I watched him, realizing how much he had changed in just a few days.

The cold, distant businessman was gone.

In his place was a father who was willing to risk everything for his sons.

“Daniel,” I said softly.

He stopped pacing and looked at me.

“What if the letters aren’t enough?” I asked.

“What if the judge only sees the legal papers my uncle has filed?”

“Then I will tell the judge myself,” Daniel said, walking back to the bed.

“I will tell them that you are the only mother my children have ever known.”

“I will tell them that I want you to stay with us, legally.”

I looked at him, my heart hammering against my ribs.

“What do you mean, legally?” I asked.

Before Daniel could answer, his phone on the bedside table began to buzz.

The screen lit up with Ruth’s name.

Daniel snatched the phone up and pressed it to his ear.

“Ruth?” Daniel said quickly. “Did you find them?”

There was a pause, and I saw Daniel’s face go completely rigid.

His hand tightened around the phone so hard his knuckles turned white.