“I don’t want your money,” David said. “I want you to sign away your parental rights to Maya. I want to adopt her legally and give her a real life.” Greg stared at him in shock. “You want to adopt my daughter? You don’t even know me. How do I know you’re not some crazy person?”
“I’m a successful businessman with a stable home. And more importantly, I love Maya like she’s my own. She’s healthy, she’s in a great school, and she’s getting the help she needs.” There was a long silence. Finally, Greg asked, “How is she?” “She’s recovering,” David said. “She has nightmares. But she’s learning how to be a kid again.”
Greg nodded slowly. “Does she ask about me?” David hesitated. “Sometimes she talks about how you and her mom used to be happy.” “We were,” Greg whispered. “Sarah was the love of my life. When she died, something in me just broke. I couldn’t even look at Maya without seeing Sarah.” David felt a brief flash of sympathy.
“I understand grief,” David said. “But Maya wasn’t to blame. She lost her mother, and then she lost her father too.” “I know,” Greg admitted, his voice shaking. “I know I failed her.” He looked up, his eyes wet. “Is she really better off with you? Is she happy?” “She’s starting to be,” David said.
Greg took a deep breath. “What do I need to do?” David felt a wave of relief. “My lawyer will prepare the papers. You’ll legally relinquish your rights, allowing the adoption to proceed.” “Will I ever see her again?” “That will be up to her when she’s older. For now, I think stability is best. But in the future, if she wants to meet you, I won’t stand in the way.”
Six months had passed since that night at The Oak Room. David and Maya’s life had found a rhythm: school, work, therapy sessions, and weekends full of activities. They went to the Lincoln Park Zoo, had picnics in Millennium Park, and went to the movies. The penthouse was transformed with toys and drawings on the fridge.
It was a Sunday afternoon, and they were returning from a bike ride. Maya was pedaling ahead on her new bike—a birthday gift. “Watch out for the pedestrians,” David called out, watching her with pride. Maya slowed down, her face glowing with joy. When they got to the building, the doorman greeted them.
“Afternoon! Enjoy the ride?” “It was awesome, Victor!” Maya exclaimed. “Mr. Miller, your brother Paul is waiting upstairs. He arrived about half an hour ago.” David frowned, surprised. “Paul’s here? He didn’t say he was coming.” “Yes, sir. Mrs. Gable let him in.” “Thanks, Victor.”
In the elevator, Maya noticed David’s thoughtful look. “Who’s Paul?” “My brother,” David said. “Your uncle, technically. He lives in Seattle. We don’t see each other much.” “Is he nice?” David thought about it. His relationship with Paul had always been strained. “He’s different from me,” he said diplomatically. “But yeah, he’s a good guy.”
When the doors opened, they found Paul sitting on the sofa. Unlike David, Paul was in jeans and a flannel shirt. “David!” Paul said, standing up. “Sorry to drop in. I was in town for a conference and thought I’d stop by.” His voice trailed off when he saw Maya. “Oh, hi…” “Paul, this is Maya,” David said gently. “Maya, this is my brother Paul.”
Paul looked from David to Maya, confusion clear on his face. “Your… niece?” “It’s a long story,” David said. “Maya, why don’t you go get a shower while I talk to your uncle?” Maya nodded. “Okay. Nice to meet you, Uncle Paul,” she said politely. Once she was gone, Paul looked at David. “Seriously, David, what’s going on? You have a daughter you never mentioned?”
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