The door opened four inches and stopped short against the polished brass chain on the inside.

Clara stood in the narrow gap, wearing my blue linen kitchen apron with the faded sunflower printed on the front pocket.

“What are you doing here, Audrey?” she asked, her voice low and tight.

“I came to get Leo’s heavy winter coat and his lined snow boots,” I said, resting my hand on my baby bump.

“He needs them for school tomorrow morning.”

“Julian bought him a new winter coat in town yesterday,” she said.