“It’s all we have of her,” Eli murmured. “I’m starting to forget her voice.”
Daniel felt something inside him collapse.
He took their small hands in his. “Listen to me. I don’t know why life has treated you this way. But it stops now.”
They stared at him, unsure.
“If you’ll let me,” he continued, his voice trembling, “I want to be your father. I have a big house with empty rooms. I can’t promise perfection. But I promise you’ll never be cold or alone again.”
The twins exchanged a silent glance. Fear flickered—but so did hope.
Eli moved first, throwing his arms around Daniel’s waist. Ethan followed, tears breaking free. In that broken shack, a family began.
By evening, Daniel had contacted his legal team. With Michael as witness and clear evidence of abandonment, he secured emergency custody.
The ride to the city was quiet. The boys watched in awe as dirt roads became highways and highways became towering buildings.
When they arrived at Daniel’s estate, Ethan whispered, “Are we staying here?”
“This is your home,” Daniel said softly.