Lily looked at Claire, her expression softening just a bit. I could see the wheels turning in her mind, processing our words. Slowly, she nodded, her grip on my hand loosening slightly.

“I’m glad you told me, Lily,” I said, pulling her into a hug. “If anything ever worries you, please always come to me.”

As we stood up, I felt the weight lift from my shoulders. The path ahead wouldn’t be without its challenges, but this was a start—a chance to build a new family, grounded in understanding and love.