Raymond closed his eyes for three long seconds, his chest expanding with a slow, heavy breath.

“The DNA test,” Raymond said, opening his eyes.

“Christopher didn’t search your travel bag to prove you were an imposter.”

“No,” I said, the truth settling in my chest like a cold stone.

“He took those sterile mouth swabs from Theodore because he was terrified the baby was family.”

“He checked the state registry against my DNA records,” Raymond said, his jaw tightening until his cheekbones stood out sharply.

“And the courier report confirmed Theodore is my direct biological grandson.”