Veronica had barely pulled away from the hospital parking lot when Mary suddenly realized sothing was missing from the equation. "Cullen made it to the hospital, but what about Sabrina? Where did she end up?"
Before Veronica could formulate a response, Mary's face clouded over with disapproval.
It was clear to Veronica that Mary was bothered by Cullen's decision to leave Sabrina behind while he and Niall rushed to Cook's bedside at the hospital.
"Don't worry about Sa," Veronica assured her softly. "Cullen will make sure she's properly looked after."
Mary wasn't convinced in the slightest. "If he continues neglecting his parental responsibilities like this, Ver, you need to take legal action. I'm serious—you should fight for full custody of Sabrina, no matter what it takes!"
Veronica hesitated montarily before responding with a flat, "Alright."
Mary's expression remained tense with dissatisfaction.
The mont they arrived at the Murray family ho, Mary promptly exited the vehicle.
Just then, Veronica's phone vibrated with an incoming call. Sabrina's na flashed across the screen, but Veronica chose to ignore it.
Perhaps it was the guilt of having spent so little ti with her daughter over the past several months—missing calls and being absent—but these last couple of days, Veronica had noticed Sabrina gravitating toward her with the sa clingy affection she'd shown when it had been just the two of them.
Her phone began ringing again persistently.
After a brief glance, Veronica still opted not to answer. Instead, she powered off her device completely and headed inside to join her family for dinner.
She had barely settled into her chair when the landline telephone shattered the dostic peace with its shrill ring.
Veronica knew instinctively who was calling. "I'll get it," she announced, rising from her seat before anyone else could volunteer.
She made her way to the living room, and sure enough, Sabrina's voice greeted her the mont she answered.
"Mom!" The child's voice bubbled with excitent.
Veronica humd softly in acknowledgnt before asking, "Have you eaten dinner yet?"
"No," Sabrina replied, her tone suddenly deflating. "Are you at Grandma's house, Mom? I want to co too. Can you have dinner with later?"
Mary peered over at Veronica with curiosity. "Is that Sabrina on the phone?"
Veronica sighed inwardly and confird, "Yes, it is."
"Does she want to see you?" Mary set down her utensils and approached. "If she wants to co over, tell Cullen to arrange transportation for her. We'll make sure to save so food."
"That sounds good," Veronica agreed.
Turning back to the phone, she said, "Alright, you can co over now."
"Okay!" Sabrina's excitent was palpable through the phone.
Just as Veronica was about to end the call, she added, "Make sure to tell your father before you leave."
"I will!" Sabrina promised.
The family considered postponing their al until Sabrina arrived, but Veronica insisted they continue eating without waiting.
Approximately an hour later, Sabrina burst through the front door.
She made a beeline for Veronica the mont she entered. "Mom! I'm here!"
Veronica straightened Sabrina's slightly rumpled outfit and said in a asured tone, "I'll heat up so dinner for you."
"Okay!" Sabrina eagerly replied.
She stowed away her backpack and tablet before trailing after Veronica into the kitchen like a devoted puppy.
Phillip and his wife had departed to take Adrian to school, leaving Mary at ho.
Observing how Sabrina shadowed Veronica's every move, Mary smiled warmly to herself, deciding to give mother and daughter their precious ti together without interruption.
Veronica directed Sabrina to wait in the dining area while she prepared the food.
Sabrina sat obediently at the dining table, watching expectantly as Veronica reheated the leftovers.
Normally, Sabrina would complain about eating anything that wasn't freshly made—leftovers rarely passed her discerning palate. But tonight was different; she ate everything with unexpected enthusiasm.
Between mouthfuls, she chatted animatedly with Veronica. "Mom, I went on an outing with Mr. Valerie and Cecelia today."
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