I appreciated the warning.

That afternoon Gavin texted: I want to meet my daughter.

You can’t keep her from me.

I read the message three times.

He had never asked whether I was healing.

Lauren helped me propose a short, calm visit at the house with Andrew present, provided Gavin agreed not to argue and followed the pediatrician’s hygiene and feeding guidance.

No judge had issued any parenting order yet.

I wanted Willa safe, not used as a prize.