“Before you go, I’d like you to tidy your rooms, make your beds and please go through those piles as I asked. If you don’t, I’ll assume you don’t want any of those things and I’ll donate them to charity.” I looked to my daughter. “And if you truly don’t like your new bedclothes, your old ones are in the first guest bedroom. Just grab them and put them in your room. I’ll switch them out and deal with the new.”

I drew in breath, went to the counter, shoved my phone in my purse and hooked it over my shoulder.

As I did this, neither of my kids said anything.

I moved beyond the counter and stopped, turning back to them.

“I made grave mistakes,” I whispered and watched both their bodies lock. “I know this. I’ve admitted it. I’ve come here not to continue to do that but to get my family back. You’re my children and I love you. I love you more than anything. I love you more than my own life. I failed you and I intend to rectify that. I understand your anger. I don’t blame you for having it. All I ask is that you give me a chance. One last chance to show you that I’m sorry, to give you back the mom you love. The mom you want to be a part of your life. Because there is nothing in mine I want more than having you in it.”

They said nothing.

I took that too with a nod and finished it.

“I love you, honeys. Have a good day, take the cookies with you and I’ll see you in a month.”

And with that, I left.

* * * * *

Although Josie kindly didn’t comment on the fact I arrived at the auction without my children, it was still awkward.

But it was not the worst part of my day.

That had already happened.

In a different frame of mind, I would have enjoyed the auction.

Regardless of the fact that I was barely capable of functioning, I still found and bought a fabulous set of furniture—including a high-button-backed, leather rolling chair and a baronial desk—that would be perfect for the back room.

Not only that, I found a whimsical bedroom set that I bought for the guest bedroom. I’d need mattresses, but I envisioned a fanciful, beachy room that would give any guests I might eventually have (though few and far between, the only prospect being my brother and his family, only three of the four of them I’d actually want in my home) a tranquil, but exceedingly pretty, place to call their home away from home.

I arrived back at Cliff Blue at just after three, a couple of hours before my kids were supposed to leave me.

I also arrived back at an empty house.

They’d left the cookies.