She had been running toward her children’s future.
And once I understood that, something inside me settled.
I did not need to know every detail of what she escaped to honor her. I did not need to chase a mystery to prove my devotion. My job was the same as it had always been.
Protect the children.
Keep life steady.
Make home a place where they can breathe.
The truth was not a threat.
It was a reminder of why Rachel put her faith in me.
And if someone ever came knocking again, I already knew my answer.
I would open the door, stand my ground, and do what I promised.
Because those children were never just “Rachel’s kids” anymore.
