“Thank you for the emails,” Caroline said, her voice quiet but firm. “They helped.”

“I wanted to do the right thing,” Rebecca said, her eyes wet with tears. “I’m so sorry it took me sixteen years to do it.”

Caroline looked at her for a long moment, studying her face.

“I’m going to study engineering,” Caroline said. “I’m going to start college next year.”

Rebecca smiled, a small, genuine smile. “You always were so smart. Even when you were tiny.”

“I would like to talk to you again,” Caroline said. “But not right now. I need some time.”

“Take all the time you need,” Rebecca said. “I’ll be right where I’ve always been.”

We walked out of the courtroom and into the bright hallway.

Thomas and his lawyer emerged a moment later.

Two men in dark suits were waiting near the elevators, holding leather folders.

As soon as Thomas stepped into the hallway, one of the men stepped forward.

“Thomas Harper?” the man asked.

“Yes?” Thomas said, looking confused and irritated.