Sadie tried to blink, but it was impossible to move.

Things are a little unpredictable right now.

Ethan’s words from their pie shop conversation suddenly rang loud and clear. That hooded look she’d seen in his eyes—he had been hiding something from her. It wasn’t the baby that he’d been referring to but something else entirely.

How—and why—had Ethan kept this news from her? Where had he been going these past three weeks on the days he claimed to be driving to Boston? Where was he now for that matter? He wouldn’t, he couldn’t, possibly be cheating while she was pregnant with their second child, could he? He’d never betray her like that and besides—she forced a small laugh—how would he have the energy? They both could barely manage to brush their teeth at night, right?

Sadie looked around at their beautiful, freshly renovated kitchen. They’d spared no expense, from the custom cabinets to the terrarium window she’d insisted upon despite her black thumb.

The joke was on her, yet again. If Ethan was out of work, how would they possibly afford this home? It wasn’t as though she expected to be bringing in the big bucks from Hester’s…

Panic built inside her, threatening to cut her mooring, send her adrift on a sea of terror.

Sadie started when she felt Renee’s hand on her shoulder. She had Lincoln balanced on her hip, looking as natural in a caregiver role as she did in the kitchen.

“You okay?” she said with a frown. “Were you able to get ahold of someone from Ethan’s office?”

Sadie nodded, trying to find the strength to keep her voice even. “I spoke to Patty, the department’s admin. She told me Ethan was laid off a few weeks ago.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh my God. Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack.” Sadie grabbed her chest. “Speaking of which, excuse me if I just go ahead and have one right here.”

Renee set Lincoln down and pointed toward a pile of forgotten toys in the family room. “Oh! That cash register of yours looks fun. Why don’t you go show me how to use it?”

“It fun.” Lincoln barreled off. “I show you, Miss Renee!”

Renee returned her attention to Sadie, her voice now lowered. “Ethan’s been without a job for three weeks now?”

“Apparently.” Sadie blinked away tears. “What does this all even mean? Why wouldn’t he tell me about losing his job? And where has he been going in Boston if not to his job?”

But for once, Renee didn’t have the answer, which made Sadie feel all the worse. It was a silent confirmation to Sadie that this was bad, really bad.

Renee pulled Sadie close and promised, “We’ll ride this storm out together.”