The office was not big, barely big enough for her to have wheeled her walker behind the visitor chairs on the opposite side of the desk. Her back was facing me, which was awkward, but if I walked closer to her, there was nowhere for me to sit, and I would tower over her. That would only serve to emphasize her weaker vantage point, and that was the last thing I wanted to do.

“The porch is the crowning glory,” she declared. “The trademark of our Tennessee property.”

“As it should be,” I agreed, still standing by my desk chair.

Angelica turned from the window to face me, never leaving the walker seat, using her legs to pivot. I fought to keep my expression neutral as I took in her face. It was thinner, more angled, harder. Her skin was a pale gray, and her eyes… It was as if they’d sunken into her head, deepening the shadows beneath them. Almost like looking at a live skeleton.

“It’s good to see you,” I managed to get out in a steady voice. “I didn’t know you were coming by this afternoon.”

“I couldn’t stay away once I heard the back landscaping was in and the lakeside terrace was finished.” Her frail body rose slightly with a slow inhale. “I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to handle a visit.”

“I’m so glad you made it,” I said, knowing sympathy wouldn’t go over well. I also fought not to ask her how her health was or how her fight was progressing. Not only could I see quite plainly that it wasn’t going well but when I’d asked her the first couple of weeks she’d been out of the office, she’d snapped at me every time.

“Is Sabrina with you?”

“She’s doing our own inspection of everything, inside and out. Taking more photos for me.”

Because Angelica would never make it without a wheelchair or a golf cart, I realized, which we didn’t yet have onsite. Not that I could see her allowing either if we did.

“Would you like to go out to the porch? Those couches are the most sumptuous, comfortable things I’ve ever sat on.”

She shook her head efficiently. “I came to talk to you privately.” Her tone was sharp, stronger than two minutes ago, and it caught my attention.

“Sure,” I said with a professional smile. My heart sped up as I wondered whether she’d made her decision and was here to give me news. “Would you like something to drink or eat?”

“I’m fine.” She slowly stood and stepped to the closest visitor chair, one hand on my desk for support, then lowered herself into it. I’d just sat down myself when she said, “I know about your little marriage deal with Holden.”