“That’s good,” she said gently. “I already have a mom.”
“I understand.”
“But I would like to know you.”
My legs weakened.
Sophie closed the distance and held me.
I had imagined holding my lost baby thousands of times.
The reality was nothing like those dreams.
She was an adult woman with her own history, preferences, grief, and family. She was not returning to complete the life I had imagined.
She was offering me a place in the life she already possessed.
That was more than I deserved to ask for.
Eric’s Plan
Vivian’s investigation uncovered more than hidden letters.
Eric had forged my signature on a preliminary property transfer and accepted $150,000 from the developer as an “advisory fee.”
He planned to use the money to cover losses from several bad investments.
Our retirement savings were nearly gone.
He had also borrowed against our home without telling me.
