The judge was skeptical. Asked me why a man with no connection to this child would dedicate his life to her.

I told him the truth. « Your Honor, I found this little girl covered in her mother’s blood. I held her while she screamed. I promised her she’d be safe. And I don’t break promises to children. I may not be her biological father. I may not be the ideal candidate on paper. But I’m the one who shows up. Every single day, I show up. »

The judge gave me temporary custody while I completed foster parent training. Six months of classes. Background checks. Home inspections. Interviews. They made me jump through every hoop twice because of who I am. What I look like. The life I’ve lived.

But I did it all. For her. Because she needs me. Because she calls me daddy. Because I’m the only daddy she’s got who isn’t behind bars.

Two months ago, the adoption papers were finalized. I’m officially Keisha Marie Patterson’s father. Not foster father. Not guardian. Father.

When the judge announced it, Keisha ran to me and jumped into my arms. « You’re my real daddy now? »

« I’ve always been your real daddy, baby girl. Now it’s just official. »

She cried. I cried. Mrs. Washington cried. Even the judge wiped his eyes.

That night, Keisha asked me something that shattered me. « Daddy Mike, if my real daddy gets out of prison, will you have to give me back? »

« No, sweetheart. Never. You’re my daughter now. Forever. No one can take you away from me. »

« Promise? »

« I promise. »