Chapter 3
“You’ll still be back Sunday, right?”
Grant turned. “For what?”
“My bridge.”
The boy’s smile faded slightly.
Grant recovered fast.
“Of course, buddy.”
“Promise?”
Grant reached across the table.
“Promise.”
Hannah lowered her eyes.
She could have saved him.
She could have reminded Ethan privately that Grant would be away.
She could have built another excuse before the disappointment arrived.
She did nothing.
After dinner, Ethan spread his plans across the table.
Grant’s phone vibrated.
He checked it.
Something softened in his expression.
“I need to take this.”
He disappeared into his study.
Ethan watched him go.
“Can we start choosing materials?”
Hannah swallowed.
“You should ask your uncle.”
“But he’s busy.”
“I know.”
Across the room, Margaret was no longer watching her son.
She was watching Hannah.
Later, while Hannah rinsed dishes, Margaret followed her into the kitchen.
“What is happening?”
“Nothing.”
“Don’t insult me.”
Hannah stared at the sink.
Margaret lowered her voice.
“Is something happening between you and Grant?”
Hannah nearly told her.
Instead, she looked through the doorway.
Walter was laughing with Ethan.
Rebecca was pouring coffee.
Grant’s chair was empty.
For years Grant had believed being at the head of the table made him the center of the family.
Hannah finally understood who had actually kept everyone coming back.
She had.
And for the first time, she wondered what would happen if she stopped.
The answer began arriving the next day.
Hannah had a prenatal appointment in Manhattan.
Grant was supposed to attend.
At noon he texted.
Emergency meeting. I’m sorry.
Hannah replied with one word.
Okay.
Her blood pressure was higher than usual.
Dr. Rachel Morgan checked it twice.
May you like
“Have you been under unusual stress?”
Hannah almost laughed.
