“Well, when Peter first called, he said we should definitely plan on Austin staying for the whole coming school year so he wouldn’t get bounced back and forth,” Joanie admitted softly.

My knuckles went bone white against my phone case as I listened to my worst nightmare being confirmed.

“A whole school year,” I repeated, the truth of it knocking what breath I had left right out of my chest.

“He said moving the boy back and forth would disrupt his schooling, and he promised me over and over that you’d both prayed about it and agreed,” Joanie said, sounding deeply upset.

“Did Peter tell you Austin was happy with this arrangement?” I asked, my voice sinking to a harsh whisper.