“That’s the problem,” Claire replied. “She’s getting attached.”
“I’m not sending Hannah away,” he said quietly.
The tension lingered.
A week later, Jonathan stunned Claire by canceling an important trip.
“You can’t,” she protested.
“I already did,” he replied, pouring Ava’s juice. “I’m staying.”
The next morning, Hannah arrived and nearly dropped her bag when she saw him still there.
“I didn’t expect you home, sir.”
“Sit,” he said gently. “Let’s talk.”
She told him about losing her family’s small farm, moving to the city with nothing but determination, and never expecting to feel needed again.
“Maybe that’s why I connect with Ava,” she admitted. “She lost her mom. I lost my home. I understand that emptiness.”
Later, Claire returned to find the three of them laughing.
“What is this?” she demanded.
“Lunch,” Jonathan said simply.
“She belongs in the kitchen.”
“She belongs where Ava feels safe.”
Claire’s voice broke. “She’s replacing me.”
“No,” Jonathan said softly. “I’m choosing what’s best for my child.”
Three days later, Claire packed a bag. “I need space,” she said. “Ava trusted Hannah in months. I couldn’t do that in years.”
Hannah arrived then and froze.