“We will, Hope. We’ll find an even better one,” I promised, giving her a reassuring smile.
Simon walked in, overhearing our conversation. “And this time, we’ll make sure no one can take it away from you,” he added, ruffling her hair. That night, as we tucked Hope into bed, Simon and I felt a renewed sense of resolve.
We had done the right thing. We were teaching Hope that her feelings mattered and that we would always stand up for her. As I lay in bed, Simon’s arm around me, I whispered, “Do you think your mom will ever understand?”
He sighed.
“I hope so, Grace. But even if she doesn’t, we know what’s right for our family. That’s what matters.”
And in that moment, I felt a sense of peace.
We were a team, and no matter what challenges came our way, we would face them together. For Hope, for our unborn son, and each other.







