Brielle froze in the doorway.

Her first instinct was to run forward and take Elodie into her arms.

Instead, she stopped.

Everett Calloway had fallen asleep in the leather chair behind his massive walnut desk.

The restaurant owner—known throughout Seattle for firing employees over wrinkled uniforms and refusing reservations from celebrities who arrived late—sat perfectly still.

Little Elodie slept against his chest.

One tiny fist rested around his tie.

His large hand supported her back with surprising gentleness.

For several seconds, no one spoke.

Then Rochelle appeared behind Brielle.

“There she is,” Rochelle announced triumphantly.

“I told you someone would find the baby.”

Her voice woke Everett.

His eyes opened slowly.

He looked first at Elodie.

Then at Brielle standing in the doorway with tears already filling her eyes.

Finally, he looked at Rochelle.

“What exactly is going on?”

Rochelle stepped forward confidently.

“Mr. Calloway, this employee brought her baby into the restaurant.”

“She hid the child downstairs among the supplies.”

“I’ve already called the manager.”

Brielle opened her mouth to explain.

Everett raised one finger.

“Not yet.”

He carefully stood without waking Elodie.

The little girl sighed softly and nestled closer beneath his chin.

The sight stunned everyone.

Everett Calloway rarely allowed anyone within arm’s length of him.

Yet this baby trusted him completely.

He gently handed Elodie back to Brielle.

“Is she yours?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Why is she here?”

Brielle lowered her eyes.

“My babysitter became ill.”

“I had eighteen dollars.”

“If I missed today’s shift…”

She couldn’t finish the sentence.

Everett waited.

“I would have lost my apartment.”

Silence settled over the room.

Then footsteps echoed down the stairs.

General Manager Scott Palmer hurried in, followed by security.

“So it’s true,” Scott said.

“You brought an infant into the building.”

“I’m sorry,” Brielle whispered.

“I had no one else.”

Scott folded his arms.

“Company policy is clear.”

“You’re terminated effective immediately.”

Rochelle smiled.

“I’ve already contacted the child’s father.”

Brielle’s heart stopped.

“You what?”

Before Rochelle could answer, another voice came from the staircase.

“That’s right.”

A man in an expensive leather jacket walked into the office.

Jason Brooks.

Brielle’s ex.

Behind him came his mother, Linda.

Linda immediately pointed at Elodie.

“There she is.”

“I told you Brielle couldn’t care for that child.”

Jason barely looked at his daughter.

His attention stayed on Brielle.

“You’ve embarrassed yourself enough.”

“I’ll take Ellie.”

Brielle instinctively stepped backward.

“No.”

“You disappeared for six months,” Jason snapped.

“You’ve paid nothing.”

“You don’t get to walk in here now.”

Linda shook her head dramatically.

“She’s unstable.”

“Look where she keeps a baby.”

Scott nodded toward security.

“Escort Ms. Dawson out.”

“Her former partner can make arrangements for the child.”

No one noticed Everett’s expression change.

He quietly walked to the office window.

Pressed one button on the intercom.

Then spoke only six words.

“Have legal come downstairs immediately.”

Scott frowned.

“Sir?”

Everett turned slowly.

“Before anyone removes that child…”

“…I’d like to know who actually has legal custody.”

Jason’s confidence wavered for the first time.

Then Everett looked directly at Brielle.

“When was the last time he paid child support?”

The room went completely silent.

Because Brielle’s answer was only three words.

“Never. Not once.”