“Shut up, Kate,” Jill said in a singsong voice.

Kate laughed. “Mom, I was thinking about the party at Dad’s. I’ll understand if you can’t come. It’s okay.”

Clare kissed her middle daughter. “Thanks, baby.”

After Jill and Kate had left, Jack called.

“How are you?” he asked tentatively.

“I’m fine. I’m sorry for making such a scene the other day.”

“Don’t be sorry. I really am fine with having Maggie. I don’t want you to think I have any problem with that.”

“I know. Thanks.”

“Did Kate mention the party we’re having Friday night?”

“She did.”

“I hope you and your mother can join us.”

“I don’t know, Jack. I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”

“Whatever you think is best. I just wanted you to know you’re invited.”

“Thank you.”

“Do you remember we have an appointment on Tuesday with Cooper to sign the papers for the house?”

“I have it on the calendar.”

“There’s one thing about that.”

“Is there a problem?” She wondered if he was regretting giving her the house in the divorce.

“No, but I’ve asked Coop to include a provision in the transfer papers that says you can only sell it to me.”

Clare felt a flash of temper. “Why? So you can move your new family in here?”

“No, Clare, so I can give it to the girls someday if you don’t want it,” he said in a controlled tone that told her he was struggling to contain his own anger.

“I’m sorry. That was out of line. I’d never sell this house, and I’d certainly never do it without consulting you first.”

He sighed. “I hate this.”

She blinked back tears. “I do, too. I think it’s good I’m going away for a while, Jack. We could both use the space.”

“Maybe. I’ll see you Tuesday at two?”

“I’ll be there.”

“Tell Maggie I’ll be by to get her around five today,” he added.

“I will.”

On Tuesday, Clare arrived ahead of Jack at their attorney’s office. Cooper Hayes was a strapping ex-football player and a teddy bear of a man who’d been their good friend for years.

“How are you, sweetheart?” he asked as he enveloped Clare in one of his monster hugs.

“I’m good, Coop. Janice came by the other day. It was great to see her.”

“She loved seeing you, too.”

“How’re the boys?” Clare asked, even though she’d gotten the full update from Janice.

“Barry’s a sophomore at UNH,” he said, referring to the University of New Hampshire. “And Jeff started at Cornell in September. We’ve got ourselves an empty nest all of a sudden.”

“Janice and I shared a few tears over it the other day.”