“Oh, Claire, my sister Gretchen has always had a cold, calculating heart when it comes to money and family standing,” Joanie said with deep sorrow.

“I’m so terribly sorry I let myself get pulled into this dishonest mess without calling you myself first.”

“I don’t blame you, Joanie, because I know you truly love Austin and were only trying to give him a safe place to land,” I told her, grateful for her honesty.

“Listen to me very closely, Claire, I love that boy with all my heart, but I will never take part in stealing a child away from a mother who wants him,” Joanie vowed firmly.

“Tell Austin he’s always welcome to come visit his Aunt Joanie for fun weekends, but nobody is driving down to take him away from his home this Saturday.”