Chapter 76: Victoria Meets the Baby

Victoria met Isabella on a quiet autumn afternoon.

Scarlett had debated the decision for weeks. Alexander did not interfere. He only said, 'Whatever protects your peace.'

Victoria arrived at the lake house wearing a simple blue coat and carrying no gifts except a children's book.

'I did not want to bring something expensive,' she said awkwardly. 'That used to be my answer for everything.'

Scarlett accepted the book. 'Thank you.'

They sat in the sunroom while Isabella slept in Scarlett's arms.

Victoria looked at the baby with an expression Scarlett had never seen on her face before. Not envy. Not calculation. Grief, maybe. Wonder.

'She has your mother's name,' Victoria said.

'Yes.'

'Good.'

Silence stretched between them.

Victoria's eyes filled. 'I am sorry for the ring. For Ethan. For every time I looked at your pain and tried to make it useful for me.'

Scarlett looked down at her daughter.

Forgiveness had once seemed like a door she would either open or keep locked forever. Now she understood it could be a hallway, entered slowly, with exits if needed.

'I cannot give you sisterhood overnight,' Scarlett said.

'I know.'

'But I can give you honesty. I do not hate you every day anymore.'

Victoria laughed through tears. 'That is more than I expected.'

Isabella stirred, making a tiny sound.

Victoria's face softened. 'May I?'

Scarlett hesitated. Then she nodded.

Victoria held the baby carefully, almost fearfully.

'Hello, Isabella,' she whispered. 'I am your aunt Victoria. I am trying very hard not to be terrible.'

Scarlett smiled despite herself.

When Victoria left, Alexander found Scarlett in the nursery.

'How do you feel?'

'Sad. Lighter. Confused.'

'Sounds like family.'

Scarlett leaned against him.

No one could rewrite the past. But perhaps the future did not have to repeat every wound it inherited.