Just because I hated him did not mean I had to lose them.
Matt, Jenny and my goddaughter, who had been placed in my arms when she was barely a week old, and had quickly become one of my favorite people.
Love did not end just because something else had been broken.
Chapter 4
Claire
We pulled into the driveway.
The house was too quiet.
I frowned slightly and parked. Jenny’s car was not there.
I unbuckled Lily and we stepped out into the mild afternoon. The wind moved through the trees, rustling leaves against the fence.
“Do you know where your mom went?” I asked, keeping my tone light. “Did she say anything this morning?”
Lily shook her head, curls bouncing. “Nope.”
She paused, then her eyes widened with sudden inspiration.
“We should go to Grandma and Grandpa’s,” she announced happily. “Mommy might be there.”
I smiled, even as a small knot tightened in my stomach. “You just want an excuse to go there.”
She grinned, unashamed.
We got back into the car.
Their house came into view quickly, the familiar shape of it offering a strange comfort. Bill’s truck was in the driveway. Emma’s car beside it.
Relief flickered through me.
Inside, the front room was empty. The television was off.
“The back door’s open,” I murmured.
We walked through the kitchen and out onto the patio.
Bill looked up just as Lily broke free of my hand and ran toward him.
“Grandpa!” she shouted.
He barely had time to brace himself before she launched into his arms. He laughed as he caught her, lifting her easily despite his recent illness.
“Well, look at that,” he said warmly. “My favorite granddaughter.”
Lily giggled, delighted. “I’m your only granddaughter.”
He pretended to think it over. “Even so. Still my favorite.”
She laughed harder as he smoothed a hand over her hair, his expression soft and full of affection.
He set her down and she ran off toward Emma, who was seated near the garden.
I took the moment to speak quietly. “Have you seen Jenny or Matt today? They didn’t pick Lily up.”
