Edging closer to desperation for Hannah to just hear her out, she nods quickly. “I – okay, I get that, but maybe I could explain and see if you can make an exception this once?”

She waits for a breathless few seconds to see whether or not Hannah slams the car door on her.

Instead, she slowly closes it and stares at Caroline in wait, a stormy expression still on her face.

The tentative edge of relief starts to make an appearance as she rushes to explain.

“I know you don’t want Michael’s inheritance – but it’s only a bargaining chip.” She emphasizes, gesticulating wildly. “If he’s going to contest this and make us go to trial, he is going to lose half of that money to you. It’s a guarantee.” She holds up her hand to stop Hannah’s insistence that she doesn’t want the Dalton money. “He doesn’t want that. And I will bet anything that he wants to keep that money far more than he wants full – or joint – custody.”

“You’re willing to bet Abbie on it.” Hannah’s words are flat.

Caroline grimaces, stomach twisting into knots at the way the words sound. “I… didn’t think of it like that.” She is forced to admit. “But – Hannah, if we go to court for this, there is no way he will get full custody. I promise.” The strength of that promise burns through her. She would sign it into a blood oath if she had to. She stares at Hannah, willing her to see how serious she is. “I would never let that happen. I wouldn’t.”

Hannah stares at her, the anger seeming to ebb a little bit but the typical warmth she usually has when looking at Caroline is missing and she feels it. Heavily.

“We know Michael in two different ways, but we both know him. He is going to settle this out of court and give you whatever you want for custody to keep that money. We just have to wait until the next settlement. I’ve done this a thousand times, this is why you wanted me,” she reminds her, actually hitting desperation. “Please, just trust me.”

The actual pleading that she can hear in her own words seems to fill the car, along with a stifling silence.

She keeps her eyes on Hannah, anxiety ratcheting up with each moment that Hannah’s steely gaze is on her, measuring.

Finally, she breaks. “I’m trying to.” Her voice is so soft, but Caroline’s heart aches at hearing the words. Hannah plays with the bracelet on her wrist as she bites her lip. “But I’m still upset with you. So, I’m going to get Abbie and go home for the night. You don’t have to watch her Saturday.”