Evelyn stood and pulled her in for a hug. “I'm glad.” When she released her, she added, “Now, why don't you come downstairs, let Case beat you at a game of Chess, and stay for dinner. It'll do you some good to be around family.”

And it was true. Evelyn and the people at the Children's Home were the closest thing she ever had to family. But she was also ready to start a family of her own.

Kira followed Evelyn downstairs and the sounds of Case playing Chess with someone rushed to her ears. “It looks like Case may already have a Chess opponent.”

But when she rounded the...