I sat down on the bed and looked straight into his searching hazel eyes with complete certainty.

“I can’t rewrite how the universe happened, Austin, but I know deep in my soul that you were always meant to be my son, no matter who came first,” I answered.

He thought about my words carefully, looking down at the stuffed bear in his hands before asking the question that would haunt my conscience for the rest of my life.

“Mom, if I’m really your son just like they’re your babies, how come Mason and Hailey get to stay in this house without ever having to ask?” he asked softly.