I didn’t reply because I knew he knew precisely why I had that multi-million dollar view, could sell off all my stuff and replace it nearly immediately and had plenty of time to volunteer at a nursing home.

I also knew he thought this was no good.

He looked back to me and proved that by declaring abruptly, “I’ll pass on the cupcake, Amelia.”

“Okay, Mickey,” I said quietly.

“Thanks for the recipes,” he replied. “Ash’ll love ’em.”

I nodded.

He lifted a hand and dropped it. “You can get on with what you’re doin’. I’ll see myself out.”

I was sure he would.

“Okay,” I said. “Good to see you, though.”

“Yeah. You too,” he murmured distractedly while turning.

I watched him move through my house, going right to the door.

He gave me his eyes before he closed it behind him, saying, “Later, Amelia.”

“Later, Mickey,” I returned.

He nodded, shut my door and disappeared.

I closed my eyes.

My phone rang.

I opened my eyes, grabbed my phone and turned off the ringer.

Then, because I had no choice, or none that were healthy for me, I went back to my cupcakes.

* * * * *

I had no idea if Mickey got my email.

I just knew he didn’t reply as he said he would, sharing his number.

And I told myself that was okay with me.

But I lied.

Chapter Six

Neither Replied

At three-thirty the Friday my children were to come back to me, I was ready.

Mickey’s words about how his ex-wife let their kids get away with anything because she was making up for her weaknesses had not been lost on me.

They’d had their first visit to settle in. Whether they did or didn’t, that was their choice (though, since they were hardly there, I knew they didn’t).

Now it was time to share that this was their home, I was their mother, we were a family and things were going to be a certain way.

So when I stood in the open front door watching the red Civic roll up, I was prepared to face my children and forge ahead with the healing.

The approach to the house went exactly the same way as the first one did. The kids grabbing their bags. Me greeting them. Pippa not looking at me. Auden barely paying me mind.

I let them in and closed the door behind us.

Although both of them stared with surprise into the very changed great room, they did this as they headed straight to their rooms.

I drew in courage on a deep breath and crossed my arms on the exhale.

“Hang on a second, kiddos,” I called.

They stopped and turned to me almost at the mouth to the hall.

I looked between them and laid it out as I’d practiced.