Twelve Months Later, Ethan Came Back With a Sleeping Newborn and a Broken Suitcase

Ethan pulled out a folder first, then a stack of papers held together with a black clip.

He laid them out in a row like cards.

The first paper had a gold seal at the top.

A marriage certificate.

Richard’s name was printed on the left, and beside it, Valerie Ann Kessler.

The date was the fourth of June, four years ago, in Columbus.

I put my hand flat on the cushion.

The baby kicked once against my arm.