Stepson might involve some kind of adoption, or, I don’t know…
My dad remarried when I was in my late teens, but I didn’t see him much. His wife has never been referred to as my stepmom, etc, but my situation might be different due to a lack of closeness. The OP clearly has some kind of relationship with the kid since they are going to pick them up, but I can see how they might not have that kind of label.
Stepson might involve some kind of adoption, or, I don’t know… My dad remarried when I was in my late teens, but I didn’t see him much. His wife has never been referred to as my stepmom, etc, but my situation might be different due to a lack of closeness. The OP clearly has some kind of relationship with the kid since they are going to pick them up, but I can see how they might not have that kind of label.
Stepchildren don’t have to be adopted to be considered stepchildren.