He took a parenting class. He learned to install car seats after failing three times. He discovered Luke hated peas unless they were hidden in mashed potatoes, that Violet loved picture books about the ocean but feared automatic toilets, and that both children became unreasonable when tired — though Damon privately thought this made them similar to several board members.

The first month nearly broke him. Luke developed an ear infection during Damon’s weekend. At two in the morning the child screamed in pain while Violet cried because Luke was crying.

Damon called Cassandra. She answered on the first ring.

“I can’t make him comfortable.”

“Did you give him the medicine?”

“Yes.”