There, in the center of the room, was a blanket-wrapped bundle and a note. I inched closer, heart pounding, and heard a soft cry. Underneath the blanket was a baby boy—with Matt’s unmistakable eyes. Next to him, a thick envelope labeled Open Alone contained a birth certificate, a cashier’s check, and a six-page letter. Matt revealed everything: his secret past with a cartel, the coerced cover marriage, and how little Liam was now in danger too.
He had vanished into witness protection to keep us safe. Just as the shock settled in, a knock came at the door—an FBI agent using the secret phrase Matt had given. We were rushed into hiding under new names, starting over while holding tight to Matt’s promise: that one day, when it was safe, he’d find us again. And six months later, as the sun rose over a quiet pier, a lone figure stepped from the mist—Matt had kept his word.