He shook his head. “That child is my family. And if you’ll allow it, so are you.”

Abigail had spent months building walls to keep from being hurt again. But there was no pity in his voice and no pressure — only something honest and steady.

She looked down at her son, asleep in her arms. “I don’t even know what to name him yet.”

For the first time, Dr. Pierce smiled. “My wife’s name was Judith. I always called her Judy.”

Abigail thought for a long moment. “Hello, my love,” she whispered to the baby. “I think your name is going to be Mason Pierce Foster.”

Three weeks later, Dr. Pierce found his son.