---- Chapter 9: A Cradle Robber Situation On Sunday morning, Leo got all dressed up, slung his little backpack over his shoulders, tied his shoes tight, and plopped down on the shoe bench by the door. "Mom, did you remember everything?" he asked, eyes wide. Clara smiled and said, "Got it covered." Leo bounced with impatience. "Come on, hurry up! Elsie's already waiting at the kindergarten!" Yep, today was the big day-Leo's official kindergarten registration. They'd checked out a few places but finally settled on the one right in the Riverbend Villas neighborhood. It had fresh, shiny new facilities, a great vibe, and teachers who really knew their stuff. But the real clincher? Elsie was going there too. ---- Having a buddy waiting would hopefully stop Leo from freaking out about being apart. As for the house situation, Clara had a plan. Once school started next month and her schedule lightened up, she'd scope out those cozy little apartments the realtor had shown her. If one clicked, she'd scrape together her savings, maybe borrow a bit from Sierra, and drop a down payment. With a year-end bonus coming her way, it wasn't going to be impossible. That way, moving from kindergarten to elementary would be way less of a headache. Plus, when Clara had to work late, she could have Sierra swing by to pick up Leo and bring him home. Problem solved! "Mom, are you ready yet?" Leo asked again, tugging at her sleeve. Clara slipped on some flats just as the doorbell rang. Leo jumped up and flung the door open. ---- There stood Aaron, all sharp and suited up like he was ready for court. "Hey there!" Leo's face lit up with a big, warm smile. After all, this was the guy who'd paid back the money and even held him once. Seeing that familiar kid's face lifted something in Aaron. The weight of a brutal seven-day grind suddenly felt lighter. He couldn't help but pinch Leo's chubby cheek. "Hey, Leo! Long time no see!" Ignoring the stunned look on Clara's face, Aaron strolled inside and settled at the round table, fingers tapping a steady rhythm. "Let's talk." Clara felt like someone had squeezed her throat. Nerves hit her hard. "We, uh, were just about to head out..." "This won't take long," Aaron's deep voice carried that bossy vibe-no arguing allowed. "Leo, go play for a while." Like a good kid, Leo kicked off his shoes, sank into the cushion, and got lost in cartoons on his ---- tablet. On the flight back, Aaron dug into the files Brody had sent over. Clara's story was straightforward: her folks were elementary school teachers, and her childhood had been smooth sailing until her parents split when she was 20. Her mom, battling depression, had taken her own life at St. Benedict's General Hospital in Silverton. Clara had her son at 21. After finishing medical school, she packed up and moved with Leo from Silverton to Greystone. Love life? Nonexistent. The only connection between Aaron and Clara was that hospital. During that time, Clara's mom had been admitted there. Meanwhile, Aaron had sought treatment for stomach pain at the same place. The procedure was supposed to be done without anesthesia, but Aaron's reaction was so severe they put him under general anesthesia ---- for nearly forty minutes. Besides that uncertain window, Aaron was sure he never lost consciousness again-and had never seen this woman before. Aaron didn't get stuck on one problem. No way was he letting go of his kid. If the boy existed, Aaron was going to build a real family and be a dad who showed up. He was nothing like his own dad, Richard-no way would he be that irresponsible. What he'd been through as a kid? Leo would never have to endure that. So, two options: marriage or custody. Aaron, being a seasoned lawyer, didn't think he could guarantee full custody. Court battles weren't his first pick. Marriage? Aaron glanced at the nervous woman across the table-her anxiety painted all over that young, innocent face, eyes so clear and raw. He thought, Ten years younger? Yep, definitely a ---- cradle robber situation. Under her uncertain gaze, Clara felt her skin crawl. Her fingers drummed the table unevenly, like her heart was racing and tripping over itself. She scooted closer and sat down. "What do you want to talk about?"