Chapter 14: The New Beginning
The transition wasn't easy, but it was filled with grace. Clara stayed in town for a month, staying at a local guesthouse so Mia could get to know her without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Every afternoon, Clara, Hank, and Mia would meet at the garage or Sarah's diner. They talked about Mia's mother, looked through old photo albums Clara had brought, and planned for the future.
One afternoon, as they sat in the quiet workshop, Clara pulled Hank aside near the motorcycles.
""Mia loves you, Hank,"" Clara said quietly. ""You saved her life when no one else was there. I want her to live in a safe home with family, but I don't ever want to take you out of her life.""
Hank looked over at Mia, who was busy painting a small leather patch on the back of a tiny denim jacket Kelly had made for her.
""She belongs with family,"" Hank said, his voice husky. ""She needs a fresh start away from this town's bad memories. Oregon is beautiful.""
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""I was thinking,"" Clara smiled gently, ""that Oregon has plenty of open roads. And our guest house has a big garage that's looking for a mechanic.""
Hank looked at Clara, surprised. A faint, rare grin slowly spread across his face.
