Bridget touched her mom’s arm. “Why didn’t you say anything?” At least she had some compassion for the one person who took care of her, even at Margaret’s detriment.

Margaret gave a one-shoulder shrug, unable to say anything about what so obviously devastated her. “It’s gone. Sean needed money to start the business. I’ve helped Bridget here and there. I take care of my family.”

“So do I,” Sarah shot back.

“Right. You took everything of Sean’s, bought a big, new house, put the boys in private school, and probably spend all your money on fancy clothes and cars. Just look at that brand-new SUV.”

Sarah had replaced her older model six months ago and given Camille her old one because she needed something more reliable than her rattle-trap sedan. But Margaret didn’t know that. She didn’t know a lot of things, and that was Sarah’s fault, because she’d kept her mouth shut about Sean, his death, and how he lived.

“I work hard to provide for my children. I try to give them everything I never had growing up. I’ve even made sure that you were taken care of because you’re Jack and Nick’s grandmother, but you don’t appreciate anything I do for you. And I’m tired of it and you constantly blaming me for everything.”

“What have you done for me? Cleaned the house and yard. You want a thank-you? Fine. Thank you.”

“I did it for the boys and because despite your objections, I could see you needed the help. Bridget is so angry and lost in her own pain, she can’t see your failing health, let alone the state of your home.”

Margaret put her hand to her chest. “You haven’t said anything.”

“Because you don’t care to hear anything I have to say. But you are going to listen to me now, because this”—she pointed from herself to Margaret and back—“can’t go on. Not if you want to be a real part of the kids’ lives.”

“I do. I want them to know me. And Sean. I don’t want them to forget him.”

“Then you are going to have to meet me halfway and stop ignoring me and everything I do for you. I don’t deserve it, and you’d know that if you stopped being so stubborn.”

“I know no such thing. Sean would have taken care of me. He would have made sure to keep in touch. He’d have sent pictures of the boys. He wouldn’t have just left me here all alone.” Margaret’s grief came out in full force, her eyes filling with unshed tears.

“You could have all of that, if you’d only open your mail.”

“What?” Confusion clouded Margaret’s eyes.

Of course Sarah had to clean this up, too.

She threw up her hands and paced a few steps back and forth. She glanced at Luke and then to Margaret and Bridget. She had to set things straight, but the thought of having to explain herself, yet again, made her so angry she wanted to punch something. “Come with me. I’ll show you how I take care of family. There’s something you need to see in the library.”