After an hour, they were ready to check out at the counter. Bette shared that she would pay for this round of clothing. She wore a big beaming smile as they walked out with several bags of clothing for the boys. Since they had so many bags, they decided that they would return back to the apartment and leave their purchases there before going furniture shopping.

The boys now had several pairs of pants, socks, shirts long sleeve and t-shirts, socks, underwear, a pair of winter boots and two pair of shoes. They were both so excited to have the new clothing they couldn’t stop thanking Bette and Tina. Lots of hugs and words of gratefulness were shared.

Before they went out to the furniture shop, they had a snack and juice and rested for a few minutes for Ozzie’s sake. He was in Bette’s arms with his head on her shoulder resting. She happily sat on the sofa holding him. Meanwhile, Max and Tina separated the new clothing and threw it in the washer to get it ready for them to wear it. They had fun together doing the wash. Max was so excited to finally have the beginnings of a real family, someone who actually cared for him and Ozzie.

“Miss Tina?” he began.

“Sweetie, you can just call me Tina, what is it?”

“I just wanted to thank you again for all you did for Ozzie and me today. It was very nice of you and Bette to do that. I’ve never had new clothes before… or new shoes.”

“Well, the more time I spend with you boys and Bette, the more I’m loving the thought of being family together. I’ve always wanted to be a mom and I almost was. So, having this opportunity arrive today, well, I believe in my heart that we are all supposed to be together now and I’m quite excited about that. It all feels so right to me.”

“Yes, it does to me too. Sergeant Bette has always been good to me, giving me food, sometimes money and then the phone. I always knew she cared. Thank you again.” Max said to her with appreciation in his voice and a smile on his face. She gave him a hug and then continued placing the new clothes in the washer as he handed them to her. “Can I go to our room and check it out again?’