Chapter 17 - Mara’s Last Choice
Mara had known who Thomas was.
That was obvious.
Noah talked about him constantly.
Then why St. Michael’s?
Why not call?
Mrs. Dupont possessed the answer in a private social work note that could now be released to Elise’s legal parents.
Mara met Thomas once after Noah died.
Thomas did not remember.
A memorial reception.
Hundreds of people.
Mara stood at back.
Pregnant but not visibly.
She watched Thomas holding infant Emma.
She left without speaking.
Six months later, after Elise was born and diagnosed with spina bifida, Mara wrote a letter to Thomas.
She never mailed it.
Found among personal effects.
Thomas read.
Thomas,
You do not know me well enough to owe me anything. Noah loved you like family. I am afraid if I come to you now, everyone will believe I am asking for money.
Thomas closed eyes.
Clare took his hand.
Mara continued.
You have a baby of your own. I will not place mine in your arms and make you responsible for Noah’s unfinished life.
Years later, when cancer advanced, Mara reconsidered.
She called Lawson Atlantic.
Reception transferred her to Graham Voss because she said “Noah Mercer estate.”
Voss told her not to contact Thomas while paternity unresolved.
He would “handle it.”
She believed him.
By the time she learned he had not, Mara was too ill.
She chose St. Michael’s because Nurse Ada’s sister had once worked with her.
She left the envelope.
And a note to Mrs. Dupont:
If Thomas Lawson ever somehow comes into Elise’s life naturally, do not tell him who she is until you know he is choosing her rather than Noah.
Thomas put letter down.
He could not breathe.
Clare whispered:
“She named you.”
“Yes.”
Mara had anticipated possibility.
Not planned it.
She refused to ask.
Pride.
Fear.
Protection.
All mixed.
Thomas asked Mrs. Dupont:
“Did you recognize my name when I came?”
Mrs. Dupont nodded.
“Immediately.”
“That’s why you were watching me.”
“Yes.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because Mara asked me not to.”
“What if I had left?”
“Then you would have left.”
That hurt.
But correct.
“And the envelope?”
“Only after you began process with Elise while still not knowing.”
Mara’s test worked.
Not because Thomas was heroic.
Because he was ignorant.
He chose before money, blood, Noah.
That mattered.
Elise’s therapist helped explain Mara’s decision age appropriately.
“Your first mom was very sick and wanted adults who could care for you.”
“Why didn’t she give me Thomas?”
“Thomas didn’t know.”
“Why?”
“She was scared.”
Elise frowned.
“Adults are scared a lot.”
Yes.
Then:
“Did she not want me?”
Thomas answered immediately.
“She wanted you so much she made complicated plans while dying.”
Elise hugged Bear.
“Did she make Bear?”
“No. She fixed him.”
“Can we find song?”
The song.
Elise remembered her mother’s song.
Nurse Ada eventually identified it.
“Dream a Little Dream of Me.”
Mara hummed it during treatments.
Thomas played instrumental version softly.
Elise listened.
Then:
“That one.”
Clare cried.
Elise rolled eyes.
Again.
The next week they visited Mara’s grave.
Simple stone.
Mara Harper.
Beloved mother.
Elise placed Bear on lap.
“Hi, Mom.”
Then:
“I got adopted.”
Thomas looked away.
Clare didn’t.
She let herself cry.
Elise said:
“Clare.”
May you like
“I know.”
Adults.
