Chapter 56 - CLAIRE
Emma met Claire the following weekend.
She expected someone polished and intimidating.
Instead, Claire arrived carrying a box of homemade cookies.
“I wasn't sure what to bring.”
Emma smiled.
“You brought food. You're already winning.”
Claire laughed.
The conversation lasted three hours.
Claire worked as a pediatric therapist.
She loved children.
She was patient.
She was quietly funny.
And most importantly, she genuinely loved Noah.
When Claire left, Emma looked at Lorenzo.
“She’s perfect.”
“I know.”
“You approved before me?”
“Yes.”
Emma narrowed her eyes.
“You're becoming very confident.”
“I've learned from you.”
She smiled.
Later, Emma found Noah alone.
“Are you happy?”
He nodded.
“Terrified.”
“That's normal.”
“I keep thinking Mom should be here.”
Emma's smile softened.
“So do I.”
They stood quietly.
Then Noah said,
“I wish she could see this.”
“She can.”
He looked at her.
“Through us?”
“Through everything we built.”
Noah nodded.
May you like
And somehow, that answer was enough.
---
