The next morning, Londyn was up early, peeking out of the window as the soft morning light streamed into the living room. Adam had promised they'd go to the park today, and she was counting down the minutes, already dressed in her light jacket and sneakers.

"Excited, huh?" Adam's voice made her turn. He was leaning against the doorway, his arms crossed and a warm smile on his face.

Londyn nodded shyly. "Yeah. I like parks."

"Good," Adam said. "Because I know a great one. Let me grab my jacket, and we'll head out."

A short car ride later, they arrived at Lincoln Park, a sprawling green space with playgrounds, a small pond, and plenty of open areas for running around. As they walked along the path, Londyn's eyes lit up at the sight of kids playing on swings and climbing on jungle gyms.

"Can I go play?" she asked, looking up at Adam.

"Of course," Adam said, motioning toward the playground. "I'll be right over there if you need me." He pointed to a bench nearby.

Londyn hesitated for a moment, but then she nodded and jogged toward the playground. Adam watched as she climbed carefully onto the jungle gym, her movements cautious at first.

As she grew more confident, Adam leaned back on the bench, letting himself relax. The sound of children laughing and the crisp air felt like a much-needed break from the chaos of the past few days.

After a while, Londyn came running back to him, her face flushed and her curls bouncing. "Can we go see the ducks?" she asked, pointing toward the pond.

Adam smiled and stood. "Lead the way."

At the pond's edge, they found a small group of ducks paddling lazily in the water. Londyn crouched down, watching them intently. "They're so cute," she whispered.

"They are," Adam agreed, crouching beside her. "Did you know ducks mate for life? They find one partner and stick together."

"Like a family?" Londyn asked, glancing up at him.

"Exactly," Adam said, smiling.

Londyn stared at the ducks for a long moment, then tilted her head. "Do you think they ever fight?"

Adam chuckled. "Probably. But they always stick together, no matter what."

Londyn nodded thoughtfully, her gaze returning to the ducks.

As they walked back toward the playground, they passed a group of kids playing soccer in an open field. Londyn slowed, watching them kick the ball back and forth.

"Do you want to try?" Adam asked, noticing her interest.

Londyn looked at him, uncertain. "I don't know how."

"That's okay," Adam said. "We can learn together."

Before Londyn could protest, one of the kids kicked the ball toward them. Adam caught it with his foot and nudged it toward Londyn. "Here's your chance," he said with an encouraging grin.

Londyn hesitated, then gave the ball a tentative kick. It rolled a few feet away, and one of the other kids ran over to retrieve it.

"Wanna join us?" the kid asked, smiling.

Londyn glanced at Adam, who gave her a reassuring nod. "Go for it," he said.

She smiled timidly and joined the group, running after the ball as the game resumed. Adam watched from the sidelines, his heart swelling as Londyn laughed and played, her shyness melting away with each kick of the ball.

When the game ended, Londyn jogged back to Adam, her cheeks glowing with excitement. "Did you see that? I kicked it into the goal!"

"I did," Adam said, beaming. "You were amazing."

Londyn grinned, her confidence growing with every word.

As the sun began to set, Adam and Londyn sat on a bench near the edge of the park, sharing a bag of chips they'd picked up from a snack cart.

"Thanks for taking me here," Londyn said quietly, her voice soft but sincere.

"Anytime," Adam said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I think we're gonna make this a regular thing."

Londyn leaned into him, her trust in him growing stronger with each moment they shared. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she belonged.

The morning sunlight streamed into Adam's apartment as Londyn sat at the kitchen island, absently twirling her fork in a plate of scrambled eggs. Adam leaned against the counter, sipping his coffee and watching her with a smile.

"You excited for tonight?" he asked.

Londyn glanced up, her expression a mix of curiosity and nervousness. "You said there'd be kids there, right?"

Adam nodded. "Yeah, lots of kids. Jay and Erin's four, plus Makayla. It'll be fun. And you'll get to meet everyone I work with—they're like family to me."

Londyn gave a small nod. She trusted Adam, but the idea of meeting so many people at once was a little overwhelming.

"Don't worry," Adam added. "They're all really nice, and they've been looking forward to meeting you."

That evening, Adam helped Londyn into her light jacket and grabbed the dessert he'd picked up earlier. "Ready?" he asked.

Londyn took a deep breath and nodded. "Ready."

Jay and Erin's house was a bustling, welcoming chaos. As soon as Adam and Londyn stepped inside, the warmth of family life enveloped them. The smell of roasted chicken wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of children's laughter and the occasional bark of a dog in the backyard.

"Adam!" Jay greeted him with a hearty clap on the shoulder. "And this must be Londyn."

Londyn peeked out from behind Adam, offering a shy smile.

Erin appeared beside Jay, her smile warm and inviting. "Hi, Londyn. We're so glad you could come."

Their kids quickly gathered around, each introducing themselves. "I'm Henry," the oldest said, extending a hand with an air of maturity.

"I'm Liam," said the 12-year-old, grinning.

The 7 year old, with a toothy smile, chimed in next. "I'm Olivia!

"And I'm Sophia," the youngest added, holding up five fingers.

Londyn's nerves eased a little as the kids pulled her into their orbit. Soon, she was sitting on the living room floor, playing a card game with Liam and Olivia while Sophia perched beside her, asking a million questions.

The adults gathered in the dining room, chatting and laughing over drinks. Kim and Makayla arrived shortly after Adam and Londyn, followed by Antonio and his family, Alvin and Meredith with their daughter Lexi, and Hank Voight with his wife and son. The house was packed, but it felt like a reunion, full of warmth and camaraderie.

As the group sat down for dinner, Londyn found herself next to Makayla, who instantly made her feel at ease with her bright chatter.

"You're gonna love living in Chicago," Makayla said between bites of mashed potatoes. "My mom takes me to the zoo all the time. We should go together!"

Londyn nodded, her smile growing as she listened to Makayla's stories.

At the other end of the table, the adults shared knowing looks. It was clear Londyn was starting to fit in. Erin leaned toward Adam. "She's adorable, Adam. And brave, too, considering everything she's been through."

Adam smiled softly, watching Londyn laugh at something Makayla said. "She's amazing. I just want to give her the life she deserves."

Hank raised his glass, his gravelly voice cutting through the lively chatter. "To family—old and new. Londyn, welcome to the unit."

The table erupted in cheers and clinking glasses, and Londyn's cheeks flushed pink as she shyly smiled at the kind faces surrounding her.

After dinner, the kids disappeared into the playroom, and the adults settled into the living room with coffee and dessert. Londyn and Makayla reappeared briefly, showing off a tower they'd built with blocks.

"That's some serious engineering," Jay teased, giving Londyn a thumbs-up.

"Can we play in the backyard now?" Olivia asked, tugging on Erin's sleeve.

"Go ahead," Erin said with a laugh.

The kids dashed outside, their laughter carrying into the crisp evening air.

By the time Adam and Londyn left, the stars were twinkling overhead, and Londyn was clutching a drawing Olivia had made for her.

"Did you have fun?" Adam asked as they walked to the car.

Londyn nodded, her expression thoughtful. "They're nice. Everyone's nice."

Adam smiled, unlocking the car. "That's how it should be."

As they drove home, Londyn leaned her head against the window, a small smile playing on her lips.