“I ran a background check the day you arrived. I know exactly who you are, Miss Carter.”
My legs went weak.
“Then why—”
“Because you’re the first person who looked at my sons and saw children instead of problems.”
His voice cracked, just barely.
“Because you didn’t quit.”
I couldn’t breathe.
“I lied to you,” I whispered again.
“And I’m offering you a job anyway.”
He stepped closer, his eyes steady, certain.
“Stay. Help me raise them. Let me help your sister. Let us be the family you both need.”
Tears blurred my vision.
“I don’t understand.”
“You don’t have to. Just say yes.”
Footsteps thundered down the hallway.
The door burst open.
Luke stood there, breathing hard, the stuffed dinosaur in his hand.
“Did you tell her?” he demanded, looking at his father.
Adrian’s mouth curved, just slightly.
“I was getting to it.”
Evan, Caleb, and Noah crowded into the doorway behind Luke.
“Tell me what?” I asked, voice breaking.
Luke walked over and held out the dinosaur.
“We voted. You have to stay.”
I looked down at the small, serious six-year-old offering me everything he had.
Then at Caleb, who nodded.
At Noah, who smiled shyly.
At Evan, whose arms were crossed but whose eyes were soft.
At Adrian, who stood beside me like a man who’d finally found solid ground.
And I realized something I hadn’t expected.
