“I just don’t want Grace to remember me breaking them.”

The weeks passed with paperwork, phone calls, and uncomfortable conversations about custody and future housing.

Derek stayed in a rented apartment near his office.

He began picking Grace up from school on Thursdays, at first under arrangements both attorneys helped us discuss.

Sometimes he arrived early.

Sometimes he was late and apologized.

He did not become the father Grace needed overnight, but at least her calendar began to reflect reality.

One Thursday evening, she came home carrying a small plastic planetarium Derek had bought her.