“This home stands because of her,” he said, glancing at Lila.
Not long after, Vanessa backed off—and disappeared again.
Two years passed.
They were living in a smaller house in Orlando, but it was warm, full, alive. The business had rebuilt itself into something stronger, more stable.
One day, a letter arrived.
The adoption had been approved.
Lila Brooks was now the legal mother of Sophie and Hazel.
That evening, they sat together again. Lila bowed her head and prayed—thanking for the children, for their home, for a second chance at life.
Brandon watched quietly.
And finally understood something he hadn’t before:
Happiness had never been tied to wealth, status, or a perfect life.
It was this.
A real family.
And it had all started with a quiet prayer—one he wasn’t even meant to hear, on an ordinary afternoon before lunch.
