Can I know her?”

I said nothing.

“Can I be her father?”

Three months earlier, I would have fallen into his arms.

I would have forgiven everything because I loved him.

But I wasn’t just the woman who loved Caleb anymore.

I was Nora’s mother.

“Yes.”

His eyes lifted.

“You can be her father.”

He exhaled.

“But I’m not taking you back.”

His face changed.

“Not now.”

I continued.

“Maybe not ever.”

He nodded slowly.

“I won’t disappear again.”

“Don’t promise me.”

He stopped.

“I’ve had enough promises.”

I looked straight at him.

“Show me.”

Something in his expression shifted.

For the first time, I think he understood.

“Okay.”

He nodded.

“I’ll show you.”

Three months later, Caleb stood in my driveway struggling with Nora’s car-seat straps.

“You can ask me for help,” I said.

“One more second.”

He finally clicked the buckle into place.

Then tugged it twice to