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Shane nods, smiling wide. They bump fists as Trey winks at him.
    Leila looks on like a proud mama, and not just toward Shane either. Trey notices the dopey smile on her face and moves to whisper something in her ear. Based on the slap he receives on his arm, even in the dark I can tell whatever he said has her blushing at the moment.
    Upon our cue, Trey lifts Shane and carries him up to their spots on stage. The rest of us follow and wait for Jack to make his usual opening remarks. On the dimly lit stage, I can see Trey helping Shane with his miniature version of the same bass guitar his idol uses. All pairs of our eyes are focused on Shane’s little silhouette. Leila has the arena recording his performance so he can watch it over and over again. It was a great idea. I doubt he’ll remember any of this once it’s over.
    “Good evening, Barcelona!” Jack calls into the dark arena. The screams explode with such force that Shane startles. I wish I could see his face right now.
    Jack continues to engage the crowd with his normal banter. When the stage lights go on, he introduces Shane immediately. The building is vibrating from the noise level. Jack asks Shane to take a bow. Like a little pro he steps forward and bends at the waist. His tiny bass rests on his back. The dude looks awesome. His hair is spiked, his clothes and tiny Doc Martens all scream rock star. Leila did a fantastic job prepping him for his debut.
    During our first song, Shane mimics Trey move for move. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. He’s a Mini Me to Trey, but much more likeable. We may have to add him to our band officially, based on the reaction he’s receiving.
    After our second song, Jack brings Shane front and center and has him bow again. He gives Jack a high five and waves to the fifty thousand people watching him, as if his audience consists of only a few people. The kid’s a natural. He lifted our moods, giving us the rush we needed to finish our show…to finish it in true Devil’s Lair style.
     
     

Jack
    I’m nervous. I don’t do nervous. My wife does, so it’s predictable to see her pacing and wringing her hands erratically. I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve been nervous in my life, including this one.
    We didn’t have a chance to talk to Paula before we left Spain. We’ve now been sitting on this plan to adopt Shane for two days. We arrived in Frankfurt, Germany late yesterday. I made it my business to personally invite Paula to our suite for breakfast. Leila and I asked her not to bring Shane. We felt it was important for her to see us as parents to our twins. To also digest what we have to offer without feeling pressured to accept, or without Shane’s presence possibly clouding her judgment. She doesn’t know who we are, what we are like as parents. Her granting us guardianship of Shane is really no different than granting a foster family the same. We feel it’s important for her, for both of them to get to know us.
    We’ve spoken to my dad regarding the legalities. Of course, he’s concerned she’ll jump on our idea because of our wealth. We aren’t concerned. Jen said that Paula is a genuine person. She’s just a mother who wants the best for her son.
    The twins are dressed, fed, and playing with their toys. My wife continues to pace until a light knock on the door stops her in her tracks. She throws me a hesitant smile before opening the door.
    “Hi Paula, thanks for coming by.”
    Paula smiles and shakes her hand, “Thanks for having me. This is so sweet of you guys.”
    Leila shows her into the suite. The twins run to Leila, no doubt because Madden is curious, and Siarra is scared with the stranger in our room. I walk toward them, scooping Siarra up in the process.
    “Hey, Paula. This is Siarra.” I smile down at my daughter who is clinging to my neck. “This guy is Madden.”
    Paula squats, getting down to Madden’s level. “Hey, Madden. I love your name. Can I shake your hand?”