Two days later, Lucas finally asked to see Paisley.

He wrote that he missed her and wanted to hold her.

I wanted our daughter to have a father who knew her, but I also needed to feel safe while recovering.

We agreed he could visit at Dad’s house for an hour, with my father nearby and no discussion about Agnes unless I chose to have one.

Lucas arrived carrying a stuffed elephant and a bag of diapers.

For a moment, when he saw Paisley sleeping in her bassinet, his face changed.