She watched in awe as the Tony from her memories argued for her release. There was nothing about the man in the Armani suit with the gelled back hair and perfect diction that hinted toward ex-con. Tony personified affluence and business success. He sounded like a CEO. Never once, despite what a doctor or therapist said, did Claire doubt Tony’s ability to fulfill his promise—she’d be going home.

Once in a while, Brent would need to remind someone of Tony’s legal rights as her husband. It warmed her heart to see the two of them working together on a common goal. Occasionally, someone would ask Claire a question—some were simple—the date or name of the president. Others were questions about her feelings or concerns. After each appropriate answer, she’d feel the squeeze of Tony’s warm hand or see the reassurance of his smile. It didn’t matter that behind the smile she also saw sadness. They had both endured too much. What mattered was that they were together and soon they’d have Nichol. Claire couldn’t wait to leave the facility and have her family united. With each second, her anticipation grew. She knew, when they were, again, a family, the sadness would leave Tony’s eyes, and she’d see the light chocolate brown they once had in paradise.

After they’d signed the last document and answered the last question, she whispered in his ear, “Let’s go get Nichol.”

She expected a smile and a nod—some sign of affirmation. Instead, he directed the Everwood staff, “Gather all of Mrs. Rawlings’ things. I want everything sent to our home.”

Claire offered, “I don’t need everything. I can get the things I want.”

“No, you can go through it later. We’re getting you out of here. You aren’t spending another second in this place.”

She didn’t argue—nor did she want to. Although she detested having the facility’s staff direct her movements, she loved Tony’s control. It was his way of protecting her. She knew that. Yes, he could be domineering, but she’d missed every part of him, his overprotectiveness included.

John was now waiting with Emily as Tony and Claire exited the administrator’s office. When Claire saw her family, her body tensed in anticipation of a confrontation. Before she could speak or devise a mental plan, John held out his hand.

“Anthony.”

With his hand extended, Tony replied, “Tony—please, call me Tony. Thank you, John, for all you’ve done while I was away. Brent tells me you’ve been quite helpful at Rawlings.”

“It was for Nichol and Claire.”

Tony nodded. “And for that—for our family, I thank you.”

“I’ve been privy to many of your decisions. I want you to know, I respect them.”

“Then I hope my return won’t cause you to search for another job. Rawlings Industries and I can always use someone like you on our side.”

John nodded. “Emily and I need to talk, but I think I’d like that.”

Claire released Tony’s hand and encircled John’s neck. Her emotions were all over the place. One minute, she was excited and the next, she was unsure. As she hugged her brother-in-law, tears of joy fell from her eyes. “I had no idea you were working at Rawlings.”

Claire released John and immediately hugged her sister. “Thank you, Emily. Thank you for not fighting this.”

John explained, “Anth—I mean Tony’s right, and you’re right, we are a family—for our children, we need to behave like adults.”

Claire stammered, “C—children—I can’t wait to see Nichol and meet Michael.”

Emily’s eyes filled with tears. “She’s so little. She won’t understand—”

John spoke over Emily, “Your daughter is beautiful and intelligent—she’s also young. As long as we do this together, she’ll make the transition just fine.”

Claire looked up at her husband. Although she wasn’t sure what she expected to see, the sadness mixed with gratitude took her by surprise. Taking one of his hands, she said, “We’ve missed so much. I can’t wait to hold her again.”

Tony replied, “Thank you again, not just for Rawlings, but for taking care of Nichol. We’re anxious to come and see her, but first, I’d like to take Claire somewhere. It won’t take long, and then we’ll be over to your house. The child psychologist I consulted recommended a gradual transition before we bring her home to stay.”

“I thought...” Claire’s heart ached.

Emily’s moist eyes came to life as she nodded. “Yes—gradual, I think Tony’s right.” She feigned a smile toward Tony. “Thank you. This’ll give us time to talk with her—to try to explain things. Let’s make this as easy for Nichol as possible.”