When had Ethan’s job become so demanding? Why was her husband suddenly more absent when he was home than when he was in Boston?

Renee was outside gardening and waved to the pair. She looked put together in a beige pullover with her hair tied into a neat ponytail. Her pair of red Keds looked pristine, and her jeans were weathered in a chic way.

Sadie looked down at her own outfit, which had become a uniform of sorts: sneakers, black yoga pants, and one of Ethan’s old Ohio State sweatshirts, which had a hole in the right elbow.

“Lincoln and I are going to walk on the beach. Want to join in the fun?” She hadn’t gotten to see much of Renee this week and was surprised to realize how much she missed her neighbor’s company.

Renee paused for only half a second before nodding. “I’d love to!”

She tossed her gardening gloves on a small bench and strolled over to Sadie and Lincoln. The trio made the short walk down to the shore. Lincoln ran off in front of them, giddy with excitement. The two women were quiet at first, merely appreciating the warm spring sun and the rhythmic pulse of the waves.

“How are you feeling?”

“Not as nauseous as the first go around, touch wood,” said Sadie, pausing to rap on a log. “It’s still there, but at least I can be out in the world without dive bombing every trash can in sight.”

“That’s great. And how goes it with the mother-in-law?”

“It had its moments.” She stayed at the stupid B&B the rest of the visit to make a point. “But Lincoln thinks she’s the best thing since hot fudge on ice cream.”

Renee cocked her head, gaze probing. “And you not so much?”

“No, she’s fine.” Sadie tucked a loose hair behind her ear and shrugged. “We’re just, well, different. Oil and water.”

“What does she do back home?”

“Babysit her local grandkids a lot and volunteer with the Junior League.”

Renee nodded. “Well at least she was game to fly in for Lincoln’s party.”

“She is a great grandma.” Sadie wished she could also add that Annette was a great mother-in-law, but the lie stuck in her throat. “Hey, how’s Tansy doing at USC?”

“Busy, far too busy for me,” Renee said before clearing her throat. “Not to change the subject but Essie Park has hit me up with the most outrageous idea.”

“Outrageous ideas are Essie Park’s bread and butter.” Sadie remembered the time Essie found a two-for-one deal at some float therapy spa and had tried to get Sadie to come along. “What’s she dreaming up this time?”

“So I guess the Old Red Mill sold and is open for leases?” Renee’s voice tinged with nervous excitement. “Well, Essie wants me to open a pie shop, one that can serve as the anchor store and lure other small shops to follow.”

“Shut up! That’s the most amazing idea! Clearly you need to share your blueberry pies with the world.”