"Emily, are you ready? My mom will watch Sophia, so we have the whole day." I tied my shoes as my wife came down the stairs. She looked nervous, brushing invisible wrinkles off her blouse.

"I think so, David," she said softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I just... I hope we're doing the right thing. What if the child doesn't connect with us?"

I walked over and held her hands. "We've talked about this for months. You've read every book. We're as ready as we'll ever be. Besides, no child could resist your pancakes."

Emily chuckled, her cheeks flushing pink. "Thanks for that vote of confidence."

Sophia, my five-year-old daughter from my first marriage, poked her head out of the living room. "Can I have pancakes tomorrow, Mommy?"

Emily's face softened. "Of course, sweetheart." She smiled, but there was a flicker of sadness in her eyes. I knew she loved Sophia like her own, but I also knew she wanted another child who would call her "Mommy" from the start.

As we drove to the shelter, the air in the car was thick with anticipation. Emily stared out the window, twisting her wedding ring.

"You okay?" I asked.

"I'm just scared," she admitted. "What if we can't find a child who feels like... ours?"

I reached over and squeezed her hand. "We will. It's like you always say—love finds a way."

When we arrived, the shelter director greeted us warmly. Mrs. Graham was an older woman with silver hair and kind eyes. "Welcome. I'm so glad you're here."

Emily nodded, a small, polite smile on her face. "Thank you, Mrs. Graham. We're excited and... a little nervous."

"That's natural," Mrs. Graham said reassuringly. "Why don't we start with a quick chat in my office?"

In her cozy office, surrounded by photos of happy families, we explained what we were looking for in a child. "We're open to any background," I said. "We just want to feel a connection."

Mrs. Graham nodded. "I understand. Let me show you the playroom. The kids are all unique, and I think you'll feel that connection when it's right."

The playroom was alive with laughter. Children were running, drawing, and playing games. Emily's face lit up as she saw a little boy building a tower of blocks.

"Hi there!" she said, crouching beside him. "That's a tall tower. What's your name?"

The boy grinned. "Eli. Don't knock it over!"

"Wouldn't dream of it," Emily said with a laugh.

I found myself chatting with a girl drawing on a chalkboard. "What are you making?"

"A unicorn," she said confidently. "You're big. Are you a dad?"

"I am," I said. "Do you like dads?"

"They're okay," she said with a shrug.

Emily caught my eye across the room, her expression a mix of joy and confusion. I knew she was feeling the same thing I was. How could we possibly choose anyone?