I was utterly floored, unsure how to answer her because I couldn't possibly make that decision.

Ava looked at me with hopeful eyes as if my response held her greatest wish.

I had no choice but to say, "I will try my best!"

She smiled through her tears and said, "Ava will work hard with you, Mommy! Uncle Atlas would be the best Daddy!"

Seeing her smile again as she ran into the classroom, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.

I turned and headed back to the car, making my way to the office.