Chapter 1
The system moved fast.
Too fast.
Paramedics. Backup officers. Social services.
Voices. Questions. Flashing lights.
Lucy clung to Leo tighter with every new face that appeared.
Daniel stayed close.
“She’s going into emergency protective custody,” a social worker explained. “We’ll find temporary placement—”
“No.”
The word came out sharper than Daniel expected.
Everyone turned to him.
“She needs stability,” he continued, more controlled now. “She’s been raising that baby alone. You can’t just pass her around.”
“That’s not your decision, Officer,” the social worker replied.
Daniel looked at Lucy.
She was watching him.
Not the others.
Him.
Like he was the only thing in the room she trusted.
That did it.
“I’ll take them,” he said.
Silence.
“What?” the social worker blinked.
“I’ll foster them. Both of them.”
“Daniel,” his partner muttered, “you can’t just—”
“Yes, I can,” he said firmly. “I’ve got a clean record, stable income, a house—run the checks. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
The social worker studied him carefully.
“This isn’t temporary babysitting,” she warned. “This is a commitment.”
Daniel nodded without hesitation.
“I know.”
Lucy stepped a little closer to him.
“Are we in trouble?” she whispered.
Daniel shook his head.
“No, kiddo. You’re coming home.”
Her lip trembled.
“…With you?”
He smiled gently.
“Yeah. With me.”
May you like
For the first time—
Lucy let the tears fall.
