The café was too cheerful for what Charlotte expected—a riot of plants, sunlight bouncing off glass jars.
Felix was already at a corner table, Zach between them, sipping a drink he wasn't touching.
Charlotte sat down. “Hi, Zach."
He nodded, eyes on the straw.
Felix cleared his throat. “We're here to talk. Not fight."
“Agreed," Charlotte said.
---
Zach shifted. “I… I'm sorry. For… everything."
Charlotte kept her voice even. “What does 'everything' mean?"
“For saying you weren't my mom. For believing Lisa. For…" He swallowed. “…not asking you myself."
She studied him for a moment. “I accept your apology—with conditions."
His brow furrowed. “Conditions?"
“Love is a bridge," she said. “If you want to cross it, the railing has to be strong. You have to help build it."
Zach nodded,
