We went through the final paperwork, signing the deeds and the registration.

“Brent’s lawyer called me while we were walking up,” Jennifer said, signing her name as a witness.

“They are asking for a settlement.”

“No,” I said.

“He gets nothing.”

“He is threatening to sue for custody of Ivy,” she warned.

“Let him try,” I said.

“He has no job, no home, and a pending investigation for financial fraud.”

Jennifer smiled, her red lipstick framing a confident grin.

“I told his lawyer exactly that,” she said.

“They dropped the subject.”

A car horn honked outside in the driveway.

I stood up and looked out the window.

Molly’s blue SUV had parked behind Jennifer’s car.

Molly got out of the driver’s seat and walked around to the back door.

She opened the door and carefully lifted the infant car seat out.

I ran down the stairs and opened the front door.

The cool mountain breeze rustled the leaves of the apple tree.

Molly carried Ivy up the steps, her face glowing with a wide smile.

“Look at this place,” Molly said, stepping into the warm foyer.