For Gabriel.
For us.
Even if I had to fake being brave until I figured out how to actually be brave. Even if every moment felt like walking through a minefield. Even if I was terrified of what came next.
“Cate?” Megan was tugging on my hand. “Can we get ice cream?”
I looked down at her, at this little girl who’d somehow become my whole world in just a few weeks, and felt something fierce and protective rise in my chest.
“Yeah, sweetie. We can get ice cream.”
And I’m going to make sure no one takes you away.
No matter what it costs.