“Of course. Should I bring anything?”
“Your apple pie?”
I laughed. “You didn’t even have to ask.”
Flowers brightened the windowsill, coordinating cushions decorated the sofa, and framed photographs showed Ethan and Vanessa smiling together. Vanessa welcomed me enthusiastically.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Helen!”
Ethan embraced me too, although his arms stayed around me longer than usual.
“You okay, sweetheart?” I whispered.
“Yeah, Mom. I’m glad you’re here.”
Taking the pie toward the kitchen, I asked, “Where should I put this?”
“The fridge,” Vanessa said.
Continue on the next page:
