We talked a little more, and Anna promised to visit more often with her kids. She wanted Sophie to know she was loved and accepted.

As the sun began to set, Michael lit the candles on his birthday cake. Sophie stood beside him, her eyes sparkling as everyone sang. When Michael blew out the candles, he picked Sophie up and kissed her cheek. “Make a wish, Daddy!” she squealed, her earlier heartbreak now just a distant memory.