Liam’s eyes were bright with hope. “Can we keep her? Please? I’ll help. I’ll feed her, change her. She can be my sister.”
Marcus exchanged a glance with Rachel. They had always dreamed of another child, but life hadn’t allowed it. Now, here was one placed almost by fate into their son’s care.
“First, we do it right,” Marcus said. “We call the authorities, make sure she’s safe.”
Three days later, despite Liam’s protests, Clara was placed temporarily under care while social workers searched for family. Liam’s visits became daily routines. Every time he entered the nursery, Clara’s face lit up. When he left, her tiny arms reached for him.
“She’s yours in a way,” a nurse told him once, adjusting the blanket.
“I am,” Liam said firmly. “She just doesn’t know it yet.”
Weeks passed. After careful vetting and paperwork, the Carters were approved to adopt Clara. The day it was official, the social worker handed Liam a copy of the papers.
“You helped make this happen,” she said. “You didn’t walk away. That matters.”
Liam stared at the document, barely understanding the legal language, but feeling its weight. “She’s my sister now,” he whispered.