Helen Makes A Decision

Helen Hale was the first to move.

She straightened her shoulders in a way Rowan remembered from childhood — the posture she adopted whenever a decision had already been made.

“We are not standing around discussing this any longer,” she said firmly.

Clara looked up, surprised.

Helen met her gaze with quiet warmth.

“You and those babies are coming home with us.”

Clara blinked.

“Mrs. Hale, I… I couldn’t—”

Helen shook her head gently.

“Please call me Helen,” she said. “And don’t argue with a grandmother who just discovered she has two new reasons to cook dinner.”

A faint smile appeared on Clara’s tired face.

Rowan still had not spoken.