“Hey, what is it? Is something wrong?” Becca asked, following Ash’s gaze to the bank of elevators at the end of the hall.

“It’s nothing,” Ash said, trying to hide her disappointment. She was about to send a text when she spotted Christian stepping off the elevator. He wore a fitted gray suit and purple tie as requested, and he carried two yellow roses. Ash watched Becca’s eyes widen.

“I can’t believe it,” she said softly.

Christian joined them, handing one rose to Becca and the other to Ash. “I don’t understand. How did you know it was today?” she asked.

“I got a phone call that my presence was requested, so here I am.”

Becca turned to Ash. “You called him?”

“You said it was a family thing.” Ash saw Becca getting all misty-eyed and this was Ash’s cue to step away. It was just way too early for the waterworks. “I’m going to take a few photos,” Ash said, digging into her bag. She began to shoot, loving the feel of the camera in her hands, the way the world suddenly made sense when she was surveying it through her lens. Nina was the one who’d let it slip about Christian’s breakup. Ash had always been kind of shitty to Christian. She couldn’t admit it back then, but she’d wanted Becca to herself. She knew their relationship was complicated, and that too much time might have passed for a second chance, but Ash figured it couldn’t hurt to give them a little push.

A few minutes later before Rafi commandeered the camera. “No hiding out. This is your day.”

He took charge, ordering everyone to gather together for a group photo, their laughter ringing out as he struggled to operate Ash’s high-tech camera. They all posed, laughing and smiling. A few minutes later, Louise reappeared and said, “It’s time.”

This was it. Becca took Ash’s hand and they all filed into the courtroom. Becca and Ash sat at the front table, Ash’s lawyer by her side. The judge, a gruff-looking elderly man with an unruly head of white hair, quickly entered, banging his gavel and ordering the court into session. He regarded Becca with a probing gaze.

“Ma’am, can you verify your name and confirm you are able to support and provide for the minor child?”

Becca’s spoke, her voice clear and steady. “My name is Dr. Becca Ortiz, and I am more than able to provide and care for Ash.”

He nodded. “Can you tell me why you would like to adopt Ash? Why you want to make her a part of your family?”