Adrian glanced toward a large photograph of Isabel displayed beside the foundation’s seal. “You never tried to replace Isabel. You helped me honor her.

You never asked Lucas to choose you. You simply loved him until he knew he was safe.”

Lucas reached toward Hannah’s face. “Mama,” he said. The word was soft but unmistakable. A collective breath moved through the room. Hannah covered her mouth.

Lucas patted her cheek and said it again. “Mama.”

For months, Hannah had feared that hearing the word from another child would feel like stealing something meant for Grace. Instead, it felt like a door opening inside a room she’d believed would stay locked forever.

She kissed his forehead. “I’m here,” she whispered. “I’m right here.”