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When they reached his office, Marion stopped in the doorway, her eyes widening at the sight before her. On the small table by the window sat two steaming cups of coffee and a slice of lemon drizzle cake—her favorite from Welland’s selection.

“Daisy must have brought it over,” Alfie said.

“That’s so kind,” she said, her voice cracking.

“Come on, sit down. You’ll feel better after you’ve had some cake. The sugar will be good for the shock.” He guided her toward the chair Daisy usually sat in.

“Thank you.” As she sat down, the careful composure Marion had maintained for Charlie’s sake finally crumbled. Her face crumpled, and tears spilled down her cheeks.

“Oh, Marion,” Alfie murmured, hunkering down beside her and holding her in his arms.

She buried her face against his chest, her body shaking with silent sobs. Alfie held her close, one hand cradling the back of her head while the other rubbed soothing circles on her back. He pressed his lips to her hair, murmuring soft reassurances.

“It’s okay,” he whispered. “Let it out. I’ve got you.”

For several minutes, he simply held her, letting her release the fear and tension she’d been carrying since her sister’s appearance. His bear rumbled protectively inside him, longing to shield her from any pain.

When her tears finally subsided, Alfie handed her a tissue from the box on his desk. “What exactly did Heather say?” he asked gently.

Marion dabbed at her eyes, taking a shaky breath. “She said she’s out on bail and her lawyer thinks the charges will be dropped.” She looked up at him, her eyes red-rimmed but clear. “She wants Charlie back, Alfie.”

“What did you tell her?”

“That she couldn’t see him without supervision. That she needs to contact my lawyer.” Marion’s voice grew stronger as she spoke. “She didn’t like that.”

“I’m sure she didn’t,” Alfie said, his jaw tightening. “But you did the right thing.”

Marion nodded, then looked down at their joined hands. “She said it isn’t over. And I know my sister. She won’t give up.”

“Is there a chance she’ll get her way?” Alfie asked, though he already knew the answer.

“She’ll convince the court she’s changed,” Marion said, her voice breaking. “And they’ll decide Charlie belongs with his mother, not his aunt. They’ll send him back to her. What if Razor gets out, too? I’ll have to watch him withdraw into himself again, become that frightened little boy again.”

Alfie squeezed her hand. “I won’t let that happen.”

“You might not be able to stop it,” Marion said, finally meeting his eyes. “The courts will side with his mom even if…” She broke off, shaking her head.

“Even when they’re clearly not the best option,” Alfie finished for her. “But Marion, anyone who spends five minutes with Charlie can see how much he’s thriving with you. The difference is astonishing.”

“You think so?” she asked, a flicker of hope in her eyes.

“I know so,” Alfie assured her. “When I first met him, he barely spoke. Now he’s asking questions, exploring, laughing. That’s because of you, because of the stability and love you’ve given him.”

Marion’s gaze drifted past him to his desk, where papers were spread out filled with sketches for soap displays, pricing structures, and marketing ideas. Her face fell.

“We should put the business plans on hold,” she said quietly.

“What? Why?” Alfie asked, genuinely confused.

“If Charlie has to leave Bear Creek...” Marion swallowed hard. “I’ll go with him wherever he goes. I have to make sure he’s safe.”

Alfie felt his heart constrict at the thought of losing them both, but he kept his expression steady. “Of course you would.”

“I know that’s not what you want to hear,” Marion continued, her voice thick with emotion. “And I’m so sorry. We just found each other, and now...” She shook her head. “I know we’re mates, but I can’t ask you to…”

“Marion,” Alfie interrupted, cupping her face in his hands. “Look at me.”

She raised her eyes to his, tears threatening to spill over again.