111.Chapter 111

By the time Valerie got home, she was utterly exhausted. But as she opened the door, she forced herself to summon every ounce of energy and put on a radiant smile. "Ava, Mommy's home."

"Mommy." Avery came running out of her bedroom in excitement, barefoot and ready to leap into Valerie's arms.

Valerie longed to scoop her daughter up and smother her with kisses, but having just come from the hospit