Six Months Later
The courthouse steps feel different this time.
Aria stands in the autumn sunlight, holding the final custody decree that makes everything official. No more legal limbo. No more uncertainty.
Sophie is legally, permanently, exclusively hers.
"How does it feel?" Marcus asks, his arm warm around her shoulders.
"Like I can finally breathe."
It's been six months since Leon terminated his parental rights. Six months of slowly learning to live without looking over her shoulder.
Six months of watching Sophie bloom in the safety they've built together.
"Mama, can we get ice cream now?" Sophie tugs on Aria's coat, bouncing on her toes with four-year-old impatience.
"We can get whatever you want, baby girl."
"Chocolate chip cookie dough with sprinkles?"
"With extra sprinkle
