Mr. Mehta raised his hand in protest. “Most men feel the same. But your ex-wife isn’t the only person who lost a child.”

Daniel flicked his eyes to the older man’s. He found only compassion.

“Think about it.” Mr. Mehta stood and extended his hand. “Thank you again, for everything.”

Daniel shook his hand and nodded.

DANIEL IDLED HIS bike for a moment in front of the house. The sun was hiding behind clouds; the air carried the scent of freshly cut lawn and new mulch. Maybe he should have called first. He just wasn’t sure that Sheila would actually take his call. Not after their last conversation.

Maybe it was because Annika’s father had apologized to him. Or maybe he was just feeling guilty. But the truth was, he had been unduly harsh to Sheila, and he owed her an apology. Though they weren’t really in each other’s lives anymore, they were irreparably joined by a common past. Daniel could not let his apology go unsaid.

There were two cars in the driveway, meaning that Jim was home, too. Whatever. He was here to apologize—it didn’t matter who else heard it.

He turned off his bike and tucked his helmet under one arm. The familiar dread of approaching the house Sara had lived in filled his stomach, but he pushed through and rang the doorbell.

The door opened, and he found himself face-to-face with a grim-faced Jim.

“Daniel.”

“Jim. Is she home?”

“She is, but I can’t have you upsetting her right now.”

“I’m not here to—” He looked down at his feet, then back at Jim. “I just want to apologize for being such an ass.”

A small smile flashed across Jim’s face. He opened the door. “Good luck.”

“Thanks.” Daniel stepped across the threshold into the house. He ignored the assault to his senses that always dragged him back in time.

“Who is it, Jim?” Sheila’s voice carried from the kitchen.

Daniel raised his eyebrows at Jim. Jim shrugged. Daniel was on his own. “It’s me, Sheila.” Daniel kept his shoes on and walked toward the kitchen. This wouldn’t take long. He was met halfway by a very pregnant Sheila. She was just about due.

She narrowed her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. “Humph.”

“Yeah.” Daniel fidgeted with his helmet. “Listen, Sheila. I’m sorry. I was out of line when you asked me to be your baby’s godfather. I said things...that were cruel, and I’m sorry. If I could take it back, I would. You don’t deserve that from me. You didn’t when we were married, and you most certainly don’t now.”