Kyle stared at the tall blonde woman.

“Your what?”

“My baby,” she said impatiently. “I left her here two years ago. Got mixed up—my boyfriend lived a block over. Anyway, I need her back.”

Kyle narrowed his eyes. “And why now?”

“Burt—her father—just got a Major League contract. And that baby means money.”

Kyle slammed the door in her face, but she wasn’t done. A week later, he was in court, fighting for Lily’s custody.

In court, the woman—Cherish Vegas—sobbed about missing her child. But when the judge asked for Lily’s given name, she fumbled.

“She’ll have her daddy’s name,” she finally said. “Since he’ll be paying child support!”

Kyle stood up. “Your honor, may I speak?”

“Go ahead, Mr. Greenbecker.”

“Her name is Lily. And she already has her father’s name—mine. Since the day I found her, she’s been my daughter, and I love her.”

Just then, Lily, sitting with a social worker, noticed Kyle standing.

“Daddy!” she cried, reaching out.

The courtroom fell silent. Then the judge smiled.

“Well, it seems the most important person here has spoken. Custody remains with Mr. Greenbecker. Case dismissed.”

That night, Kyle and Lily celebrated by catching fireflies in the yard.

“Stars!” Lily giggled, pointing at the glowing bugs.

Kyle looked down at her, his heart full.

“No, sweetheart,” he whispered. “You’re the brightest star of all.”