“Yes, Your Honor,” Ryker said, standing tall beside me.

“The state of Illinois hereby grants your petition for the legal adoption of Lily and Owen Steel,” the judge declared.

She brought her heavy wooden gavel down with a sharp, resonant strike.

“They are legally your children, Mr. Steel.”

“Thank you, Your Honor,” Ryker said.

I signed the final registry book, my hand steady as I wrote my name as the attorney of record.

We walked out of the courthouse into the bright morning sunlight, the air crisp and cold.

Marco was waiting by the black SUV, holding the door open for us.

“Is it done, boss?” Marco asked.

“It’s done,” Ryker said, shaking Marco’s hand.

We drove back to the estate, where the children were playing on the wide, manicured lawn.

The autumn leaves were bright yellow and red, scattering across the grass in the light breeze.

Ryker walked out onto the lawn, his long wool coat open, his face relaxed in a way I had never seen before.

Lily ran toward him, her small boots crunching on the dry leaves.