After four months working oil in Alaska,

I was eager to return home to my wife, Rachel.

But the house was eerily quiet — no music, no greeting, nothing.

I called for her, then heard crying — a baby’s cry.

I rushed into the kitchen and froze: a newborn in a bassinet on the table.

We didn’t have kids.

Next to the baby was a note in Rachel’s handwriting: “Jake,

I found this child on our doorstep.

I always suspected you cheated during your trips. I’ve filed for divorce.”

My world stopped. I had never cheated — Rachel was everything to me.

Shaken, I noticed another note in different handwriting beside the baby. It read: “Please take care of my daughter.

I can’t keep her safe. Her name is Ava.” That was it — no name, no number, just a desperate plea.

Rachel was gone. The baby was now my responsibility.

Days passed. Rachel never returned.

I contacted authorities, but the mother was never found.

Eventually, they asked if I wanted to adopt Ava. I said yes.

She had no one else.

And by then, I already knew — this little girl was mine, heart and soul.