Richard's POV
Richard drove away from the Valentine estate slowly. His hands gripped the steering wheel.
She had not forgiven him. She had been clear about that.
But she had accepted his help. She had taken the names. She had said they were perfect.
It was a start.
His phone rang, the caller was grandmother Elizabeth.
"How did it go?" she asked.
"She liked the names."
"Which ones?"
"Ada and Ezra."
Elizabeth was quiet. Then her voice came back soft. "Sarah Ada Valentine. You honored her mother."
"I tried."
"You did well, Richard. Keep going."
They talked for a few more minutes. When they hung up, Richard felt steadier.
He drove to his hotel. Went inside. Fell asleep for the first time in days.
When he woke, it was evening. His phone showed missed calls from Emmanuel, Benjamin
