I knocked on Zion’s office door; my heart was pounding in my chest. I wanted to tell him immediately before I chickened out. Adopting Elaine out of the blue was something that would change our lives, and I really want him to agree with my decision.

“Come in,” Zion called from the other side. I don’t even know why I knocked when I could have just gone in. I guessed I needed time to gather my thoughts.

I pushed the door open with shaky hands and entered the office. Seeing his rugged ...