She had witnessed her son’s transformation over the years—decisive in every sphere of life, making choices without seeking her counsel. Her attempts to sabotage his friendship with Hadley had already proven futile. Deep down, Noreen recognized the steel behind her son’s words.

“Let’s go!” Brady’s grip tightened as he pulled Noreen away with determined force.

Silence settled over the two remaining women like a blessed reprieve.

“Colleen.” Hadley closed the distance between them, slipping her arm through Colleen’s in a gesture of comfort. Yet words escaped her—where could she even begin? Noreen had proved herself impossible to reason with.

“Exactly…” Colleen’s voice emerged as barely a whisper, her eyes drifting toward the path Brady had taken. Bitterness crept into her tone. “That’s his mother… She’s truly horrible.” Though she had heard warnings about Noreen’s nature, witnessing it firsthand struck differently.

She turned to Hadley with a hollow laugh. “Apparently, I don’t measure up to her standards.”

“I’m sorry.” Hadley squeezed her hand, guilt weighing in her voice. “This happened because of me…”

“No.” Colleen shook her head slowly, her words barely audible. “Did you catch that? Apparently, I’m ancient at twenty-five.”

“Just ignore her.” Hadley struggled for the right response. The mystery of what Cade had ever seen in Noreen remained beyond her comprehension. Whether judging beauty, intelligence, or character, Noreen paled in comparison to her own sister’s grace.

Hadley offered Colleen gentle reassurance. “Her perspective is narrow. Don’t let her poison your thoughts.”

Colleen absorbed these words in silence before offering a small nod. “I know. All those years of education weren’t meant for arguing with petty people.”

“Exactly.” Hadley released a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “I’m glad you see it that way.”

Reading Colleen’s face, she ventured carefully, “At least Brady thinks for himself.”

He had proven his willingness to shield Colleen and challenge his mother when necessary.

“That’s true.” Colleen’s features relaxed marginally, though turmoil still churned within her.

With a mother like Brady’s casting shadows over their relationship, could they truly build a future together?

The workers had completed their solemn duty.

Brady surveyed the finished work with satisfaction before they all drove toward Kingsbridge Cemetery.

Dawn painted the horizon in soft hues as they reached their destination.

During the burial service, Joy stirred in Zane’s embrace, her sleepy murmur signaling her gradual awakening. Her lashes trembled before lifting to reveal eyes round as grapes.

Joy’s drowsy blinks focused upward toward Zane’s face.

Zane felt her stirring and gazed down with a tender smile warming his features. “Joy, you’re awake.”

“Yes.” Joy blinked without fear or fussiness. Instead, curiosity filled her voice. “Who are you? Where’s my mom?”

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