The emergency foster certification process is a whirlwind.
Tuesday morning, a social worker named Patricia Williams arrives at the penthouse for a home inspection.
"I'll be honest," she says, walking through rooms. "This is the nicest foster placement I've ever evaluated. Most emergency placements are... less luxurious."
"Is that a problem?" Marcus asks.
"Not legally. But it creates interesting dynamics. Zara's been in nine placements—group homes, overcrowded apartments, one placement where she shared a room with three other girls. This—" she gestures at the sprawling penthouse "—is a drastic change."
"We have the lake house too," I mention. "She could use the studio there for painting."
Patricia makes notes. "That's generous. But I want to address something. You've been married eigh
