Man adopts co-worker

CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. -- Two co-workers at a central Florida school decided they wanted to be more than friends -- so they're now father and daughter.
Over five years in the halls of Crest School in Citrus County, a love story unfolded. But the bond custodians Darlyn Beam and Bob Wilkey share is not romantic.

"We work night shift together, and we've been great partners," Beam said. "Any time he needed my help, I was right there. Any time I needed him, he was right there."

Wilkey said they talk about everything. "We just absolutely love each other," he said.

So a few months ago, 61-year-old Wilkey offered to adopt 41-year-old Beam.

"Because of circumstances, I never had my own child, and I wanted one," Wilkey said. "I just thought she'd be the one I wanted."

Beam was not convinced at first. "I've heard of adopting kids, but not an adult," she said.

But in a Citrus County courtroom, with newspaper cameras snapping away, Wilkey made the adoption official.

It's a love story that friends, co-workers and strangers may not understand, but that doesn't matter to Wilkey and Beam.

"I'm honored that a person actually considered me and loved me enough that he wants to be my parent," Beam said.