Not the scared girl she discarded, but the woman who came back to burn her lies to the ground.
And to take one more step toward healing.
***
When I walk through the door, Beth, Tina, Cal, and his parents are all huddled together in the living room—like they’re waiting for a verdict.
I set my purse down on the coffee table and glance around. “Where’s Hannah?”
“She’s next door with Nate,” Cal says.
“How did it go?” Beth asks.
“There was enough evidence to bring civil and criminal charges against Meghan,” I say.
“She deserves everything she has coming to her,” Beth mutters.
“As the saying goes,” Tina adds, “revenge is a dish best served cold.”
“I take no pleasure in the suffering of others,” I say quietly. “None of this was about revenge. It was about justice.”
“Did you get it?” Cal asks. “Justice?”
“Yes,” I say, without hesitation. “And a little bit of revenge, too.”
“Is she going to jail?” Johanna asks.
“No,” I answer. “I’m not pursuing any kind of legal action against her. She’s Hannah’s mother. I have to bemindful of that. I did, however, request her immediate termination—and that she be barred from working in the foster care system in any capacity, ever again.”
“She has a master’s in social work,” Cal says. “I’m sure she won’t have any trouble finding a different career path.”
Mr. Callahan rises to his feet and walks over to me. “I’m so sorry this happened to you," he says. "It would’ve been an honor to be your father and watch you grow up in our family. You’re an incredible young woman, and despite everything, you still have a kind heart. If it had been me, I would’ve thrown the book at her—watched her get cuffed and hauled off to the nearest jail.”
“Right on, Mr. Callahan!” Tina mutters.
“Daddy!” Beth exclaims, eyes wide.
“Oh, Mitch,” Johanna says, her mouth curving into a reluctant smile.
“With all joking aside,” Mr. Callahan continues, his tone softening, “I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you,” I say, my voice catching just slightly.
“We’re going to get going,” Johanna says. “We just wanted to be here for you. I know you couldn’t make it on Thanksgiving, but it would mean the world to us if you and Tina joined us for dinner on Christmas Eve. I’m making my famous ham. The whole family will be there. You and Tina are part of the family now too. Please think about it.”
“I will,” I say. "And thank you so much for being here. I appreciate your support."
Johanna smiles and gives my hand a gentle squeeze before heading for the door.
“We’ll see you soon,” Mr. Callahan adds. “Beth, let’s go, sweetheart.”
“Bye, Elle,” Beth says, pulling me into a tight hug. “Don’t forget, I’m spending the weekend.”
“I haven’t forgotten,” I say, squeezing her back. “I love you, Beth.”
“I love you too,” she echoes.
“Well,” Tina says, crossing to the coat closet, “all’s well that ends well. I’m pulling an all-nighter, so I’ve got to run.”
