“No. That is what it is to be human. We find people we love and they become our home. Jobs, houses, they can all change, but it’s only when we lose someone that we lose that feeling of being anchored to a place. Not a place that’s tangible but a place in here.” She touched her chest where her heart was. “Your father gave me a home when I had none, and losing him, losing that anchor, devastated me. And yes, it made me weak, because ever since, I’ve bobbed around in this nameless sea, dragged under by the waves whenever life gets hard. All because I lost my home when I lost him.

“But what I let myself forget”—she clutched at my hand—“is that you were my home as much as he was. It took me multiple rehab stays and far too much time to realize that.” Her grip tightened to bruising. “Don’t make my mistake, Evie. I see the grief in your eyes. I know that grief. But guess what, my sweet girl, your home is still out there. He’s still out there.”

“How . . .” I choked out. “How do I know he’s my home?”

“You wouldn’t be so shipwrecked right now if he wasn’t.”

“Mom . . . he’s in England,” I reminded her.

Her smile was sad. “I know. This decision isn’t about me or Phil or Greer . . . it’s about you. It’s finally about you, Evie. And all I care about is your happiness. What’s an ocean between family?”

“I think . . .” My stomach churned as I answered. “I think I acted impulsively. Stupidly impulsively and I . . . I was just so hurt and blindsided. But they were right. I didn’t give myself enough time to think it through. I just wanted to run away. And I hurt him. I’ve hurt him too.”

“Do you forgive him?”