The segment continued, going exactly as Kate remembered. Her makeup, which had seemed too heavy on the day of the show, looked natural under the lights, and the stylist had done a nice job with her hair.

When Dr. Phil announced the title of her book and showed the cover, Lucas squeezed her shoulder. She’d hoped they wouldn’t edit that out.

The segment ended and they broke for a commercial.

“Well done, Kate,” Roy said.

“You did great,” Jamie said. “How did you stay so calm? I wouldn’t know what to say.”

Brody elbowed her. “That’ll be the day.”

Jamie jostled him back.

“It’s second nature by now,” Kate said. “Though I was nervous since it was national TV.”

“I couldn’t tell,” Roy said.

The phone rang, and Kate jumped up. “It’s probably my publicist.” She dashed to the kitchen and picked up. “Hello?”

“Hi, it’s me.”

Her stomach flopped. “Bryan,” she said quietly, peering into the living room where Lucas’s family continued their conversation. Lucas met her gaze, and she turned away, walking to the kitchen window.

“You were amazing, Kate,” Bryan said. “I was so proud of you.”

What right did he have to be proud? He didn’t deserve to say those words. He hadn’t coached her on what to say or driven her to the airport. He didn’t even show up for our wedding.

Kate hadn’t even thought of Bryan watching the show. She didn’t think he’d even known it was airing today. Plus it was during work hours, and it wasn’t like they were together anymore.

“You weren’t even nervous,” Bryan said. “And the way he plugged your book. I bet it’ll take off now.” He gave a familiar whistle. She’d forgotten that about Bryan—that little whistle he did to punctuate his excitement.

“That’s the hope.”

A long silence followed her words. Kate heard a ruckus in the living room and knew Lucas’s family was leaving. Outside the window, the sea oats on the hill bowed against the breeze. Why had Bryan called again? Didn’t he realize it was awkward for her?

“I miss you, Kate.”

She gritted her teeth. “Stop it, Bryan.”

“It’s true. I miss the way you leave everything in tidy stacks, and the way you squint your eyes at me when I say something foolish. I miss the way you—”

“Stop it.” He was getting to her, and she hated that. She rubbed her eyes. “You have to stop calling me here.”

“Your cell was off.”

“That’s not what I mean. You can’t just call me whenever you want now.”