I stepped forward and put Theodore in Brandon’s arms.

Brandon sat down on the leather sofa, supporting the baby’s head while Theodore reached up to grab the top button of Brandon’s flannel shirt.

“I’m sorry, Nora,” Brandon whispered, keeping his eyes on the baby’s face.

“I ran because I had forty dollars and no job, and I was terrified he’d end up in state care like I did.”

“You should have stayed,” I said.

“I know,” he said.