Ethan nodded. “Good idea.”

There was a phrase she hadn’t heard from her husband in a while.

She carried the small box into the kitchen and set it on the countertop. Using a pair of poultry shears, she sliced open the packaging tape.

There was a lilac envelope on top with Sadie’s name written in Annette’s beautiful penmanship. Her mother-in-law’s stationery was heavy and expensive, the note cards embossed with AL in metallic gold. She’d actually bought Sadie a matching SL set last Christmas, though Sadie had yet to use it.

Dear Sadie,

I’m sorry for losing my temper during my visit. It was out of line and completely inappropriate. I told my sisters about the ordeal, and they suggested you read this book. It’s all about being a calm and peaceful parent—serene moms promote serene children! It makes perfect sense. You’ll have to call and let me know how it is. I figured you could use all the advice you could get with another little one on the way. Oh, how I cannot wait for my next grandbaby!

Love,

Annette

P.S. Have you given any thought to getting a dog for Lincoln? You know, Ethan grew up with Apollo, and I’m sure he’d be the first to tell you that every child deserves such a companion! Think about it!

Gripping the letter in one of her shaking hands, the book in the other, Sadie stormed down the hall.

“Is she serious with this?” she shouted at Ethan, who was sprawled across the floor playing with Lincoln.

“Mommy mad!” Lincoln observed, both awed and slightly amused as she thrust the note at his father. “Mommy, why mad?”

“Could her apology be any more backhanded? I don’t even know why I’m surprised. Who else could manage to say sorry and then sneak in a kick in the ass?”

Ethan skimmed the letter with a growing frown.

“There’s no way we’re getting a dog,” she fumed as he quietly read. “I know you loved Apollo but I’m a hard no on a Saint Bernard. The last thing we need in this house is lots of dog hair and drool.”

“Of course not.” He shook his head. “I’m not a masochist. Maybe someday when the kids are much, much older.”

She paused, realizing he was on her side and felt strangely ashamed of throwing the Saint Bernard under the bus. Their imaginary dog hadn’t done anything wrong here.

She handed over the heavy hardback, which featured a picture of a mother who looked like Gwyneth Paltrow snuggling a cherubic little girl. They were both blond and bright-eyed. “She also sent me a parenting self-help book along with her congratulations on our second child.”

“Come on, Mom.” Ethan’s neck grew red and he fumbled with his words. “I’m sorry she did this. It’s partially my fault. After our fight last Saturday, when Lincoln and I went to see her at the B&B, I felt like I should explain where you were coming from. I wanted her to understand how much stress you’re under and that your hormones are out of sorts.”