— She chose, — he said softly. — We’re a family.
Mary’s smile trembled into a wet laugh.
Mike lay awake that night thinking about Linda, her letter, and the promise he’d made. By honoring it he had found not only the truth but a new purpose: to live for his daughter and the family they were building.
Lily slept with the teddy that had once held Linda’s letter. She looked peaceful. Mike whispered into the dark:
— Thank you, Linda. I promise—she will be happy.
For the first time in years, a measure of peace settled in his heart.
