“What’re you up to this weekend? The boys and I might be getting together to play some cards, if you’re interested.”

“I’d love to, but I took your advice, and I’m in New York.”

“Well, that’s an interesting development.”

“You could say that.”

“I had a little chat with your friend Emma earlier today.”

“About what?” Gray asked, trying to imagine what Linc would need to talk to Emma about.

“How about I let her tell you?”

“Are you playing games, Uncle?”

“Me? Play games? I have no idea what you mean.”

“Sure you don’t,” Gray said with a laugh.

“I hear your aunt calling me. Got to run. Happy New Year to you, son.”

“Same to you and Aunt Molly. I’ll talk to you next week.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

Equal parts amused and exasperated, Grayson ended the call with his uncle. He was dying to know what had transpired between him and Emma but would have to wait for her to get home and tell him. He checked his watch. Simone’s party was due to end in about thirty minutes, and then they’d be home. He couldn’t wait to see them both. Before they arrived, he had some plans to make for this evening.

Chapter 26

Where there is love there is life.

—Mahatma Ghandi

Emma caught the last hour of Talia’s party and got to catch up with parents who had become close friends since the girls started school. The kids were out of their minds with excitement and an overabundance of sugar. She signaled to Simone that it was time to go and waited while she hugged each of her friends, as if she wasn’t going to see them at school in a couple of days.

Simone had fallen into a nice group of kids with parents Emma liked and respected. They helped each other out and had created a village of sorts that revolved around the kids and their activities. The thought of leaving that support network made her feel queasy, even if they’d be going somewhere with built-in support. With Lucy and Cameron nearby, as well as the rest of the Abbotts—and Grayson—they’d never be alone or lonely, but Simone would have to leave friends she’d known, in some cases, since preschool.

Walking home with her daughter, these were the thoughts that spiraled relentlessly through Emma’s mind even as the futility of it all served as a reminder that there was no point even thinking about it. If only there was a way to stop her brain from imagining the possibilities for both of them.