“You wrote about them, too, didn’t you? About Jack and Andi?” Clare asked as she brushed a hand over the leather cover.

“Yes, and I don’t know if you should read those parts.”

“Maybe I’ll skip them. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

“I think maybe I do. I’m a mom now, too, remember? If you want to talk about it—any of it—you only have to ask.”

“Thank you.” Feeling as if she’d been given a priceless gift, Clare reached out to squeeze Frannie’s hand. “Thank you so much.”

“I hope you’ll still be thanking me after you’ve read it,” Frannie said with a grin. “Have you made any plans?”

Clare shrugged. “Not really. They’re saying I have maybe another month of rehab, and then I can go home. I’m not sure what’s next for me.” She twisted her face into an ironic smile. “I find myself at loose ends for the first time in more than twenty years.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out. I know the girls are looking forward to having you at home. Do you need anything?”

“Your brother made sure I’d never want for anything. I got my bank statement the other day, and my eyes almost popped out of my head.”

“He doesn’t want you to worry about supporting yourself.”

“With that kind of money, I’ll never have to worry again, that’s for sure. He didn’t have to do that.”

“Yes, he did.”

Clare smiled. “I’m glad you came, Frannie. Will you come again and bring your babies? I’d love to see them.”

“You bet.”

“Come on, Clare, give me one more step. Just one more.”

Sweat rolled down her face as she struggled against the crutches. “You’re a sadist, Jeffrey.”

“You love me. You know you do.”

Clare put her last bit of energy into that final step and then rested against his outstretched arms.

“Right,” she panted. “Just keep reminding me.”

Behind them, someone applauded.

Clare turned to find her doctor watching. “Great, an audience,” she grumbled and swiped at the sweat on her face.

Dr. Paul Langston came across the room. “That was outstanding. I counted at least fifty steps.”

“I counted fifty-five,” Jeffrey said.

“I don’t remember sending you an invite, Dr. Paul. What’re you doing here?” Clare thanked Jeffrey when he eased her into her wheelchair.

“I came to check on my star patient. Do I need an invitation?”

She took a long drink from her water bottle. “Not if you’re going to charm me.”

Dr. Langston tapped a toe against the chair. “I’m thinking we’re just about ready to kiss this baby good-bye and talk about sending you home.”

Her stomach clenched with anxiety. “Already? I thought you said another month?”

“You’ve gotten used to us, huh? Can’t live without me?”