Ivy made a tiny complaining sound and turned toward Claire’s neck.

Alive.

Warm.

Breathing.

Everything Claudia wasn’t.

Claire stepped back.

“I didn’t know you were coming.”

“I know she’s Ivy.”

Her expression shifted.

“What?”

“Willie saw you at the hospital.”

Claire’s eyes widened.

“What?”

“He saw Robert give you money.”

“Melanie…”

“He saw you leave with a crying baby.”

Her shoulders dropped.

“For two weeks, he’s been saving money because he thought he could buy Claudia back.”

“The money was for me,” Claire said.

“What else are you relieved I know?”

“I’m not relieved.”

“You are.”

Claire looked down at Ivy.

The baby shifted against her chest, and my gaze followed.

Claire noticed.

Her expression changed.

“Mel, I didn’t come to the hospital to take anything from you.”

“I know Ivy is yours.”

“I know you know that now.”

She adjusted the baby’s blanket.

“But you’re still looking at her like you’re trying to understand what Willie saw.”

I swallowed.

“Then help me understand it.”

Claire nodded slowly.

“Robert gave me the money for rent and groceries. I asked him not to tell anyone. I was ashamed.”

“And Ivy?”

“I had nobody to leave her with. Mom was with Willie, so I brought her.”

“And Robert held her.”

Tears filled Claire’s eyes.

“I’d never seen him like that.”

She paused.

“Then Ivy started crying, and he asked if he could hold her.”

My throat tightened.

“And you let him?”

“Of course.”

She looked down at her daughter.