‘However, the agency will hold the proposed separate placements briefly while the outstanding inspection is completed and a supervised joint-placement plan is finalized.

If the home passes and the agency confirms adequate support, a temporary placement may begin under continuing oversight.

The court will review the situation promptly.’

Victoria exhaled slowly beside me.

It wasn’t the victory promised in movies.

There was no sudden final signature making us a family forever.

There was a narrow opening, surrounded by conditions, and the responsibility of making it work.

Julian asked whether the children could remain in their current supervised arrangement while the final checks were completed.