Charlotte accepted the gift with a soft “Thank you,” suggesting they could use it to draw or write about their day. As they drew together, a bond began to form between them.
The girl slowly opened up, revealing snippets of her life in foster care. Charlotte’s creativity and spirit touched Eleanor.
Later, over a picnic lunch, Samantha detailed the legalities and support systems for Charlotte’s adoption.
They all parted ways, hopeful that this would work out. In the ensuing weeks, she and Charlotte built a deeper connection, with Charlotte visiting Eleanor’s home, exploring her new bedroom, and sharing meals.
Finally, Eleanor called Joseph and arranged to meet him the next day to share the big news about the adoption. Over coffee, Eleanor explained the adoption to Joseph, who listened quietly and then spoke thoughtfully, expressing his support for her decision.
As time passed, Charlotte blossomed in her new environment, reminding them of the love they had lost and all they had to give. However, Samantha called one day with alarming news: Charlotte’s biological mother had contacted her, claiming that Joseph was Charlotte’s biological father.
Eleanor was shocked and confronted Joseph, who admitted to a brief affair and the possibility of being Charlotte’s father.
They agreed to a paternity test, which thankfully revealed that Joseph was not Charlotte’s father. With this news, Eleanor saw Charlotte’s resemblance to Ava as a miraculous coincidence and a second chance for her family.
