“We need to do it before the courts open,” Ryker said, checking his watch.

It was now three-forty in the morning.

“The child services representative, Hannah, will be here in a few hours,” I said.

“She needs to see that the children have a real family member who wants them.”

“I want them,” Clara said, her voice stronger now. “I have always wanted them.”

“They are all I have left of my brother.”

Suddenly, a soft sound came from the doorway of the kitchen.

We all turned to look.

Owen stood there, clutching his worn teddy bear tightly to his chest.

His hair was messy from sleep, and his eyes were wide and blinking in the bright light.

He looked at Ryker, then at me, and finally his gaze landed on Clara.

Clara froze, her breath catching in her throat.

“Auntie Clara?” Owen whispered.

The bear slipped from his fingers and hit the floor.

Clara stood up so fast her chair scraped loudly against the tile.

She fell to her knees on the floor and stretched out her arms.

“Owen,” she cried.