“You wanted financial compliance, no direct contact, and no disruptions.”

“Did anyone try to persuade me otherwise?”

“Your first attorney suggested a meeting after the birth.

You declined.”

The photograph arrived in a packet of old correspondence.

Marianne sat on a sofa holding two newborn girls, one against each shoulder.

Her face was pale with exhaustion and radiant with relief.

The babies were wrapped in blankets of different colors.