We started walking. The dusting of snow we’d gotten earlier in the week had left a few icy patches that were rapidly melting in the afternoon sunshine. Other than a few lighthearted comments about how nice it was out and how good the food had been, we didn’t say much for the first couple of blocks.

Then Sophie glanced at me. “On a scale of one to ten, how bad does today suck for you?”

Sophie had been through a divorce. From what I understood, it had been a short, passionate romance that had burned out as dramatically as it’d started, and they’d both been young. Then she’d found Jason and fallen for his gruff exterior and teddy-bear insides.

“A five. Maybe a six,” I answered.

She nodded as if she’d guessed my answer before she asked. “My first year alone was hard. I went from living with my parents, to being with Freddie all the time, to just me.”

“I should be used to it.” I’d been twenty-eight when I’d married Aiden. I’d had a dorm mate in college, a long-term boyfriend I’d considered staying with after college graduation, then a roommate when I’d gotten my master’s. I’d moved home and been single for a few years before meeting Aiden. “But on holidays, after returning to Billings and being around you guys, then around Aiden’s family, this…sucks.”

“You weren’t really around us a lot though. Was it because of Aiden?”

“I wasn’t ashamed of you guys.” I snuck a peek at her.

Sophie met my gaze. “Sometimes it felt like it.”

I hadn’t been… Had I? “Maybe some part of me thought I had to be more a stoic King and less a rowdy McDonough.”

Sophie chuckled. “Kate. You’re a McDonough, but you’re not rowdy.”

“They’re not exactly rowdy anymore, are they? We’ve all grown up.”

“Except the next couple of hours when football is on, yeah.”

I flashed her a smile, but I couldn’t leave the conversation there. It would be simple to leave it at me being ashamed of them. But I’d lied to myself long enough. “Every minute of every day, Aiden works. Even when we go to King’s Creek, he’s got his computer, tablet, and phone. Many times he stays in the office.” I tilted my face to the sun for a few moments. “It’s hard. Everyone asks where Aiden is, and they’re only asking because they care. But it didn’t take long before I felt like I should have a sign that read He doesn’t want to be with me, okay?”

“Ouch.” She nudged me. “Sorry I was one of the ones asking.”

“It’s how I took it. I’d probably have felt lonelier if you hadn’t asked. Messed up, isn’t it?”