Marcus’s expression shifted.

“I held her while machines breathed for her. I prayed for one chance to take her home. One chance to feed her. One chance to hear her cry outside a hospital.”

Her voice trembled, but she went on. “I didn’t get that chance. Then Lucas came into my bakery dying, and I understood something. Loving him doesn’t replace Grace.

Saving him honors her.”

“He isn’t yours.”

“No child belongs to the person with the strongest claim. Children belong to the people who show up.”