I locked the phone, a dark smile pulling at my mouth.

Let the wedding bells ring. The mourning bells were right behind them.

Chapter 5 — The Unraveling

The autumn winds of Chicago never reached San Diego, but the shockwaves of what came next did.

It was a Tuesday afternoon. I was mid budget-review with James when my personal phone started buzzing against the table. Pam’s caller ID. I excused myself onto the terrace overlooking the marina.

“Sarah,” Pam whispered. “She had the baby.”

I leaned on the railing, the warm sun doing nothing for the cold in my veins. “Boy or girl?”