“Do you know why your mother wants to see you?” Ethan asked.

She shook her head, digging into the bag with the French fries, chewing and swallowing a few. “God, these are good.”

He chuckled. “Well, I can wait in the car while you talk.”

She frowned at him. “Don’t be silly. You can wait in the house. If she wants privacy, I’ll stash you in the kitchen. Bring your food. You can eat lunch.”

A little while later, he pulled up in front of her mom’s house, an imposing colonial she and her dad had purchased only after the big family reveal. Prior to that they’d lived in a more modest, out-of-the-way home.

Ethan followed her up the walkway, his hand on her back. She was aware of his touch, the strong palm against her shirt that felt more like he was branding her bare skin. She rang the bell and her mother answered … not looking like her mom.

Instead of being immaculately dressed in pants and a blouse, her hair done, her eyes alight with laughter and life, she wore a robe, no makeup, and she’d clearly been crying.

“Mom?” Sienna asked, concerned.

“I really should wait in the car.” Ethan turned but Sienna caught his hand, realizing she was going to need his support.

“I know this isn’t the right time, but Mom, Ethan drove me over, so I’ll have him wait in another room while we talk.”

Her mom nodded. “Nice to see you again, Ethan. I assume we’ll get to know each other well. But right now Sienna’s brothers are waiting in the family room.”

“I understand,” Ethan said in a gruff voice.

“Brothers? Jason’s in town?” Sienna asked, realizing how dire things must be if her brother had flown in from New York. She shot Ethan a concerned look.

He squeezed her shoulder and let her lead him to the kitchen, where she left him and joined her siblings in the family room.

“Jase!” She jumped into her brother’s arms and he groaned.

“Did you put on weight?”

“Rude!” She shot him a raspberry and wriggled down to her feet. “I know you know I’m pregnant.”

He scowled. “Yes, and I’m going to kick the ass of the man who took advantage of you.”

Alex nodded beside him. “I’ve been good but it hasn’t been easy.”

“You two will do no such thing. He’s in the kitchen because he drove me here. And you’re going to be nice to him. N.I.C.E.,” she said in case they needed it spelled out.

“Boys, listen to your sister.”

At the sound of her mother’s voice, Sienna was reminded of why they were here. She sat down next to Jason, who reached out and held her hand, which she appreciated given the nerves overtaking her.

“What’s going on, Mom?” Sienna couldn’t stand to be in the dark any longer. “You’re not sick, are you?” Sudden nausea overtook her at the thought.

“No, no, nothing like that, although you’re going to be upset.” Her mother paced the floor, her silk robe flowing around her. “I know you’ve noticed things with your father have been… different lately. More strained.” She wound her fingers tightly together. “Well, we’re getting divorced,” she said, her voice catching on the last word.