The family room in the kids' ward felt way too small for what we had to talk about. Emma had moved to a normal room that morning, excited to show her dad her favorite books. But the truth of what was coming next was like a third person sitting between Mikel and me.
Dr. Martinez had said Emma needed constant checkups, less stress, and – most importantly – both her parents around if she had blood problems later on. He didn't say it, but we both knew Emma was happier when her dad was there.
"Okay," I said, opening the folder my lawyer got ready super fast. "We need some rules."
Mikel was across from me, still in yesterday's clothes, his hair a mess from sleeping in a hospital chair. But he was really paying attention to the papers I laid out on the table.
"I'll agree to whatever's best fo
