Jonathan followed with three bags, a folded blanket, a stuffed bird, and a handwritten list of Lily’s routines.
“She likes the blue cup better than the pink one,” he said, his voice thick. “The yellow pajamas are lucky. Not scientifically. Just emotionally.”
Rowan nodded solemnly. “Understood.”
Abigail handed Lily to Megan.
Lily looked confused for a moment, then pressed her hand against Megan’s cheek.
Megan closed her eyes.
“Welcome home,” she whispered.
Noah immediately began wailing.
Ellis followed because loyalty required it.
Lily stared at them, startled, then burst into laughter.
Everyone froze.
Then Megan laughed too, still crying, holding her daughter while her sons protested the emotional significance of the moment.
Rowan stood behind them with one hand over his heart.
This was not the family he had imagined years ago.
It was not clean, unbroken, or simple.
It was better because it was true.
Months passed.
