Despite their arguments, Ethan had trusted him.
He found the attorney, Michael Grant. The adoption papers were complete, waiting only to be filed. Ethan had quietly created a $400,000 trust fund for Isabella.
In the guardianship section, Ethan had written:
“I name my father, Daniel Harper, as guardian. He loves deeply, even if he struggles to show it. If anything happens to me, I trust he will see what I see in Maria and Isabella.”
Daniel wept openly in the office.
Ethan had believed in him.
Soon, Paul traced Maria to a small town outside Milwaukee, staying with her cousin Javier.
Daniel drove there alone.
The apartment building was modest. Paint chipped. Children’s bicycles scattered in the courtyard.
Javier opened the door, wary.
Inside sat Maria and Isabella.
Maria looked tired but resolute. Isabella held the hospital bracelet tightly.
“I’m not here to threaten you,” Daniel said quietly. “I’m here because my son loved you.”
He showed them the journal. The adoption papers. The trust documents.
Isabella stepped closer.
“What does it say?” she asked.
“It says your dad loved you more than anything,” Daniel replied softly. “And that he wanted me to take care of you.”