On the third pad, I wrote Arthur’s name.

I lined up the three yellow legal pads side by side on the small table next to my bed, ready for morning.

The hallway lights flicked on at half past nine.

I slid the yellow pads under the edge of my mattress just as the front door key turned in the lock.

Mark walked in carrying a glossy black shopping bag with silver ribbon handles and a small white bakery box tied with red string.

Sloan followed right behind him, her high heels clicking across the hardwood floor before she headed straight into the master suite.