Then she hugged Carol.
Brian took my hand, tears in his eyes. And in that moment, something began to change.
In the months that followed, Carol started showing up. Sunday breakfasts. Cookie baking with Emma. Actual effort.
That Christmas, she brought Emma a delicate jewelry box with a ballerina that spun when you opened it. Emma treasured it.
And this summer, Carol planned something unexpected—a professional family photo shoot at the park.
She picked the theme. Matching outfits. Everyone came.
And at the center of every photo was Emma.
In one, she’s laughing with her arms around both Brian and me. Carol sits beside us, smiling warmly.
That photo now sits on our mantel.
Not the one meant to exclude us, but the one that finally captured what a real family looks like.
CONTINUE READING ON THE NEXT PAGE 🥰💕
