“We’ll figure it out,” I assured him. “Together.”

Over the next few weeks, we focused on building a new kind of normal. Sophie started referring to our close friends as “aunt” and “uncle,” their children as cousins. We organized playdates and family outings, each moment reinforcing the foundation of love that held us together.

Evelyn sent a few more messages, defensive and laced with bitterness, but Michael never responded. He chose instead to focus on the family we were nurturing.