At the notary’s office, the shared ownership of the Cincinnati house and Claire’s lifetime right to live in it were formally recorded.

When it was done and they were walking out, Jason stopped on the steps. “I thought I was building a new life,” he said quietly, looking out at the street.

“I look back now and I can see I just destroyed the one I already had.” “Yes,” Claire said. “You did.” “I know it’s too late for us.”

“It’s too late for our marriage.” She said it without cruelty; it was simply true, and they both needed it said plainly.

“Whether it’s too late for you and your children depends entirely on what you do from today. Not on what you feel. On what you do.”

Jason nodded.