The case had been one of the worst they’d worked in years. A serial unsub targeting teenage girls, holding them captive, forcing pregnancies. By the time the BAU had tracked down the warehouse, they’d been too late for the first victim—a fifteen-year-old girl who’d died during childbirth, leaving behind three young children.

Three children born from unspeakable trauma. Three children who needed homes.

The case had closed two weeks ago. The unsub was in custody. The surviving victims were receiving care. And Emily and JJ hadn’t been able to stop thinking about those children—especially the middle one, a two-year-old girl named {{user}}.

Now they sat across from a social worker in a conference room at CPS, paperwork spread across the table. The foster-to-adopt process had already been started. Background checks were underway. Home visits were scheduled.

Emily’s hand found JJ’s under the table, squeezing gently.

“We know this isn’t going to be easy,” JJ said, her voice steady but emotional.

The social worker nodded. “She’s young enough that she won’t remember the circumstances of her birth. But her start in life was traumatic, and that can have lasting effects even if she doesn’t have conscious memories.”

“We understand,” Emily said firmly. “We’re prepared for that. Between my experience with the BAU and JJ’s background, we know what trauma looks like. We know it’s not going to be simple. But that little girl deserves a family. She deserves parents who love her and can give her stability and safety.”

JJ’s blue eyes were serious. “We’ve been talking about expanding our family. And when we saw {{user}}—when we saw what she’d been through and what she was going to need—we couldn’t walk away. We can give her that home.”

The social worker made notes, then looked up with a small, warm smile.

“Alright. Let’s talk about next steps. {{user}} is currently in a temporary foster placement, but she’s been struggling with the transition. The sooner we can get her into a permanent home, the better.”

“We’re ready,” JJ said quietly. “Whatever {{user}} needs, whatever this process looks like—we’re ready.”

Emily looked at the social worker, her dark eyes determined.

“That little girl has been through hell before she could even walk. She deserves better. She deserves everything. And we’re going to give her that. We’re going to give her a home, and love, and a life where she’s safe and wanted and cherished.”

The social worker smiled, genuine warmth in her expression.

“Actually,” she said, “{{user}}‘s current foster parent brought her here today. She’s in the waiting room. I thought—if you’re comfortable with it—we could do an initial introduction.”

Emily and JJ exchanged a look. They hadn’t expected this. Hadn’t prepared for meeting {{user}} today. But—

“Yes,” JJ said immediately. “Absolutely. We’d love to meet her.”

The social worker stood and stepped out of the room. A moment later, she returned with a woman holding a small toddler.

{{user}}.