Was he serious? “What’s not fair is being reminded every time I see him that my son died and you screwed my best friend.”

“And I’m sorry! Dear God, am I sorry. I hate myself for creating this nightmare and hurting the people I love most in the world. I know it hurts like hell that Dom died and Leo is here, but I can’t change either of those things.”

The ice around her heart that had begun to thaw hardened. “You can control it.”

“How?”

“By not seeing him. That also solves our problem about not seeing her.”

“That’s not a solution!”

“It is if you want to stay married to me!”

Nick’s dark eyes blazed and he studied her face for a long moment. For the first time since he’d dropped the bomb that had exploded their lives, she could see his apology and remorse waver. Guilt still spun around him, but so did a new iron clad resolve.

“That’s an ultimatum I’m going to have to think about.”

An unexpected chill settled over Libby.

The Kurnai Bay winter solstice celebration was underway. Unlike the previous year, when the event had been rained out, there wasn’t a cloud in the inky black sky, only a carpet of shining white stars. The organizers had decorated the park with lanterns and light danced across the paths while shadows leaped between the trees, giving life to the giant and colorful art installations. Excited children ran around while families and friends clustered on picnic blankets, drinking hot chocolate and listening to the live music, which ranged from Brian Baker’s Bush Band to the high school’s rock bands along with some classical violin and piano recitals.

Jess had arranged to meet Patrice and her family, but as she arrived at the park a text pinged onto her phone informing her that the Marceaus were running fifteen minutes late. Not wanting to set up on her own and wait like a sitting duck, giving people the opportunity to make insulting comments as they passed, she pushed Leo’s stroller over to the children’s tent. It was full, but unexpectedly quiet. Kids concentrated intently on their artwork, the tips of their tongues peeking out between their lips. Alice was twirling and flittering about wearing a multicolored top, a green and blue tutu, navy leggings and ballet flats. She sported a royal blue headband that sprouted glitter balls that wobbled back and forth on their wires, and on her back was a beautiful pair of intricately decorated wings. The dorky twin was in her element and Alice positively glowed, although she momentarily paled when she saw Jess. Unlike Libby, Alice didn’t deliberately shun her, but then again, she didn’t greet her either.