Everyone except Caleb, who now stood between two detectives in handcuffs.
Mrs. Harper gently touched Noah’s tiny hand.
“I also spoke with Child Services.”
My heart skipped.
She smiled.
“Your temporary guardianship has officially been converted into permanent placement pending final adoption proceedings.”
I couldn’t speak.
She laughed softly.
“I’ve rarely seen someone fight so hard for a child who wasn’t born to them.”
I looked down at Noah.
He opened his eyes for the first time that morning.
His tiny fingers wrapped around mine exactly as they had outside St. Catherine’s Clinic.
The principal picked up my diploma.
“It is my greatest honor,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion, “to present this year’s valedictorian, Miss Clara Hayes.”
As I accepted the diploma with one hand and held Noah with the other, the applause grew even louder.
I thought the nightmare was finally over.
