But since you found him, you can apply for emergency guardianship.”
The process was rigorous—interviews, paperwork, and home inspections. But two weeks later, I was granted custody. When I held Matthew in my arms again, it felt like coming home.
I whispered, “You’re safe now,” and meant it. Time passed, and we built a life together. Then, one evening, the phone rang.
“We found her,” Detective Reynolds said. My heart sank. “Who is she?”
“Her name is Rachel Harris.
She’s a flight attendant—like you.”
That night, I barely slept. Rachel wanted to meet. I agreed, unsure of what to expect.
The meeting took place at a quiet precinct office. Rachel entered nervously. I asked gently, “Why did you leave him?”
She swallowed hard.
“Because I had no other choice.”
Rachel had been in a toxic relationship with a man named Daniel.
When she became pregnant, his behavior turned violent. She tried to escape, saving what little money she had, forging documents, and fleeing with her baby. Leaving him on the plane was her desperate attempt to keep him safe.
But she was scared—Daniel had found out. Detective Reynolds stepped in. “We need proof if he’s a threat.”
Over the next few weeks, Rachel worked with the authorities, gathering evidence of Daniel’s abuse and criminal activity.
Meanwhile, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Then, one night, someone tried to break into my apartment. I called 911 as the intruder forced the door, but my alarm scared him off.
That was the final straw. Soon after, Rachel received a chilling message: “You took what’s mine. I’m coming for him.”
It was all the police needed.
A sting operation was arranged. Rachel agreed to meet Daniel, wearing a wire. He was arrested on multiple charges—he would never harm them again.
Later, Rachel looked at me with tears in her eyes. “You saved my son.”
I held her hands. “He’s our son.”
We stood side by side months later as the judge finalized my adoption of Matthew.
Rachel leaned over and whispered, “Are you ready?”
I smiled, holding Matthew’s tiny hand. “More than ever.”
And in that moment, I knew—this was fate. We were always meant to be a family.
