But a mother’s body overrides her wounded heart, and by morning I was in a taxi to the airport, because not going was the one thing I could not make myself do.

Lachlan was near the counters when I got there, laughing with a couple of business associates, holding court like a man at his own victory party.

Linus stood a little apart, serious, gripping the straps of a backpack.

And when the security line opened and it was time for them to go, my son crossed the floor to me, suddenly, and wrapped both arms tight around my waist.

And in that hug, I felt his small hand slip something firm into my coat pocket.

Chapter 6 — Wait for Me