“After we broke up, I found out . . .” I squeeze her hand tightly. “He’s married, Mama. I didn’t know, and now his wife has asked him to move out and a little girl might grow up without her dad.” I drop my gaze to our hands. “And I think it would be easier to move away than to see you every day knowing I’ve disappointed you. I’m so ashamed.”

“Why is that your shame to carry if you didn’t know?” She leans forward in her seat and pulls me into her arms, rocking me back and forth gently. “I could never be disappointed in you. You make me proud every day.”

I give myself three deep breaths before I say, “I didn’t want to be like Ann. Tearing apart families.”

“Ann Friedman?” Mom releases me and gives me her patented I thought I told you to say no to drugs look. “What about this situation makes you like her?”

“Easton said Dad was in love with her.”

Mom snorts. “In her dreams. Don’t you remember Ann?”

“A little.”

“Do you remember the time she told everyone—including the police—that she was held up by Santa Claus at the bank? And then security footage showed her giving the money to that homeless guy right outside?”

I nod. “I’d forgotten that.”

“Or the time she told you that you wouldn’t get your period if you never wore red?”

Oh, wow. I’d forgotten that too. “She was a little nuts, wasn’t she?”

“She just marched to her own drummer. She had a thing for your dad and”—She points to her head—”trust me, the comments she made that implied her feelings were reciprocated were the reason for all this gray hair. But she never threatened our family, because your father wasn’t interested.”

“What’s happening over there?” Levi asks from across the table. “Are you two okay?”

“We’re fine,” I say quickly. I’m so glad I didn’t share that story with anyone else in the last seven years, but I wish I’d asked Mom.

Mom lifts a brow then nods meaningfully toward my brothers. I nod too, giving her the permission I know she’s looking for. “Shay’s expecting a baby. We’re just happy about a new blessing for this family.”

“You’re pregnant?” Levi says, and Brayden says, “What the fuck? I didn’t even know you were seeing anyone.” And at right about the same time, Jake says, “Is it Easton’s?”