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Finally, Heather stepped back. “This isn’t over.”

“I know,” Marion acknowledged, her shoulders sagging slightly. “But for now, please leave. If you want to arrange a supervised visit, contact my lawyer.”

Heather’s laugh was hollow. “Yourlawyer. Listen to you.”

If only you had, Marion wanted to say but bit back the words, knowing it would only make things worse.

Heather turned to go, then paused, looking back over her shoulder. “He asks about me, doesn’t he?”

The vulnerability in her voice nearly broke Marion’s resolve. “Sometimes,” she admitted.

Heather nodded once, then walked away, her steps hurried. Marion watched until she disappeared around the corner, then went back inside, locking the door behind her.

She leaned against it, her legs suddenly too weak to support her. The coffee pot had finished brewing, its rich aroma filling the kitchen, but she couldn’t bring herself to move. All she could think about was Charlie upstairs, blissfully unaware that his mother had been standing just outside.

Her hand trembled as she reached for her phone. She needed to call her lawyer. And then she needed to call Alfie. The thought of him steadied her. She needed his strength, his unwavering support. Last night, he had promised to protect her and Charlie, and now she would need to hold him to that promise.

Because Heather wouldn’t give up easily. She never had.

Chapter Twenty-One – Alfie

Alfie Thornberg couldn’t remember the last time he’d whistled on his way to work, but this morning he could not help himself. The memory of Marion’s skin against his, her scent lingering on his clothes. Damn, he might just burst into song!

Please don’t,his bear said.

“Somebody looks happy,” Daisy said as Alfie placed a cup of coffee down on the table in the office they shared.

That’s because we are happy,his bear said, thrilled that he had met their mate in person for the first time.

“Marion has decided to take up the offer of selling her handmade soaps,” Alfie said as he sat down, unable to keep the smile from his face.

Daisy’s eyebrows shot up with interest. “Does that mean you two have made up?”

Alfie grinned and nodded. “Marion saw me with Elsbeth on Thursday and jumped to the wrong conclusion.”

“Ah,” Daisy nodded knowingly, “she thought you were playing the field. Planting your seeds...”

“Yes,” Alfie held up his hand, stopping her before she could continue with the gardening innuendos. “But yesterday she met Elsbeth, and I explained she was Philip’s mate. And...” he paused, his voice dropping to a near whisper, “then I told her everything,showedher everything.”

Daisy’s eyes widened. “At last!” Then she chuckled. “No wonder you look like the cat who got the cream.”

Or the bear that got the honey,his bear teased.

“So, I thought we could arrange a meeting this week,” Alfie continued, trying to sound professional despite the giddiness bubbling inside him. “Invite Marion in so that we can flesh out a business plan.”

Daisy nodded. “Absolutely. I think the handmade soaps will sell well.”

Alfie let out a long breath. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am that everything is working out.”

Daisy chuckled as she sipped her coffee. “You don’t have to tell me. I can see it written all over your face.”

Alfie cracked a wide smile, but then his phone rang. He took it from his pocket and his heart leaped as he saw Marion’s name displayed.

“Hi there,” he answered, trying to sound cool, calm, and collected, which was nearly impossible.

“Alfie.” He could tell instantly she was upset.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Alfie asked, sitting up straighter. “Is Charlie, okay?”