In a sudden rush of loneliness, she dialed her parents.

“Sweetheart,” her mother answered on the second ring, “everything okay?” They had already talked earlier on FaceTime when both her mom and dad had called to wish Lincoln a happy birthday.

“Everything’s okay but is now a good time to chat?”

“Your father’s already in bed. We had dinner tonight with the ambassador of France, remember? A little too much burgundy may have been served. We opened the 2003 Domaine Denis Mortet.”

“Bringing out the big guns,” Sadie quipped, realizing that she had completely forgotten to eat any sort of dinner herself. She wandered into the kitchen and pulled a bag of baby carrots and a tub of hummus from the refrigerator.

“I’m just wrapping up some paperwork I wasn’t able to get to earlier,” her mom offered. “What about you? Spending time with the mother-in-law from Ohio?”

Even though she knew her parents wouldn’t make the trip for their only grandkid’s birthday party, Sadie had made a point to invite them. One of the little tests she found herself doing now and again. Do you love me? If so, how much?

And the fact that her parents hadn’t taken her request seriously at all was a sprinkle of salt to an old wound. One where she felt like she cramped their style, unless she did something extraordinary that let them brag to their friends.

“Not really, she can be tricky.” Understatement. “But the party went really well. I did a teddy bear picnic theme and put together these little picnic basket favors.” Sadie swallowed hard before she continued. “I was actually calling to tell you some pretty exciting news on our end.”

“Oh?” Her mother’s voice lifted and Sadie could just picture her plucked eyebrow lifting too.

“Actually, I’m, um, Ethan and I are expecting again.”

There was stunned silence before her mother leapt into action. “Another baby, how wonderful darling. May I offer my congratulations to Ethan?”

Sadie shook her head, even though her mother couldn’t see. “He’s already out for the night as well.”

“Tomorrow then, and I’m sure your father will be thrilled with the news.”

Fighting back tears, Sadie gave in to the real reason for the call. “I was actually wondering if you and Dad could come and stay with us when the baby comes? I should be due right after Halloween. Maybe you guys could stay through Christmas? We’d really appreciate the extra help.”

There was an uncomfortable silence on the other end of the phone.

Her mother cleared her throat. “Oh, honey. Maybe we can come up for a weekend or two, but you know how serious your father is about his job. Especially now that he’s nearing sixty, he doesn’t want the boss to think they can survive without him. And I have my own duties, of course.”

Melissa’s words stung, especially considering she herself hadn’t worked since their move to D.C., though she did keep very busy serving on committees and volunteering.