The moment Riley showed up on my doorstep with a baby in her arms, my entire world shifted. Emmy—my daughter, her niece. The family I’ve always wanted but never thought I’d have.The catch? Custody isn’t simple. Alone, neither of us is enough in the eyes of social services. Together, with one marriage certificate, we can give Emmy the home she deserves.I told myself it was just paperwork. That I could live beside Riley, share the midnight feedings and the messy mornings, without wanting more... moreThe moment Riley showed up on my doorstep with a baby in her arms, my entire world shifted. Emmy—my daughter, her niece. The family I’ve always wanted but never thought I’d have.The catch? Custody isn’t simple. Alone, neither of us is enough in the eyes of social services. Together, with one marriage certificate, we can give Emmy the home she deserves.I told myself it was just paperwork. That I could live beside Riley, share the midnight feedings and the messy mornings, without wanting more. But every smile she saves for Emmy, every unguarded laugh that slips out when she thinks I’m not listening, makes it harder to keep my distance.She’s never had a family to trust. I want to be that for her. For both of them. But if I push too hard, I’ll lose her before she ever gives us a chance.I fell first. Now I just have to wait—and hope—that one day she’ll fall too. less
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