“I won’t be long but do not let Grandpa clean up,” she said, giving Benny’s shoulder a squeeze when she walked by. “He’s worked enough today.”
“I promise, Mom,” he said. “And then we’ll get started on that whistle, okay, Grandpa?”
“I might be practicing that ‘objects at rest stay at rest’ law with Newt,” Red cracked.
“Grandpa—”
“I know, I know. That’s not his name. Kiddo, I don’t have enough time left on Earth to call that dog by a fifteen-syllable handle.”
As Gracie walked out, she pressed the phone to her chest, hoping Benny would still be laughing when she told him that his father wasn’t coming to the doggie talent contest.
Grabbing her jacket from the hook, she stepped out the back door. It was cold, but Benny was famous for carrying on one conversation while eavesdropping on another, so it was better to talk outside.
The air slapped her cheeks as she stepped onto the back deck, pulling the coat tighter around her. She drew a steadying breath and swiped to answer.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Grace.” Sam’s voice came through warm, almost friendly, which immediately put her on edge. He never sounded like this unless he wanted something.
“Hi,” she said cautiously. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, yeah. Everything’s fine. How’s your day been? How’s the bakery? Benny doing okay?”
“The bakery’s busy,” she said, wary of the unexpected small talk. “And Benny’s great. Loving dog camp.” She cut to the chase to shorten the call. “What do you need, Sam?”
There was a beat of silence, then a heavy sigh. “I didn’t want to say this in front of Benny in the car the other day,” he began, his voice lower. “But, uh, Coco and I are separating. We’re getting a divorce.”
The words landed like a punch. “You’re…what?”
“It’s not working out,” he said roughly. “We’ve been fighting nonstop. It’s…bad, Grace. Really bad.”
She didn’t even know what to say. Questions tumbled through her mind like an avalanche. Why now? What happened? Who decided this? What about their child? Would Sam just go through life leaving single mothers in his wake?
But she forced the thoughts back, keeping her voice even. “I’m sorry to hear that. Truly.”
He gave a humorless laugh. “Yeah. Me, too.”
Gracie bit her lip. Sam had always been complicated—charming and infuriating, equal parts brilliance and selfishness. Once upon a time, she’d been hopelessly, head-over-heels in love with him. She’d believed every promise.
Then she got pregnant and…pfft. The promises shattered and their love evaporated. She thought they might go have a quick Las Vegas wedding. He went to Las Vegas, all right.
Alone. And he stayed there.
She’d been heartbroken, but she’d survived. Her family rallied around her, and then helped her raise Benny. Her son had become her reason, her anchor, her joy in the darkest times, like when her father died.
But Sam? He just drifted in and out like an unpredictable, disruptive winter storm, leaving messes in his path.
“Grace,” Sam said, breaking into her spiraling thoughts. “I didn’t call just to dump my drama on you.”
“Then whydidyou call?” she asked, sharper than intended.
“I…” He hesitated, and she heard the faint sound of a hand dragging over stubble, a sigh.
Here it comes.I can’t make it this?—
“I miss you guys. Can’t wait to see you this weekend.”
Her heart stuttered.Miss you guys.Not just Benny—you guys.
