Two men in dark suits met us at the jet bridge, and Caleb stepped in front of me. “Who is asking for her?” he said quietly. The taller man glanced at a tablet. “A man named Brandon Hayes, sir. He told the front desk he is her husband, and he claims she took a child across state lines.” My blood ran cold. Hazel stirred against my chest, and I held her tighter.

Caleb turned to me, his voice steady. “Is that true?” I shook my head. “We are divorced. He has no custody, and I have the papers.” Then, past the guards, I saw Brandon standing near the security desk in a pressed shirt, with a police officer beside him and a polished smile I knew too well. He lifted a hand and called, “Natalie, sweetheart, I have been so worried!”