Chapter 111

Paisley stumbled through the door, utterly exhausted. She plastered on a smile. "Rena, Mommy's home!"

Serena burst from her room, barefoot and beaming, ready to launch herself into Paisley's arms. Paisley longed to hug her, but the hospital lingered in her memory. "Stop! Don't move," she said gently.

Serena's lower lip trembled. "Mommy..."

"Be a good girl," Paisley soothed. "Shower, change, then hugs."

Maria scooped Serena up. "Let Mommy shower first, sweetheart."

Serena planted herself outside the bathroom, whimpering occasionally, a tiny puppy guarding its owner. Paisley showered quickly, and the moment she emerged, Serena was in her arms, showered with kisses. All her weariness vanished.

Maria smiled, setting down a steaming breakfast. "You haven't eaten! Eat quickly, then rest. You were up all night."

"Okay," Paisley murmured, a warmth spreading through her. This—this cozy home—was exactly what she’d always wanted.

After breakfast, Maria urged Paisley to nap. Serena, a remarkably chill child, happily occupied herself with picture books, then joined Maria in play. Paisley slept until afternoon, waking to find Maria teaching Serena to read. Kindergarten!

"Ms. Johnson called," Maria announced. "Serena's old teacher. She's at a new kindergarten and asked if Serena had found a school. She said Serena could join her class."

Serena's eyes widened. "I want to go to Ms. Johnson's school!"

Paisley knew how much Serena loved Sophia. "Okay, where is it? We'll visit later. If we like it, we'll enroll her."

Overjoyed, Serena demanded Maria help her choose her prettiest dress. While Serena dressed, Paisley checked her phone. Missed calls, unread messages, a mountain of emails. She sighed and called Lucy.

"Ms. Sutton, are you coming to the studio today?" Lucy asked.

"Not today. Taking Rena to a kindergarten. If it's not urgent, hold it. Otherwise, handle it and let me know," Paisley replied.

"Got it," Lucy said, her voice suggesting she was typing. "One thing: Ms. Flynn from Crown & Culture. Are you sure about the oil painting for their charity auction? If so, I'll proceed with the contract."

Crown & Culture championed women. The auction benefited girls in impoverished areas. Paisley had approved the proposal. "Yes, go ahead."

"One more thing: Will you attend the event? Ms. Flynn suggested a feature interview."

"Skip the interview, but I'll attend the auction," Paisley said. She was curious to see how much her painting would fetch.