Ember Frost's POV

After a few minutes, a tall man in his late fifties walked into the room. His presence suddenly made the big space feel small, like he filled it all up just by being there.

"It's okay, Renee, enough of the crying. Don't disgrace yourself in front of the child," he said, pulling her into his arms. He hugged her gently while she kept crying hard, and he comforted her with patience, rubbing her back softly.

Slowly the lady’s tears quieted to soft sniffles, her shoulders easing ...