I felt ashamed admitting how much I’d wanted to believe Vance would apologize and become a different man when he saw his son.

Ruth shook her head.

“It is understandable to hope for change.

You also have a right to make plans based on what he has actually done.”

That evening, Oliver was strong enough for me to hold him for the first time without a maze of equipment between us.

A nurse placed him carefully against my chest, and he opened his eyes for a moment.

“Hello, little one,” I whispered.