We left with a tentative written plan for our lawyers to finalize.

It wasn’t a resolution.

It was a structure, and for the first time in weeks I felt some of the pressure lift from my chest.

Outside, Lucas asked if he could see Paisley before leaving.

Dad brought her out, and Lucas held her while she stared at his tie as if it were the most fascinating thing she had ever encountered.

“She’s beautiful,” he said.