Mary kissed her daughter's forehead. "Sometimes, it's the only thing that keeps us going."
Ivy exhaled slowly, a tear slipping free. "I'll think about it," she whispered.
Mary nodded, stepping back with quiet understanding. "That's all I ask, sweetheart."
"But I will not let him know where I am. I'm serious," Ivy said. "I have suffered enough in the hands of the Kanes. I won't let them come near my child. I want to protect this little life from all of it."
Mary reached out and placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder, her touch grounding and warm. "I understand, sweetie. I do." Mary had made her share of choices, some of them painful, and she recognized the same war inside her daughter.
They walked back into the house slowly.
When they reached the living room, Ivy paused by the telephone sitting innocently on the console table.
She stared at it for a long time, her pulse racing. What would she even say if he picked up? Hey… you're an asshole, but I'm pregnant?
