I placed the baby into Chloe's arms, and the little girl settled instantly against the warmth of her mother's chest.
Chloe kissed her forehead and whispered that she had loved her long before she had ever seen her face.
We stayed that way until a social worker arrived to help us discuss the immediate practical arrangements without making promises about custody.
She explained that intended parentage and discharge procedures depended on our documents and local law, and that we needed independent legal advice.
I told her I would not abandon the baby, but I also refused to let Julian's actions erase Chloe's place in her life.
Chloe thanked me, then admitted something that made the night darker just when I thought nothing else could shock me.
Two months earlier, she had discovered a recurring payment leaving their joint account under the description educational assistance.
Julian had told her the money supported an employee's child, and she had praised him for being unexpectedly generous.
