 page)
“Murphy is the dad who cleans all our cuts and tucks us into bed at night. Claire is the mom who always has cookies waiting for us when we come home from school and holds us when we have our nightmares. Finn is the brother who has taught us to love without judgment and live each day to the fullest. Lucy is the sister who has given us an appreciation for all things beautiful about the world. Rylan is the sister who has taught us how to have fun and enjoy everything life hands us. Jack is our big teddy bear who has shown us what it means to be a team player and trust in those around you. Lane is the uncle who teaches us how to appreciate knowledge and throw a mean curve ball.
“Then there’s little AJ. I never really thought of being a role model to anyone but Olivia. I see how he watches us and tries to be like us. That makes me want to be a better person. All of them make us want to be just like them. We want to be O’Malleys officially, for in our hearts, we have been for the past six years.”
The tears freely flowed from almost all of them by then. Jack even tried to hold back, but when Chloe turned around and gave him a wink, he lost it.
“That’s a very impassioned speech from such a young lady.” The judge pulled out his own handkerchief and wiped his cheeks. “On behalf of the county and the state, I would like to apologize for not doing this years ago like it should have been. Now from this day forward, you”—Chloe came forward—”will be known as Chloe Elizabeth O’Malley.” Olivia stood at her sister’s side. “And you, my dear, will be Olivia Lynn O’Malley from this day forward the legal daughters of Dr. Murphy and Mrs. Claire O’Malley.”
Claire and Murphy stepped over to the judge and signed the papers. Aiden took pictures of the four of them with the judge as they all continued to cry.
Lucy could tell AJ really didn’t understand what was going on. She just kissed him on the nose. “We’re happy for Auntie Chloe and Auntie Olivia. We’re all a family now.”
Finn’s arms surrounded the both of them. “One big happy family.”
She saw that familiar sparkle in his eyes as her lips found his. She whispered against them, “Forever and always.”
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