I nodded, the weight of the evening still heavy on my shoulders, but his words planted a seed of courage within me. Despite the pain, despite the fractured ties, I knew that we were creating a foundation of love and safety for our child—a foundation that could withstand any storm.

And in that moment, I realized that I no longer needed my mother’s approval or the illusion of family she had dangled before me. I was forging my own path, with Luke by my side, and that was more than enough.