He looked like a man with his privates in a vise. “A little over a week ago.”

“So this is why I haven’t heard from you.”

“Ronni, please, I didn’t know how to tell you.”

“Have you been there with them?”

“A few times. I had to help move some stuff, make sure they were settled in. I’m not living there, Ronni.”

“You should have told me.”

“I didn’t because I knew you’d act like this.” He reached for my hand and I jerked it away.

“Act like this? Seriously? How should I act, Rick? Did you not think I deserved to know your ex and kids had come running home to you?”

“They didn’t Ronni, that’s not what happened. I’m just helping her out...”

“Don’t talk to me until this is settled, Rick. I am not going to be in the middle of it.” I turned and hurried back inside so he wouldn’t see me cry.

Deanna jumped up from the couch when she saw me. “Oh, honey, what’s wrong?”

I tried to force words out through my sobbing, but gave up and laid my head on her shoulder. When I could take a breath, I leaned back and said, “Rick’s ex-wife—the beautiful, exotic mother of his children who can have any man she wants—left her husband and has moved into Rick’s lakehouse. It’s only a matter of time before they’re back together. And I’d be a horrible person not to want those boys back with their dad, wouldn’t I?” I broke down all over again. Deanna dragged me to sit next to her.

“Ronni, I am sure Rick loves you. No matter what happens, remember that.”

“Oh, jeez, he told you, didn’t he?” I was horrified. “That’s what you were talking about while I washed dishes.”

Deanna’s semi-circular eyebrows knitted together. “No, not at all. I had no idea, I promise you. But talking to him assured me of his feelings for you.”

“I don’t understand.”

She drew a breath and took my hand. “I asked him how to find your mother. Rick and I both think you should meet with her.”

I buried my face in my hands and shook my head. “I don’t need to meet with her, Deanna, it’s a horrible idea. I’ve avoided her for so many years, and she certainly hasn’t reached out to me. Why should I do anything to help or comfort her? She doesn’t deserve one minute of my time.”

“But you deserve as many minutes of her time as you need, Ronni. This is for you, not her.” She hugged me. “Do this for your own peace of mind, sweet girl.”

“Peace of mind is not a concept I can relate to right now, Deanna. I can’t promise you I’ll go through with it.”