I carried Chloe to the door and rang the bell.
Tessa opened it.
She was wearing one of Eric’s shirts.
Her eyes moved from me to the baby carrier.
Then she smiled in a way that made my stomach twist.
“Eric,” she called into the house, “your baby’s mother is here asking for another handout.”
My face burned.
Eric appeared behind her.
Barefoot.
Comfortable.
Annoyed to see me.
“I don’t want anything for myself,” I told him. “Just look at Chloe. Her treatment costs more than I can manage.”
His eyes flicked toward the carrier for barely a second.
Then back to me.
“I’ve moved on, Claire.”
“She is your child.”
“Stop bringing her here.”
My heart thudded painfully.
“Eric—”
“I have a new life now. Take your kid and go.”
Tessa laughed softly behind him.
Then the door closed.
I stood on the porch staring at it.
